Cara Buat Sambal Pecak: Resep Sambal Khas Jawa Timur

>Hello Sohib EditorOnline, if you’re a fan of spicy food and Indonesian cuisine, you must have heard of sambal pecak. This hot and flavourful condiment is a must-try for anyone looking to taste the best of Javanese culinary tradition. In this journal article, we will guide you through the steps of making sambal pecak at home, using simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques. Get ready to spice up your meals and impress your guests with this delicious sambal!

1. What is Sambal Pecak?

Sambal pecak is a type of chili sauce that originated from East Java, Indonesia. It is made by grinding together fresh chili peppers, garlic, shallots, tomato, and other aromatics. The resulting paste is then cooked briefly in oil and seasoned with salt, sugar, and lime juice. Sambal pecak has a bright red colour, a thick and chunky texture, and a fiery taste that can range from mild to very hot depending on the type and amount of chili peppers used.

History of Sambal Pecak

The origins of sambal pecak can be traced back to the rural areas of East Java, where it was originally served as a side dish for grilled fish or seafood. The word “pecak” refers to the sound of the sizzling hot sauce when it hits the grill, creating a distinctive aroma and flavour. Today, sambal pecak has become a popular condiment in many parts of Indonesia, especially in Java, Bali, and Lombok. It is often served with rice, noodles, vegetables, or meat dishes, and can also be used as a dipping sauce or marinade.

2. Ingredients for Sambal Pecak

Ingredients	Amount
Red chili peppers	100 grams
Garlic	5 cloves
Shallots	5 pieces
Tomato	1 piece
Lime juice	1 tablespoon
Sugar	1/2 teaspoon
Salt	1/2 teaspoon
Oil	2 tablespoons

Sambal pecak requires only a few basic ingredients that are widely available in Indonesian and Asian markets. Here is the list of ingredients you will need to make sambal pecak:

Red Chili Peppers

The key ingredient in sambal pecak is red chili peppers. You can use any type of chili peppers that you prefer, depending on your taste and tolerance for heat. Some of the most popular varieties of chili peppers used in sambal pecak include bird’s eye chili, cayenne pepper, and red jalapeno. For a milder version of sambal pecak, you can remove the seeds and membranes of the chili peppers before grinding them.

Garlic and Shallots

Garlic and shallots are the aromatic base of sambal pecak. They add depth of flavour and sweetness to the sauce. You can use fresh or dried garlic and shallots, depending on your preference. If you are using dried garlic and shallots, soak them in water first to soften them before grinding.

Tomato

A ripe tomato adds tanginess and juiciness to sambal pecak. You can use any type of tomato that is available in your area. If you don’t have fresh tomato, you can substitute with tomato paste or tomato sauce.

Lime Juice

Lime juice is essential to balance the spiciness and acidity of sambal pecak. You can use fresh lime juice or bottled lime juice. Make sure to adjust the amount of lime juice according to your taste.

Sugar and Salt

Sugar and salt are used to season sambal pecak. They bring out the natural flavours of the ingredients and balance the heat and sourness of the sauce. You can adjust the amount of sugar and salt to your preference.

Oil

Oil is used to cook the sambal pecak and prevent it from sticking to the pan. You can use any type of oil that can withstand high heat, such as vegetable oil or canola oil.

3. How to Make Sambal Pecak

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Wash the chili peppers, garlic, shallots, and tomato thoroughly. Remove the stems of the chili peppers and cut them into small pieces. Peel the garlic and shallots and cut them into halves. Cut the tomato into quarters and remove the seeds and juice.

Step 2: Grind the Ingredients

Using a mortar and pestle or a food processor, grind together the chili peppers, garlic, shallots, and tomato until you get a smooth paste. If you are using a mortar and pestle, start by grinding the garlic and shallots first, then add the chili peppers and tomato and continue grinding. If you are using a food processor, pulse the ingredients until they are finely chopped.

Step 3: Cook the Sambal Pecak

In a pan or wok, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the ground paste and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce becomes fragrant and the oil separates from the mixture. Add the sugar and salt and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and add the lime juice, stirring well to combine.

Step 4: Serve the Sambal Pecak

Transfer the sambal pecak to a bowl or a jar and let it cool down to room temperature. You can serve it immediately or store it in the fridge for up to 1 week. Sambal pecak goes well with any type of rice dishes, noodles, vegetables, or grilled meat or seafood. Enjoy!

4. Tips for Making Perfect Sambal Pecak

Use Fresh Ingredients

To get the best flavour and aroma, use fresh and ripe ingredients. You can also experiment with different types of chili peppers and adjust the amount to your preference.

Grind the Ingredients Well

Make sure to grind the ingredients into a fine paste, especially if you are using a mortar and pestle. The smoother the paste, the better the texture and consistency of the sambal pecak.

Control the Heat

If you find the sambal pecak too hot, you can reduce the amount of chili peppers or use milder varieties. Alternatively, you can balance the heat with more sugar and lime juice.

Balance the Flavours

Adjust the amount of sugar, salt, and lime juice to your taste. The sambal pecak should have a balance of spicy, sweet, sour, and salty flavours.

Store the Sambal Pecak Properly

Keep the sambal pecak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Make sure to use a clean spoon or a spatula when serving the sauce to prevent contamination.

5. Conclusion

Congratulations, you have learned how to make sambal pecak, a delicious and spicy condiment that is loved by many Indonesians. With this recipe, you can now enjoy sambal pecak at home, and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create your own version of sambal pecak. Selamat makan!

Cara Buat Sambal Pecak: Resep Sambal Khas Jawa Timur