Sambal Sauce (for Nasi Lemak)
East Indian • All Foods
How to Make Sambal Sauce for Nasi Lemak (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Sambal Sauce is an iconic condiment throughout Malaysia and Southeast Asia, especially when paired with Nasi Lemak, the beloved coconut rice dish. This vibrant, spicy sauce is built on a foundation of red chilies, shallots, garlic, and tamarind, offering a delightful balance of heat, tang, and umami. Its roots trace back to Malay and Indonesian kitchens, but it is equally adored among Indian communities in Malaysia, often served alongside or as a topping for rice platters, snacks, and even Indian breads. What makes Sambal Sauce truly remarkable is its adaptability. Indian-Malaysian families often prepare a vegetarian version, making it suitable for a wide variety of diets. Its bold flavor profile elevates even simple meals and is a fantastic way to incorporate complex, aromatic spices without excess oil or calories. The sauce’s spicy kick and tangy undertones awaken the palate, making every bite memorable. For Indian calorie-conscious home cooks, this healthy sambal recipe delivers big taste with minimal fat, making it a perfect snack or accompaniment for those seeking vibrant flavors with health in mind.
Ingredients(for 2 tablespoons sambal per serving)
- 8 Dried red chilies (seeds removed, soaked)
- 2 Fresh red chilies (mild or hot, stemmed)
- 4 Shallots (peeled)
- 3 Garlic cloves (peeled)
- 1 tablespoon Tamarind pulp (soaked in 2 tbsp warm water)
- 1 teaspoon Jaggery (gur) (or brown sugar)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Oil (preferably cold-pressed sesame or coconut) (use less for lower calories)
- 1 teaspoon Soy sauce (optional, for umami) - optional
- 2-3 tablespoons Water (to adjust consistency)
Instructions
- 1
Soak dried red chilies in warm water for 10 minutes until soft. Remove seeds for a milder sauce.
10 minutes
Wear gloves to avoid chili burn.
- 2
Drain chilies. In a mixer, blend soaked dried chilies, fresh chilies, shallots, and garlic into a coarse paste. Add a tablespoon of water if needed.
3 minutes
Blend in pulses to avoid overheating the paste.
- 3
Heat oil in a kadhai (wok) on medium flame. Add chili paste and sauté for 6-7 minutes until oil starts to separate and raw aroma disappears.
7 minutes
Stir continuously to prevent sticking.
- 4
Add tamarind pulp (with water), jaggery, and salt. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5 minutes
Adjust jaggery for sweetness to taste.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This sambal recipe is a healthy choice because it uses minimal oil, natural sweeteners like jaggery, and is completely vegetarian. The use of fresh and dried chilies, garlic, and shallots boosts the antioxidant content, while omitting shrimp paste keeps it lower in saturated fats and cholesterol. Ideal for calorie-conscious eaters, this sauce adds flavor without excess calories or unhealthy additives, fitting perfectly into balanced Indian vegetarian diets.
This healthy sambal sauce is naturally low in fat and cholesterol, especially when prepared with minimal oil. Chilies are high in vitamin C and capsaicin, promoting metabolism and immunity. Shallots and garlic offer antioxidants and minerals, while tamarind aids digestion. Jaggery provides natural sweetness with trace minerals. A serving is rich in vitamins, fiber, and has a moderate sodium content, making it a nutritious addition to any meal.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Always de-seed chilies if you prefer a milder sambal.
- 💡Tip 2: Use cold-pressed oils for enhanced health benefits.
- 💡Tip 3: Make sambal in advance—the flavor improves after a few hours.
- 💡Tip 4: For extra tang, add a little lime juice before serving.
- 💡Tip 5: Blend ingredients coarsely for rustic texture or smooth for dipping.
Storage & Serving
Keeps for 1 day at room temperature. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Always use a clean spoon to prevent spoilage.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 100.0 kcal |
| Protein | 2.1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18.5 g |
| Total Fat | 7.8 g |
| Fiber | 3.2 g |
| Sugars | 11.6 g |
| Iron | 1.1 mg |
| Calcium | 32.0 mg |
| Sodium | 1200.0 mg |
| Potassium | 350.0 mg |
| Cholesterol | 0.0 mg |
| Vitamin A | 700.0 IU |
| Vitamin C | 18.0 mg |
| Magnesium | 28.0 mg |
| Zinc | 0.4 mg |
| Phosphorus | 40.0 mg |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 IU |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | 0.1 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.0 mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 1.1 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.1 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.0 µg |
| Folate | 18.0 µg |
