Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup dried anchovies (ikan bilis)
- 10-12 dried red chili peppers
- 5 shallots, peeled and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
Special equipment needed:
- Blender or food processor
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Soak the dried anchovies in water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry with paper towels.
2. In a blender or food processor, blend the dried red chili peppers, shallots, garlic, tamarind paste, sugar, and salt until smooth.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add the blended mixture and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the dried anchovies and water to the wok or skillet. Stir-fry for another 5-7 minutes until the anchovies are crispy and coated with the sambal sauce.
5. Serve hot with steamed rice.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-15 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Dried anchovies can be substituted with dried shrimp or dried squid.
- Dried red chili peppers can be substituted with fresh red chili peppers or chili flakes.
- Tamarind paste can be substituted with lime juice or vinegar.
Variations:
- Add sliced onions or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Use different types of dried seafood for a different taste.
- Add a tablespoon of shrimp paste (belacan) for a more authentic flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Be careful not to burn the sambal sauce while stir-frying.
- Adjust the amount of sugar and salt to your liking.
- Store leftover sambal ikan bilis in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover sambal ikan bilis in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the sambal ikan bilis in a microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the sambal ikan bilis in a small bowl or on a plate with steamed rice.
Garnishes:
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions for extra flavor and color.
Pairings:
- Serve with steamed rice and a vegetable dish such as stir-fried bok choy or green beans.
Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed rice
- Stir-fried bok choy
- Green beans
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sambal sauce is too thick, add a little more water to thin it out.
- If the sambal sauce is too spicy, add more sugar or tamarind paste to balance the heat.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before handling food.
- Cook the dried anchovies thoroughly to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
- Sambal ikan bilis is a popular Malaysian dish that is often served as a side dish or snack.
Flavor profiles:
- Spicy, tangy, and savory
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot with steamed rice and a vegetable dish.
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Region: Malaysian