Sambal Bawang

Sambal Bawang is a fiery, aromatic chili paste from Indonesia, made primarily from fresh red chilies, shallots, garlic, and salt, often with a splash of lime or vinegar. It's a staple condiment in Javanese cuisine, known for its bold, pungent flavor that elevates simple meals like rice, grilled fish, or fried chicken.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This condiment is high in healthy fats from the chilies and any added oil, provides a good amount of vitamin C and capsaicin (which can boost metabolism), and is relatively low in carbs and protein. A typical tablespoon serving contains roughly 15-25 calories, depending on the recipe and oil content.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	45 kcal
Protein	1.2 g
Carbs	4.5 g
Fat	2.8 g
Fiber	1.5 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	380 mg
Vitamin C	15 mg
Vitamin A	120 mcg RAE
Potassium	110 mg
Iron	0.5 mg
Magnesium	12 mg
Manganese	0.2 mg
Vitamin B6	0.08 mg
Folate	15 mcg

Per 2 tablespoons (30 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, Sambal Bawang is a symbol of communal dining in Indonesia, often served in a shared bowl at the table. Nutritionally, its high capsaicin content not only adds heat but may also offer anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits, making it more than just a flavor enhancer.