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Sambal Asparagus
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4.67 from 3 votes

Sambal Asparagus

Sambal asparagus with scallops. Learn how to make sambal (Malaysian chili paste) and sambal asparagus with this easy recipe.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Malaysian Recipes
Cuisine: Asparagus
Keyword: Sambal Asparagus
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 381kcal
Author: Bee Yinn Low

Ingredients

  • 12 oz (375g) asparagus
  • 4 oz (125g) scallops or medium-size shrimps
  • 1 1/2 - 2 tablespoons sambal paste if you like spicy, use 2 tablespoons
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon fish sauce or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon belacan breaks into small bits
  • 2 tablespoons oil

Sambal (Chili Paste) Recipe:

  • 20 dried chilies seeded and soaked to soften
  • 10 fresh red chilies seeded and sliced
  • 8 shallots peeled and chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic peeled and chopped
  • 6 tablespoons cooking oil

Instructions

  • Rinse the asparagus with water. Chop off 1 inch to 1.5 inches (0.5 cm-1 cm) off the stems (depending on the toughness of the stems) and slice the stems into half. Cut the rest of the asparagus into 2-inch lengths (5 cm). Set aside.
  • Heat up the wok with oil. Add the sambal (recipe below) and belacan. Stir well until you start smelling the pungent aroma of belacan. Add in scallops/shrimps and do a quick stir and then follow by the asparagus. Add fish sauce, sugar, and continue to stir fry until asparagus is cooked through (don't overcook it). Dish out and serve hot.

Sambal (Chili Paste) Recipe:

  • Use a mortar and pestle to pound the sambal ingredients, or use a mini food processor to blend well. Heat up a wok with oil. As soon as the oil is heated, transfer the sambal paste into the wok and stir-fry continuously for a few minutes or until you smell the heat from the sambal or the oil separates from the sambal. Dish out and set aside. Refrigerated for future use.

Notes

Traditionally, sambal is prepared fresh--or bought ready made from the wet market in Malaysia. It's then used immediately to cook the dish. In the US, I always make my sambal into a chili paste so I can keep it in the refrigerator and use it on the go. I also use more dried chilies to make the sambal paste lasts longer in the refrigerator. The fresh chilies give a nice red color as dried red chilies look duller in color. I will show you the traditional way of making sambal from scratch and the proper method of making it soon!

Nutrition

Serving: 4people | Calories: 381kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 205mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 12g