Belacan Sauce

User Reviews

4.8

18 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    30 mins

  • Cook Time

    30 mins

  • Total Time

    1 hr 10 mins

  • Servings

    32

  • Calories

    67 kcal

  • Course

    Condiments

  • Cuisine

    Chinese, Malaysian

Belacan Sauce

Belacan sauce is a Malaysian-style sambal with dried shrimp, fresh and dried chili and belacan, a fermented shrimp paste. With strong notes of garlic and shallots, this Malaysian-Chinese sauce may join the ranks of your must-have condiments!

I Made This!

Be the first!

Save this

Be the first!

Ingredients

Servings
  • 16 dried Sichuan chili peppers (16 dried peppers = 10g; deseeded)
  • 7 holland chilies
  • 3 Thai chili peppers (chopped, optional for added heat)
  • 1 1/4 cup sliced shallots (about 6 large, divided)
  • 8 cloves garlic (8 cloves = approx. 40g)
  • 2/3 cup canola oil (or peanut oil)
  • 1 cup dried shrimp (chopped)
  • 3 tablespoons belacan shrimp paste
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
Add to Shopping List

Instructions

  1. Soak the de-seeded dried chili peppers in 1 cup of warm water for 15-20 minutes.
  2. While the dried peppers are soaking, de-stem and de-seed the Holland peppers, removing the membranes as well. You can leave the seeds in if you like your sauce very spicy. Cut each pepper into 3 pieces. If using, chop the Thai chilies.
  3. Take half of your shallots and finely chop them. With the other half, thinly slice them. (You can also chop them, but I think slices add another textural dimension to the final sauce.
  4. Drain the dried chili peppers, and set aside the soaking water. To the bowl of a food processor or blender, add the dried peppers, Holland peppers, Thai chilies (if using), half of the shallots (i.e. your chopped shallots, setting aside the slices for later), and garlic. Pulse until the mixture is smooth, or if you prefer, a coarse paste. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure the mixture is evenly processed.
  5. Heat a frying pan or wok over medium heat. Add the oil and chopped dried shrimp. Fry over medium to medium low heat for 3-5 minutes.
  6. Put the belacan in a mortar and pestle to break it up (you can also put it in a small bowl and break it up with a fork). Add it to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the belacan is melted into the sauce.
  7. Add the sliced shallots, and cook for 3-4 minutes, until translucent.
  8. Next, add the chili, garlic and shallot paste. Stir to combine, and add ½ cup of the reserved pepper soaking water. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the fish sauce and brown sugar. Continue to cook for another 15 minutes.
  9. Let the mixture cool, and transfer to a clean jar or other airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 weeks, or freeze (it should last up to 1 year frozen).

Notes

  • Makes about 2 cups, or 32 servings—1 tablespoon per serving. 

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 67kcal (3%) Carbohydrates 3g (1%) Protein 4g (8%) Fat 5g (8%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Cholesterol 50mg (17%) Sodium 200mg (8%) Potassium 47mg (1%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 123IU (2%) Vitamin C 10mg (11%) Calcium 22mg (2%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 32Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 67 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 67kcal 3%
Carbohydrates 3g 1%
Protein 4g 8%
Fat 5g 8%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 50mg 17%
Sodium 200mg 8%
Potassium 47mg 1%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 123IU 2%
Vitamin C 10mg 11%
Calcium 22mg 2%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

4.8

18 reviews
Excellent

Write a Review

Drag & drop files here or click to upload
Other Recipes

You'll Also Love

Sambal Belacan

Malaysian
4.8 (48 reviews)

Black Bean Sauce (豆豉酱)

Chinese
5.0 (27 reviews)

Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce

Chinese
4.8 (66 reviews)

Black Bean Sauce

Chinese
5.0 (12 reviews)

Peking Sauce (京酱)

Chinese
4.5 (39 reviews)

Easy Char Siu with Hoisin Sauce

Chinese
5.0 (15 reviews)

Kung Pao Sauce

Chinese
5.0 (33 reviews)

Stir Fry Sauce

Chinese
4.5 (207 reviews)

Sweet and Sour Sauce

Chinese, American
5.0 (27 reviews)

Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe

Asian, Chinese
4.9 (90 reviews)