Belacan sauce, also known as shrimp paste sauce, is a pungent and umami-rich condiment that originates from Southeast Asia. Made with fermented shrimp paste (belacan), chilies, and lime juice, this sauce packs a powerful punch of flavor that can elevate any dish. If you’re looking for an easy way to add a taste of Southeast Asia to your cooking, look no further than this simple belacan sauce recipe.
Why You Should Try Making Belacan Sauce
This sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used as a dipping sauce, a marinade, or even as a base for stir-fries. Its unique flavor profile, a balance of salty, spicy, and tangy, is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
I remember the first time I tried belacan sauce was at my friend’s house, where her grandmother, a phenomenal cook, had prepared a feast of traditional Malaysian dishes. The aroma of the belacan sauce wafting from the kitchen was intoxicating, and when I finally got to taste it, I was blown away by its complex flavors. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and it instantly became my new favorite condiment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of belacan (shrimp paste)
- 6-8 red chilies, or to taste
- 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice (about 2-3 limes)
- 1/4 cup of water
Optional Ingredients
- 1-2 teaspoons of sugar (to balance out the saltiness, adjust to your preference)
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
Tools You’ll Need
- Small frying pan
- Mortar and pestle or food processor
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Small bowl
