Get ready to transform your taste buds with the most addictive sauce you've never heard of! Sambal Kacang is not just a condiment – it's a flavor explosion that will make your meals go from ordinary to extraordinary in just minutes. Imagine a sauce that perfectly balances spicy, sweet, tangy, and creamy all in one magical blend that originates from the vibrant culinary landscape of Indonesia. Whether you're a spice lover, a foodie adventurer, or just someone looking to elevate their cooking game, this peanut sauce will become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Indonesian
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1 cup roasted peanuts
- 2 tablespoons sambal oelek
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of roasted peanuts, 2 tablespoons of sambal oelek, 1 tablespoon of palm sugar, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1/2 cup of coconut milk, and 1 tablespoon of lime juice.
- In a blender or food processor, add the roasted peanuts. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can grind them into a fine powder first, but leaving some texture is also delicious.
- Add the sambal oelek to the blender. This will provide the spicy kick that sambal kacang is known for.
- Next, incorporate the palm sugar into the mixture. If you cannot find palm sugar, brown sugar can be used as a substitute, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
- Pour in the soy sauce, which adds a savory depth to the sauce, balancing the sweetness of the palm sugar.
- Next, add the coconut milk. This will give the sauce a creamy texture and a rich flavor, typical of Indonesian cuisine.
- Finally, squeeze in the lime juice. This will add a fresh acidity that brightens the overall flavor of the sauce.
- Blend all the ingredients together until you achieve a smooth consistency. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit more coconut milk or water to reach your desired texture.
- Taste the sambal kacang and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more sambal oelek for extra heat, or more lime juice for added acidity.
- Once you are satisfied with the flavor and consistency, transfer the sambal kacang peanut sauce to a serving bowl. It can be served immediately or refrigerated for later use.
- This sauce is perfect as a dip for fresh vegetables, a dressing for salads, or a sauce for grilled meats and seafood. Enjoy your homemade sambal kacang!
Tips
- Use freshly roasted peanuts for the most intense flavor. If using pre-roasted peanuts, toast them lightly in a dry pan to enhance their nuttiness.
- Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of sambal oelek. Start with less and add more gradually to suit your spice tolerance.
- For a smoother sauce, blend longer and strain if desired. For a more rustic texture, pulse the blender to keep some peanut chunks.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will actually improve after a day or two!
- If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little water or extra coconut milk. If too thin, add more ground peanuts.
- Experiment with additional aromatics like garlic or ginger for extra depth of flavor.
- For a vegan version, ensure you're using a vegan-friendly soy sauce and check your palm sugar source.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 390kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 0mg
