Sate lilit sauce, also known as “sambal matah” in Balinese, is a vibrant and flavorful condiment that will tantalize your taste buds. Originating from the beautiful island of Bali, Indonesia, this raw shallot and chili sauce adds a fiery kick and a burst of freshness to any dish.
Imagine a harmonious blend of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors, all coming together in perfect unison. That’s the magic of sate lilit sauce! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a cooking enthusiast, this recipe is easy to follow and will impress your family and friends. Let’s embark on a culinary journey to Bali and recreate this authentic Indonesian delicacy in your own kitchen!
Ingredients
To make this authentic Balinese sate lilit sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 10 red bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (or more, depending on your spice preference)
- 8 shallots, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 lemongrass stalks, white part only, finely sliced
- 1 teaspoon shrimp paste (optional, but highly recommended for an authentic flavor)
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- Salt to taste
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance the acidity)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander (for garnish)
Fresh ingredients for sate lilit sauce
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mortar and pestle (or a food processor)
- Small saucepan
- Serving bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Finely chop the red bird’s eye chilies, shallots, garlic, and lemongrass. If using a mortar and pestle, pound the shrimp paste until fragrant.
- Sauté the aromatics: In a small saucepan, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots, garlic, and lemongrass. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant and slightly softened. If using shrimp paste, add it now and cook for another minute.
- Combine and mash: Transfer the sautéed ingredients to your mortar and pestle (or food processor). Add the chopped chilies and a pinch of salt. Grind or blend until you achieve a coarse paste.
- Adjust the flavor: Add the lime juice and sugar (if using). Mix well to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more lime juice for tanginess, salt for saltiness, or sugar for balance.
- Serve and enjoy: Transfer the sate lilit sauce to a serving bowl. Garnish with chopped fresh coriander.
Tips and Tricks
- Spice level: Adjust the number of chilies according to your spice preference. Remember, you can always add more later, but you can’t take it away!
- Shrimp paste substitute: If you don’t have shrimp paste or prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of fish sauce or soy sauce.
- Fresh ingredients are key: Using fresh ingredients, especially for the chilies, lemongrass, and limes, makes a significant difference in the overall flavor of the sauce.
- Consistency: For a smoother sauce, you can process it longer in a food processor. However, traditionally, it has a slightly coarse texture.
A person preparing sate lilit sauce
Serving Suggestions
This versatile sate lilit sauce pairs perfectly with a wide variety of dishes:
- Sate Lilit: Of course, the classic pairing! This sauce is traditionally served with Balinese minced meat skewers (sate lilit).
- Grilled meats and seafood: It’s also delicious with grilled chicken, fish, shrimp, or tofu.
- Rice dishes: Try it as a condiment for nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice) or nasi campur (mixed rice).
- Vegetables: Add a dollop to steamed vegetables for an extra kick.
- Eggs: Elevate your breakfast by adding a spoonful to your omelets or scrambled eggs.
Storage
Store any leftover sate lilit sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Now you’re equipped with the knowledge and the recipe to recreate the authentic flavors of Bali in your own kitchen. This easy-to-follow sate lilit sauce recipe will impress your family and friends, adding a spicy, tangy, and refreshing touch to any dish. Don’t hesitate! Gather your ingredients and embark on this culinary adventure.
Let us know in the comments below how your sate lilit sauce turned out and what you enjoyed it with. Don’t forget to share pictures of your creations! For more delicious and easy-to-follow sauce recipes from around the world, keep exploring “Family Cuisine.” Happy cooking!
