Sambal Indonesian Chilli Sauce

Cut tomatoes into 1/8 and set aside. Remove the stems of the chili peppers. Cut the Serrano pepper into smaller sizes. Slice the onions and the shallots.

Heat the frying pan with 1 tbsp of oil. When the oil is hot add the onions and the peppers. Fry the onions and peppers for a few minutes, then add the tomatoes. Keep frying the ingredients while mixing. Cook until everything is tender. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool down for a few minutes. Add the ingredients into a food processor or a blender and mix until everything is evenly chopped into small pieces.

Heat the pan again with another 1 tbsp of oil and put the chili, tomato, and onion mix back into the pan. Cook for 10 minutes while mixing it constantly. Keep scrapping off the side of the pan and the bottom of the pan so it doesn't stick. After 10 minutes, it should reduce a little bit. Turn off the heat and remove from the stove to cool down.

Keep the sambal in a jar and enjoy it with pretty much anything.

Here are some pairing ideas:

Proteins

• Grilled or fried chicken – Think ayam bakar or crispy fried chicken.
• Beef or pork – Especially grilled, roasted, or stir-fried cuts.
• Seafood – Shrimp, fish, squid, or calamari. Sambal adds a nice kick to delicate seafood flavors.
• Eggs – Hard-boiled, fried, or in omelets for a spicy breakfast twist.

Vegetables & Sides

• Steamed or stir-fried vegetables – Green beans, spinach, bok choy, or cabbage.
• Tofu and tempeh – Pan-fried or baked, perfect for vegetarian dishes.
• Rice and noodles – Plain steamed rice balances the heat; fried rice or noodles can be enhanced with sambal mixed in.
• Potatoes or sweet potatoes – Roasted, fried, or mashed for a spicy-sweet contrast.

Snacks & Extras

• Spring rolls or dumplings – Sambal works as a dipping sauce.
• Satay – Drizzle over skewered meat for extra heat and flavor.
• Soups & stews – Add a spoonful to noodle soups, soto, or coconut-based stews for depth and spice.

Tip: Since sambal can be very spicy, pairing it with neutral, starchy foods like rice, bread, or potatoes helps balance the heat. Adding a little lime juice or coconut milk can also mellow and enhance the flavors.