Sambal Goreng Labu Siam: Chayote in Coconut Sambal Gravy

Method10 steps · about 1 hr 10 min

1. 1

   Step 1: Cut the chayotes (2) in half and rub the two halves against each other until the white thick sap comes out. Remove the sap. Peel and julienne the two halves into thin strips. Place the julienned chayotes in a colander, sprinkle with 1 tsp salt, set aside.

   Uses 2 chayotes (labu siam) · 1 tsp salt for chayote sweating, rinsed away

2. 2

   Step 2: If using dried shrimp (1 tsp), soak it in warm water for 5 minutes and drain. Blend the red chillies (2), shallots (8) and garlic (4 cloves) into a smooth paste, including the soaked drained shrimp if using.

   Soak optional dried shrimp before blending · 5 minUses 2 big red chillies, chopped · 8 shallots, peeled and chopped · 4 cloves garlic, peeled, and chopped · 1 tsp dried shrimp (optional), soaked and drained · Warm water as needed to soak optional dried shrimp, drained

3. 3

   Step 3: Wash the chayotes thoroughly, removing all the excess salt, and drain.

   Uses salt-sweated julienned chayote

4. 4

   Step 4: Heat the vegetable oil (3 tbsp) in a wok over high heat, then sautee the blended spices, galangal (2 cm) and salam leaves (2) until fragrant, around 2 minutes.

   Sauté chayote sambal paste and herbs · 2 minUses 3 tbsp vegetable oil · chayote sambal paste · 2 cm galangal, bruised · 2 salam leaves

5. 5

   Step 5: Add salt (to taste) and sugar (0.5 tsp).

   Uses fried chayote paste and herbs · Salt to taste · 0.5 tsp sugar

6. 6

   Step 6: Add the drained chayote and the whole bird’s-eye chillies if using, and stir-fry for about 1 minute.

   Stir-fry chayote strips · 1 minUses seasoned fried chayote paste · rinsed drained chayote strips · 5 whole bird eye’s chillies (Optional)

7. 7

   Step 7: Add water (1 cup) and coconut milk (400 ml), stir, and reduce the heat to medium low.

   Uses chayote in fried spice mixture · 1 cup water · 400 ml coconut milk

8. 8

   Step 8: When it gently boils, continue cooking for around 7 minutes. Adjust the seasoning.

   Simmer Chayote · 7 minUses chayote coconut gravy

9. 9

   Step 9: The vegetable is ready when it is soft, but not falling apart.

   Uses simmered chayote coconut gravy

10. 10

    Step 10: Turn off the heat and transfer the dish to a serving bowl.

    Uses tender chayote in coconut gravy