Sambal Terung (Malaysian Roasted Eggplant with Chil

Name: Sambal Terung (Malaysian Roasted Eggplant with Chile Sauce)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 medium eggplants, halved lengthwise; 2 tablespoons plus 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided; 2 tablespoons coconut oil; 1 tablespoon shrimp paste (see note); 2 small red Thai chiles, tops removed (and seeds, if desired; see note); 2 large red chiles, tops (and seeds, if desired; see note) removed, chopped; 2 red bell peppers, seeds removed, chopped; 5 shallots, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, chopped; 2 tomatoes, chopped, divided; 1 teaspoon coconut palm sugar or honey; 1/2 teaspoon lime juice; 1/2 teaspoon salt plus more to taste; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Servings: persons

4 medium eggplants, halved lengthwise
2 tablespoons plus 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 tablespoon shrimp paste (see note)
2 small red Thai chiles, tops removed (and seeds, if desired; see note)
2 large red chiles, tops (and seeds, if desired; see note) removed, chopped
2 red bell peppers, seeds removed, chopped
5 shallots, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped, divided
1 teaspoon coconut palm sugar or honey
1/2 teaspoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1
Ingredients Fill a large bowl or stockpot with water, then add 2 tablespoons salt.
2
Add the eggplants and weigh them down with a plate or other object; soak for 30 minutes to remove bitterness.
3
As the eggplants soak, make the Sambal Terasi.
4
In a skillet, heat the coconut oil over medium, then add the shrimp paste.
5
Cook until toasted, about 3 minutes, then add the chiles, bell peppers, shallots, garlic and half of the tomatoes.
6
Saute until softened, about 5 minutes, then transfer to a food processor or blender; add the remaining tomatoes and blend into a paste.
7
Return the paste to the skillet and add the sugar, lime juice and salt.
8
Continue to cook until slightly darkened, 2 more minutes.
9
Season to taste, then set aside.
10
Preheat oven to 400.
11
Remove the eggplants from the salted water and pat dry.
12
Season with 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper.
13
Over a baking sheet, spread 1 tablespoon coconut oil.
14
Place the eggplants on the sheets cut side down and bake for 5 minutes.
15
Flip the eggplants over, spoon on some Sambal Terasi onto each, then return to the oven; bake until soft, about 20 more minutes.

120

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave for a slightly different but equally rich sweetness.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 4 medium eggplants, halved lengthwise, 2 tablespoons plus 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided, 2 tablespoons coconut oil, 1 tablespoon shrimp paste (see note), and more.

Yes, Sambal Terung (Malaysian Roasted Eggplant with Chile Sauce) falls under the Vegetarian category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Sambal Terung (Malaysian Roasted Eggplant with Chile Sauce)

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions