Fiery Red Chili Sambal: Homemade Thai Spice Paste

Homemade Sambal Oelek is a beloved condiment in Malaysian and Thai cuisine, renowned for its fiery kick and versatility. Derived from the Indonesian word “oelek,” meaning to grind, sambal oelek is essentially a ground chili paste that adds a vibrant heat to dishes. This recipe not only captures the essence of traditional sambal oelek but also offers the convenience of freezing for future use.

Recipe Details:

• Name: Homemade Sambal Oelek
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Description: A staple in Malaysian and Thai cooking, sambal oelek is a ground chili paste that packs a spicy punch. This version can be easily frozen for long-term storage.
• Recipe Category: Thai
• Keywords: Asian, Vegan, Freezer-friendly, Spicy, Quick Recipe (< 30 mins), Small Appliance
• Aggregated Rating: 4 stars based on 12 reviews

Nutritional Information (per batch):

• Calories: 1848
• Total Fat: 9.4g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 115.5mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 430.5g
  • Dietary Fiber: 32.1g
  • Sugars: 257.4g
• Protein: 32.5g

Ingredients:

• 1 red chile
• 5 1/2 cloves garlic
• 5 1/2 slices ginger
• 2 stalks lemongrass
• 6 tablespoons vinegar
• 8 tablespoons sugar
• Salt, to taste
• Zest of 1 lime

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Roughly chop the red chile, garlic cloves, ginger slices, and lemongrass stalks.

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2. Blend Ingredients: Using a food processor or mortar and pestle, blend the red chile, garlic, ginger, and lemongrass until you achieve a coarse paste consistency.

3. Add Vinegar: Gradually add the vinegar while continuing to blend the mixture. This helps in achieving a smooth texture and enhances the flavor profile.

4. Simmer Mixture: Transfer the pureed mixture into a saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat.

5. Reduce Heat: Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 3 minutes. This step helps to meld the flavors together.

6. Add Sugar: Stir in the sugar until it completely dissolves into the mixture. Adjust the sweetness according to your preference.

7. Seasoning: Add salt to taste and sprinkle in the lime zest, stirring well to incorporate all the flavors evenly.

8. Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the sambal oelek to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, bottle it in sterilized jars to maintain freshness.

Serving Suggestions:

• Versatile Condiment: Use sambal oelek as a spicy accompaniment to rice dishes, noodles, grilled meats, or even as a dipping sauce for snacks.

• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place or freeze for longer shelf life. Thaw before use if frozen.

Conclusion:

Homemade Sambal Oelek offers a wonderful balance of heat from chilies, sweetness from sugar, and tanginess from vinegar, all underscored by aromatic hints of ginger, garlic, lemongrass, and lime zest. This recipe not only celebrates the flavors of Southeast Asia but also provides the flexibility of making a batch that can be preserved for future culinary adventures. Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or exploring new flavors, this sambal oelek recipe is sure to elevate your dishes with its bold and zesty profile.