Salted Fish Sambal Recipe: Sambal Ikan Asin

Sambal Ikan Asin, or salted fish sambal, is a cherished Malaysian classic. This flavorful dish is a staple for those who enjoy rice meals, with salted fish sambal serving as the ideal side or accompaniment to a variety of dishes. Simple yet incredibly rewarding, the recipe calls for just a few pantry-friendly ingredients. While there are numerous variations, the core ingredients remain unchanged (PRAWN SAMBAL RECIPE).

Salted Fish Sambal can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for added convenience. Expect a burst of saltiness, spiciness, and tanginess. - an indulgent combination that will awaken your taste buds (BEST RENDANG RECIPES).

 

As mentioned, there are several ways to prepare this dish. The attached video presents an alternative version of the salted fish sambal recipe, while the recipe here offers another take. Choose the version that best suits your preference, or try one now and save the other for another time (EASIEST VEGETARIAN NASI LEMAK RECIPE). 

 

Ingredients

1 medium piece threadfin/ikan kurau salted fish - rinsed and sliced to small pieces

3 sliced shallots

4 sliced garlic

1 tbsp dried chilli paste (blended dried chillies)

½ tsp belacan powder/shrimp paste powder (optional)

1 sliced tomato

Palm sugar as needed

Lime juice as needed

Salt as needed

Oil as needed

 

Method

Heat oil and fry salted fish till crispy.

Remove and set aside.

Reduce the amount of oil to 2 tbsp.

In the oil, saute shallots and garlic.

Add chilli paste, belacan powder, season with palm sugar, lime juice and salt.

Stir all in.

Add fried salted fish, stir and dish out.

(Ms. Nava, a Zenpreneur in her 60s, founded Nava's Zen at 58. With over 22 years of experience as a former lecturer, including with Curtin University’s Degree Twinning Program, she also holds culinary credentials. Through her Zen cuisine, she promotes mindful eating that nourishes the breath, body, mind, and soul).