Published Jul 12, 2009 Updated Sep 15, 2024
Sambal
Sambal is integral to many iconic Malaysian recipes. At its simplest, sambal is a condiment or chili paste made of chilies and belacan (Malaysian shrimp paste), though recipes may incorporate additional elements such as garlic, shallots, lemongrass, and galangal, tailored to individual tastes. Traditionally prepared using a mortar and pestle, sambal serves as the essential component in a variety of delicious local dishes: from sambal udang (prawn) to sambal telur (egg), sambal lady’s finger, and beyond. One of my favorite vegetable stir-fries is spicy Asian asparagus recipe. Today, I’ll show you how to make this easy and delicious dish that rivals your favorite food stall’s version.
Spicy Asparagus
Sambal asparagus is a tasty Malaysian dish where asparagus is stir-fried with a spicy sambal sauce. The sauce adds a flavorful kick to the tender asparagus. It’s a great example of how sambal enhances vegetables, bringing out bold Malaysian flavors. This is my sambal asparagus recipe, including my homemade sambal recipe. Sambal asparagus is delicious with a lot of depth in its taste and it goes extremely well with steamed white rice. I ended up finishing off two servings of rice with the irresistible sambal sauce. So yummy!
Recipe Ingredients
Sambal – I always make a big batch of cooked sambal and keep it in the fridge. Malaysian sambal adds a fiery and aromatic punch to any dish it accompanies, be it vegetables, meat, or seafood. Asparagus – choose young asparagus as they tend to be more tender with a milder flavor, while older asparagus can be tougher and have a stronger taste. Shrimp – look for medium-sized shrimp. Fish Sauce – it adds a savory umami flavor and depth to stir-fries, enhancing the overall taste by providing a rich, salty, and slightly sweet undertone to the dish. You may substitute with salt. Sugar – balances off the fiery taste of the sambal sauce.
Pro Tip: For the asparagus, I typically trim off 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) from the tough ends of the stems and slice them in half for even cooking. You can also peel the stems with a peeler, though I often skip this step for convenience.
How To Make Sambal Asparagus
Helpful Kitchen Tips
Here are some simple tips for making sambal asparagus at home:
Trim and peel the asparagus as needed for optimal tenderness. Adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of sambal or chilies. Stir-fry the asparagus briefly to keep it crisp and green. Add a splash of fish sauce for depth of flavor.
What To Serve With Sambal Asparagus
Sambal asparagus goes well with steamed white rice and can also be enjoyed alongside other dishes in a Malaysian-inspired dinner at home. For a complete meal, I recommend pairing it with the following dishes. I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.
Other Favorite Asparagus Recipes
Stir-fry Asparagus with Shrimp Garlic Butter Sauteed Asparagus Parmesan Asparagus
