Hey guys! Ever tried Sambal Penyet from Surabaya? If not, you're totally missing out! This super flavorful chili sauce is the perfect kick to any meal, especially when paired with fried chicken, tofu, or tempeh. Today, I'm gonna show you how to make this authentic Surabaya-style Sambal Penyet right in your own kitchen. Trust me, it's easier than you think, and the taste? Unbelievable! So, let's dive into the world of fiery deliciousness!

What is Sambal Penyet?

Okay, before we get started, let's talk about what Sambal Penyet actually is. "Penyet" basically means "smashed" or "flattened" in Indonesian. So, Sambal Penyet refers to a style of sambal where the ingredients are ground together and then slightly smashed or flattened, often with a pestle and mortar. This method helps to release all those amazing flavors and aromas. The Surabaya version is particularly known for its bold and spicy flavor profile, making it a favorite among chili lovers. It's not just about the heat though; it's also about the complex blend of ingredients that create a truly unique taste experience. The freshness of the chilies, the tanginess of the tomatoes, the savory notes of the shrimp paste, and the subtle sweetness of the sugar all come together to form a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. Whether you're a seasoned chili connoisseur or just someone looking to add a bit of excitement to your meals, Surabaya Sambal Penyet is definitely worth a try. Plus, making it at home allows you to customize the level of spiciness to your liking, ensuring that every bite is just perfect for your palate. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's get ready to create some culinary magic!

Ingredients You'll Need

Alright, let's gather our troops – I mean, ingredients! Here’s what you'll need to create the perfect Surabaya Sambal Penyet:

• Red Chilies: (Keriting or Cayenne) - About 15-20, depending on your spice preference. These are the backbone of our sambal, so choose fresh, plump ones for the best flavor. If you're using cayenne, be careful with the amount, as they can be quite potent! Remember, you can always add more chili, but you can't take it away!
• Bird's Eye Chilies: (Cabe Rawit) - 5-10, or more if you're a real daredevil. These little guys pack a serious punch, so use them sparingly if you're not a fan of extreme heat. However, if you're looking for that authentic Surabaya kick, don't skip them altogether. They add a unique kind of spiciness that's hard to replicate with other chilies.
• Shallots: 8-10 cloves. Shallots are essential for adding a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the sambal. They're milder than onions, which makes them perfect for this recipe. Look for firm, unsprouted shallots for the best results.
• Garlic: 4-5 cloves. Garlic adds a pungent and savory note that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, and don't be afraid to experiment with different varieties. Some people prefer a stronger garlic flavor, while others prefer a more subtle touch.
• Tomatoes: 2-3 medium-sized. Tomatoes provide a juicy and tangy element that balances the spiciness of the chilies. Choose ripe, red tomatoes for the best flavor. If you can find Roma tomatoes, they're a great option because they have a good balance of sweetness and acidity.
• Shrimp Paste: (Terasi/Belacan) - About 1 teaspoon, grilled or pan-fried. Shrimp paste is a key ingredient in many Indonesian sambals, and it adds a unique umami flavor that's hard to replicate. Grilling or pan-frying the shrimp paste before adding it to the sambal helps to mellow out its pungent aroma and enhance its flavor. If you're not a fan of shrimp paste, you can try substituting it with a small amount of fish sauce, but it won't be quite the same.
• Sugar: 1 teaspoon (white or brown). Sugar helps to balance the flavors and add a touch of sweetness to the sambal. You can use either white or brown sugar, depending on your preference. Brown sugar will add a slightly richer flavor, while white sugar will provide a cleaner sweetness.
• Salt: To taste. Salt is essential for enhancing the flavors of all the other ingredients. Start with a small amount and add more to taste until you reach the desired level of saltiness.
• Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon (optional, but recommended). Lime juice adds a bright and tangy finish that complements the other flavors perfectly. It also helps to preserve the sambal and keep it fresh for longer.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying. A little bit of oil for frying the ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, now for the fun part! Here’s how to bring all those ingredients together to create the ultimate Surabaya Sambal Penyet:

