bisnisrakyat.id - Sambal is an essential element in Indonesian cuisine, delivering a spicy flavor that enhances the taste of any dish. One increasingly popular ingredient for making sambal is chili flakes. Made from dried chilies crushed into small flakes, chili flakes offer a unique, versatile, and convenient way to create flavorful sambal.

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Chili flakes have several advantages that make them ideal for sambal:

1. Unique Texture: The coarse texture of chili flakes provides a more evenly distributed spiciness compared to fresh chilies.
2. Convenience: They eliminate the need for washing, slicing, or grinding fresh chilies, making them perfect for quick sambal.
3. Long Shelf Life: Dried chili flakes can be stored for extended periods without losing their flavor and aroma, making them ideal for pantry staples.
4. Distinct Aroma: The drying process imparts a smoky aroma that adds depth to the sambal's flavor.

Recipes for Sambal Using Chili Flakes

1. Simple Chili Flake Sambal

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp chili flakes
• 3 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
• 2 tbsp hot cooking oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp seasoning powder

Instructions:

1. Heat the cooking oil until it’s very hot.
2. Combine chili flakes, chopped garlic, sugar, salt, and seasoning powder in a small bowl.
3. Pour the hot oil into the mixture. Stir well until the aroma of garlic and chili is released.
4. The sambal is ready to be served as a side dish for rice, noodles, or fried snacks.

2. Chili Flake Sambal with Sweet Soy Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp chili flakes
• 1 tbsp sweet soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fried shallots
• 2 tbsp hot cooking oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix chili flakes, sweet soy sauce, fried shallots, and salt in a bowl.
2. Pour hot oil over the mixture and stir until well combined.
3. This sambal pairs perfectly with dishes like satay, fried chicken, or grilled fish.

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3. Chili Flake Oil Sambal

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp chili flakes
• 2 cloves garlic (roughly chopped)
• 2 stalks green onions (thinly sliced)
• 5 tbsp cooking oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp sugar

Instructions:

1. Heat cooking oil in a pan, sauté garlic until fragrant.
2. Add chili flakes and green onions, stirring quickly over low heat.
3. Add salt and sugar, mix well, and then remove from heat.
4. This sambal can be stored in an airtight container for long-term use.

Tips for Making Sambal with Chili Flakes

1. Adjust the Spiciness Level: Use more chili flakes for a spicier sambal, or add sugar and oil to tone down the heat.
2. Use Hot Oil: Hot oil helps release the flavor and aroma of the chili flakes.
3. Combine with Other Ingredients: Add ingredients like shrimp paste, lime juice, or tomatoes for flavor variations.
4. Store Properly: Keep the sambal in an airtight container and store in a cool place to maintain its freshness.

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Advantages of Sambal Made from Chili Flakes

Using chili flakes for sambal is not only convenient but also delivers a unique flavor. With its distinctive texture and smoky aroma, sambal made from chili flakes complements a wide range of dishes, from fried rice and noodles to grilled or roasted dishes.