Sambal Belacan Chicken
Makan Tengah Hari • Malaysia
How to Make Sambal Belacan Chicken (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Sambal Belacan Chicken is a beloved Malaysian lunch dish that beautifully showcases the country’s multicultural culinary heritage. Originating from Malay kitchens, this recipe combines aromatic local spices and the pungent, spicy sambal belacan—a chili paste made with 'belacan' (fermented shrimp paste)—to deliver a flavor-packed meal. Traditionally, sambal belacan is paired with various proteins, but the chicken version is especially popular for its tender texture and ability to absorb the robust flavors. The dish is often served with steamed rice and fresh vegetables, making it a wholesome meal enjoyed across Malaysia’s diverse communities. The taste of Sambal Belacan Chicken is bold and vibrant, with a harmonious blend of spicy chilies, savory belacan, and fragrant ingredients like lemongrass, garlic, and ginger. It’s a perfect lunch option for those who appreciate authentic Malaysian flavors and local ingredients such as pandan leaves and limau nipis (lime). Not only does this dish celebrate Malaysia’s culinary identity, but it also encourages the use of fresh, locally-sourced produce for a healthier meal. Choosing lean chicken breast, reducing oil, and including plenty of vegetables ensures that you enjoy a nutritious, calorie-conscious version of this Malaysian favorite.
Bahan-bahan(untuk 1 portion with steamed rice and vegetables)
- 250g Chicken breast (Ayam, skinless, boneless)
- 3 Red chilies (Cili merah, deseeded)
- 1 tsp Belacan (shrimp paste) (Malaysian fermented shrimp paste)
- 1 stalk Lemongrass (Serai, finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Bawang putih, minced)
- 1 inch Ginger (Halia, minced)
- 1 Pandan leaf (Daun pandan, knotted) - pilihan
- 1 tbsp Lime juice (Limau nipis)
- 1 tbsp Cooking oil (Can use olive oil for health)
- 1 tbsp Low-sodium soy sauce (Kicap cair)
- 1/2 Cucumber (Timun, sliced for garnish) - pilihan
Arahan
- 1
Prepare sambal belacan by blending red chilies, belacan, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and lime juice into a smooth paste.
5 minutes
Toast belacan slightly for deeper flavor before blending.
- 2
Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and marinate with half the sambal belacan and soy sauce for 10 minutes.
10 minutes
Marinating helps tenderize the chicken and infuse flavor.
- 3
Heat cooking oil in a non-stick pan. Add knotted pandan leaf for aroma, then sauté marinated chicken until cooked through.
7 minutes
Use minimal oil and a non-stick pan for a healthier cook.
- 4
Add remaining sambal belacan paste to the pan and stir-fry until chicken is coated and sauce thickens.
5 minutes
Keep heat medium to prevent burning the sambal.
Kenapa hidangan ini sihat
This dish is a healthy choice because it relies on fresh, unprocessed ingredients typical of Malaysian cuisine. Using lean chicken breast, minimal oil, and plenty of aromatic herbs ensures lower fat and calorie content. Sambal belacan provides bold flavors without the need for extra salt or sugar. The addition of vegetables increases the meal’s nutritional value, making it ideal for weight management and balanced eating.
Sambal Belacan Chicken offers a lean source of protein from chicken breast, which supports muscle repair and satiety. The use of local herbs like lemongrass and pandan provides antioxidants and essential oils. Red chilies are rich in vitamin C and capsaicin, which may boost metabolism. This recipe minimizes oil and sodium, making it suitable for calorie-conscious diets. Including cucumber and steamed rice adds fiber and complex carbohydrates to balance the meal.
Petua
- 💡Tip 1: Toast belacan before blending for deeper flavor.
- 💡Tip 2: Use fresh lime juice to balance the spice and umami.
- 💡Tip 3: Add more vegetables like long beans or okra for extra fiber.
Penyimpanan & hidangan
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove to preserve flavors. Sambal may intensify after storage.
Paling sesuai dihidang: Lunch
Fakta Nutrisi
| Nutrien | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Tenaga | 315.0 kcal |