1. Prep the Ingredients: First things first, wash all your veggies! Then, roughly chop the shallots, garlic, and tomatoes. This will make it easier to fry them later on.
2. Fry the Ingredients: Heat a few tablespoons of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the shallots, garlic, tomatoes, and chilies (both red and bird's eye). Fry them until they're fragrant and slightly softened. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Frying the ingredients helps to develop their flavors and mellows out the spiciness of the chilies.
3. Grill the Shrimp Paste: If you haven't already, grill or pan-fry the shrimp paste until it's fragrant and slightly browned. This will enhance its flavor and reduce its pungent aroma. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt shrimp paste can taste bitter.
4. Combine and Grind: Now, transfer all the fried ingredients to a mortar. Add the grilled shrimp paste, sugar, and salt. Using a pestle, grind everything together until you reach a coarse paste. Don't over-grind it; you want to maintain some texture. The key to a good Sambal Penyet is the slightly chunky consistency.
5. Smash It! This is where the "Penyet" comes in. Once you've ground the ingredients, use the pestle to gently smash the sambal. This will release even more flavor and create that signature Sambal Penyet texture.
6. Add Lime Juice: If you're using lime juice, now's the time to add it. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the sambal and mix well. The lime juice will add a bright and tangy finish that complements the other flavors perfectly.
7. Taste and Adjust: Finally, taste the sambal and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it's not spicy enough, add more bird's eye chilies. If it's too salty, add a little bit of sugar. If it's too acidic, add a pinch of sugar or a small amount of water. The goal is to create a balanced and flavorful sambal that suits your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Okay, your Surabaya Sambal Penyet is ready! Now, what to eat it with? Here are a few ideas:

• Fried Chicken (Ayam Penyet): This is the classic pairing! The crispy, savory fried chicken combined with the spicy, flavorful sambal is a match made in heaven.
• Fried Tofu and Tempeh (Tahu Tempe Penyet): A vegetarian delight! The mild flavor of the tofu and tempeh is perfectly complemented by the bold flavors of the sambal.
• Grilled Fish (Ikan Bakar): The smoky, grilled flavor of the fish pairs beautifully with the spicy and tangy sambal.
• Rice (Nasi Putih): Of course! You can't have Sambal Penyet without rice. The rice soaks up all the delicious flavors of the sambal, making every bite a joyful experience.
• Vegetables (Lalapan): Fresh vegetables like cucumber, cabbage, and lettuce are a great way to cool down your palate after a spicy bite of sambal.

Tips for the Best Sambal Penyet

Want to make your Surabaya Sambal Penyet even better? Here are a few tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: This is key! Fresh chilies, shallots, garlic, and tomatoes will make a huge difference in the flavor of your sambal.
• Don't Over-Grind: You want to maintain some texture in your sambal, so don't over-grind the ingredients. A slightly chunky consistency is what makes Sambal Penyet so unique.
• Adjust the Spiciness: Feel free to adjust the amount of chilies to your liking. If you're not a fan of extreme heat, use fewer bird's eye chilies.
• Grill the Shrimp Paste: Grilling the shrimp paste before adding it to the sambal will enhance its flavor and reduce its pungent aroma.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste the sambal and adjust the seasoning as needed. The goal is to create a balanced and flavorful sambal that suits your taste preferences.

Variations

Want to experiment with your Sambal Penyet? Here are a few variations you can try:

• Add Lime Leaves (Daun Jeruk): Adding a few lime leaves to the sambal will add a fragrant and citrusy note.
• Add Galangal (Lengkuas): Adding a small piece of galangal will add a warm and earthy flavor.
• Add Candlenuts (Kemiri): Adding a few candlenuts will add a creamy and nutty flavor.
• Add Fried Onions (Bawang Goreng): Sprinkling some fried onions on top of the sambal will add a crunchy and savory element.

Storage Tips

Sambal Penyet is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavor may change slightly over time, but it will still be delicious.

Conclusion

So there you have it! A simple and authentic recipe for Surabaya Sambal Penyet that you can make at home. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of effort, you can create a spicy, flavorful condiment that will elevate any meal. So, what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and start smashing! Enjoy, guys! And don't forget to share your creations with me. Happy cooking!