Sambal kukus

Sambal kukus is a type of Indonesian sambal that's prepared by steaming (kukus means "steamed" in Indonesian). This method of preparation is somewhat less common compared to the more traditional sambals that are either raw or fried. The steaming process blends the flavors of the ingredients while maintaining some of their fresh characteristics. Typically, sambal kukus includes a variety of ingredients such as chili peppers, shallots, garlic, tomato, lime juice, and shrimp paste (terasi) for added umami. These ingredients are finely chopped or ground into a paste, then mixed and steamed together. The result is a moist, cohesive sambal with a balanced spicy, savory, and slightly tangy flavor profile. It's suitable for serving with grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables, adding a distinctive spicy kick and depth of flavor to Indonesian meals.