Quick & Tasty Sambal Sotong – Perfect with Nasi Lemak

 

🌶️ Spicy Sambal Sotong (Malaysian Squid Sambal) Recipe

Bring the heat to your table with this fiery and flavorful Sambal Sotong! This authentic Malaysian dish features tender squid simmered in a bold sambal sauce made with dried chilies, aromatics, and a hint of tang from tamarind. It's a popular favorite during festive seasons or weekend meals and pairs perfectly with plain rice or Nasi Lemak. If you’re craving a spicy seafood sambal with bold, traditional flavor, this is the recipe to try.

🧄 Ingredients:

Main:

  • 500g squid (cleaned and sliced into rings)

  • 2 tbsp cooking oil

  • 1 small tamarind slice (or 1 tsp tamarind paste)

  • Salt and sugar to taste

Sambal Paste:

  • 15 dried red chilies (soaked in hot water)

  • 4 shallots

  • 2 cloves garlic

  • 1 cm fresh ginger

  • 1 cm belacan (fermented shrimp paste), toasted

🔥 Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Sambal Paste
    Blend the soaked chilies, shallots, garlic, ginger, and belacan until smooth. You can add a bit of water to help with blending.

  2. Sauté the Sambal
    Heat oil in a wok. Sauté the blended paste on medium heat until the oil separates and the sambal turns a deep red. This takes about 5–7 minutes.

  3. Cook the Squid
    Add in the squid and stir well. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes only — overcooking can make it rubbery.

  4. Add Tamarind & Seasoning
    Stir in tamarind slice or paste. Add salt and sugar to balance the heat. Let it simmer for another minute.

  5. Serve
    Remove from heat and serve hot with steamed rice or as a spicy side for Nasi Lemak.

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