Sambal sotong is a popular dish among local cuisines. This sweet and spicy squid dish is a true delight, combining tender sotong (squid) with the bold heat of sambal.
What is Sambal Sotong?
Sambal sotong is a dish made with squid cooked in a spicy and sweet sambal sauce. The sambal, which is typically made from chilli, garlic, and other aromatics, infuses the sotong with a delightful depth of flavour. The combination of sweet, spicy, and umami elements makes this dish irresistible. While the squid itself is tender, the sambal adds a punch of heat that balances perfectly with the seafood’s natural sweetness.
At Seaco, we take pride in offering ready-to-cook sambal sotong that brings the essence of this dish straight to your table with minimal effort. Simply thaw, heat in the microwave for 3 minutes, and you can enjoy a steaming, mouthwatering portion of sambal sotong at home. It’s convenient, delicious, and perfect when paired with hot rice.
But for those of you who love to cook from scratch and want to dive into the kitchen to recreate this classic dish, we’ve got a simple and tasty sambal sotong recipe for you. Read on to discover how to make this dish, and feel free to explore the option of ready-to-cook sambal sotong whenever you’re craving convenience!
How to Make Sambal Sotong: A Simple Recipe
Making sambal sotong at home can be easy and rewarding. Here’s a basic sambal sotong recipe that you can try:
Ingredients:
- 500g sotong (squid), cleaned and cut into rings or bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons sambal paste (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons tamarind juice or vinegar (for tanginess)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1-2 fresh red chillies, sliced (optional for extra heat)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the sambal: Heat the oil in a wok or pan. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Then, add the sambal paste and stir-fry until the oil separates from the paste, and the mixture becomes aromatic.
- Cook the sotong: Add the sotong pieces to the pan and stir to coat them in the sambal. Let the squid cook for 2-3 minutes, being careful not to overcook, as squid becomes tough when cooked for too long.
- Season: Add sugar, tamarind juice (or vinegar), soy sauce, and salt. Stir to combine, and adjust seasoning to taste. If you like extra spice, you can throw in some sliced fresh chillies at this stage.
- Serve: Once the squid is cooked through and the sambal has thickened slightly, remove from heat and serve with steamed rice or as a side dish.
This sambal sotong recipe is simple to follow, but it packs a punch with its delicious flavours. Feel free to adjust the level of spice and sweetness to suit your taste.
Sambal Sotong Kering: A Drier Variation
If you prefer a drier version of sambal sotong, try making sambal sotong kering. This version features squid that is cooked with sambal but without much sauce. The dish has a chewier texture, making it a great option for those who love a more intense sambal flavour. The key to this recipe is allowing the sambal to cook until it caramelises and coats the sotong, giving it a rich, deep flavour.
To make sambal sotong kering, simply reduce the amount of liquid used in the sambal paste, and cook the squid until the sambal has thickened into a glaze. This version works wonderfully as a snack or side dish.
Tips for Perfecting Sambal Sotong
- High-quality squid: Squid is key to a tender and juicy sambal sotong dish. High-quality squid has a tender and delicate texture. Fresh squid, or well-frozen squid that has been handled properly, maintains its natural softness and chewiness when cooked.
- Adjust the spice: If you’re not a fan of too much heat, reduce the amount of sambal paste and fresh chillies. On the other hand, if you love spicy food, feel free to add extra chilli for that kick!
- Experiment with sambal: While sambal paste is commonly used, you can also make your own sambal with fresh ingredients such as red chillies, garlic, shallots, and belacan (fermented shrimp paste). Homemade sambal can add a personal touch to your dish.
Sambal Sotong FAQs
Q: For a busy day, where can I buy ready-to-cook seafood in Singapore?
A: If you’re looking for high-quality ready-to-cook seafood delivered straight to your door, look no further than Seaco Online. With a wide selection of fresh and frozen seafood, Seaco offers convenient online seafood delivery, including ready-to-cook sambal sotong.
Q: How do I store leftover sambal sotong?
A: It is best to consume freshly cooked food immediately. However, if you do have leftover sambal sotong, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days. To reheat, simply microwave it or heat it up in a pan until warmed through.