Published May 13, 2010 Updated Sep 15, 2024 For those familiar with Malaysian cuisine, Sambal needs no introduction. However, if you’re new to it, sambal is a chili-based sauce made from a blend of chilies, shallots, belacan (Malaysian shrimp paste), and can include other ingredients such as garlic, lemongrass, turmeric, and galangal. Sotong Sambal is a beloved dish across Malaysia, much like its cousin Sambal Udang, and is enjoyed by people of all races, ethnicities, and religions. In Malay households, sotong masak sambal is commonly served with other traditional dishes like Daging Masak Kicap, Rendang, and Ayam Masak Merah, and is a fantastic complement to nasi lemak. In Chinese households, it pairs well with classic dishes such as Sesame Oil Chicken, Kam Heong Clams, and leafy green vegetables such as Belacan Sweet Potato Leaves, Chinese Greens, Choy Sum or Bok Choy . While less common in Indian households, where Squid Curry is more typical, sotong masak sambal remains a much-celebrated dish throughout Malaysia.
Sambal Tumis Sotong
While sambal is relatively easy to make, mastering it requires practice. The key is to sauté the chili paste until the oil separates, a process known in Malay as ‘pecah minyak’. Many recipes suggest sautéing (or tumis) until fragrant, but achieving the right texture and flavor is essential. This sambal sotong recipe (resepi sambal sotong) showcases fresh squid cooked in sambal sauce. Sambal tumis sotong is a delicious and straightforward dish that highlights the rich flavors of sambal. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and absolutely ‘sedap‘ (lipsmackingly good).
How To Clean Squid
Cleaning squid might seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite easy with a little time and patience. First, clean the squid by peeling off the skin, then separating the head from the tube. Remove the ink sac from the innards to avoid any bitter taste or staining. Rinse the body and tentacles under cold water, cut the tube into rings (about 4 rings for medium-sized squid), and pat dry with paper towels.
What To Serve with Sambal Sotong
For a true Malaysian meal, I recommend pairing the dish with the following recipes: 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.
