Authentic Sambal Chicken Stir-Fry
A quick and fiery Indonesian stir-fry that brings the authentic flavors of the Spice Islands to your kitchen. This recipe uses traditional sambal oelek for genuine heat and flavor.
Authentic Sambal Chicken Stir-Fry
A quick and fiery Indonesian stir-fry that brings the authentic flavors of the Spice Islands to your kitchen. This recipe uses traditional sambal oelek for genuine heat and flavor.
Ingredients
- 500g chicken breast or thigh, sliced thin
- 2 tablespoons Spice Island Indonesia Sambal Oelek
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 spring onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Steamed jasmine rice, to serve
- Fresh coriander for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or frying pan over high heat. Add the sliced chicken and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until just cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 2
Add remaining oil to the same pan. Add minced garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- 3
Add the sambal oelek to the pan and stir-fry for 1 minute. The sambal should sizzle and become very fragrant - this releases the essential oils.
- 4
Add sliced onion and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp but still have some bite.
- 5
Return the chicken to the pan along with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
- 6
Remove from heat and stir in lime juice and chopped spring onions. Taste and adjust seasoning - add more sambal for extra heat if desired.
- 7
Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice, garnished with fresh coriander. Provide extra sambal oelek on the side for those who want more heat.
Nutrition Information
Chef's Tips
For best results, use authentic Indonesian sambal from Spice Island Indonesia. The quality of your sambal will significantly impact the final flavor of this dish.
Chef Yossie
Traditional Indonesian Recipe
About This Recipe
This Sambal Chicken Stir-Fry represents the perfect introduction to authentic Indonesian cooking. The key to this dish is using genuine sambal oelek - not a substitute or Western "chili garlic sauce." Authentic sambal oelek provides the clean, intense heat and complex flavor that makes Indonesian cuisine so distinctive.
Why Authentic Sambal Makes a Difference
Traditional Indonesian sambal oelek is made with just three ingredients: fresh red chilies, salt, and vinegar. This simplicity allows the pure chili flavor to shine through, creating a heat that builds gradually and has depth. Western substitutes often contain sugar, preservatives, and thickeners that mask the authentic taste.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Results
- High Heat is Essential: Indonesian stir-frying requires very high heat to achieve the characteristic "wok hei" (breath of the wok) flavor.
- Don't Overcook the Vegetables: They should retain some crunch for authentic texture.
- Taste and Adjust: Sambal heat can vary, so always taste and add more if needed.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot from the wok.
Variations and Substitutions
While this recipe uses chicken, you can easily substitute with beef, pork, prawns, or tofu. For vegetables, try adding green beans, baby corn, or bok choy. The key is maintaining the balance of flavors and not overwhelming the dish with too many ingredients.
Get Authentic Sambal for This Recipe
This recipe tastes best with genuine Indonesian sambal oelek. Our traditional recipe delivers the authentic heat and flavor you need.