Balado eggs are a delicious Indonesian dish that features hard-boiled eggs coated in a spicy sambal sauce. Originating from West Sumatra, they’re a staple of Padang cuisine and perfect for any meal. With a crispy exterior and adjustable spice levels, they pair wonderfully with steamed rice and various side dishes. You’ll discover a rich culinary heritage in every bite. If you want to explore how to make this flavorful dish, keep going for more tips and recipes.
Key Takeaways
- Balado Eggs are a traditional West Sumatra dish featuring hard-boiled eggs coated in a spicy sambal balado sauce.
- The sambal sauce is made from tomatoes, red chilies, shallots, and garlic, allowing for customizable spice levels.
- The dish is often served with steamed rice and can be enjoyed as a main or side dish.
- It reflects the rich culinary heritage of Indonesian cuisine, showcasing regional flavors and cooking methods.
- Balado Eggs are nutritious, providing a good source of protein and energy, perfect for varied meal planning.
History
When you explore the history of Telur Balado, you’ll discover its roots in West Sumatra, Indonesia, where it stands as a staple of Padang cuisine.
This dish features hard-boiled eggs coated in a vibrant sambal balado sauce, crafted from a blend of chili peppers, garlic, shallots, and tomatoes.
As you delve deeper, you’ll find that Telur Balado holds significant cultural importance in Indonesian society, often gracing tables during traditional celebrations and communal meals.
Its preparation showcases the region’s indigenous ingredients and culinary diversity, reflecting the essence of West Sumatra’s rich food heritage.
Over time, Telur Balado has gained popularity beyond Indonesia, becoming a beloved spicy food in various Southeast Asian communities and among global food enthusiasts.
Recipe
Telur Balado, or Balado Eggs, is a vibrant and spicy dish that showcases the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine. The dish features hard-boiled eggs that are first fried to achieve a golden, crispy exterior, making them the perfect canvas for the flavorful sambal sauce. This sauce, made from a blend of tomatoes, red chilies, shallots, and garlic, delivers a delightful punch that’s both aromatic and delicious.
Telur Balado features crispy fried eggs enveloped in a spicy sambal sauce, showcasing the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine.
Balado Eggs can be enjoyed as a main dish or served as a side, typically paired with steamed rice to balance the heat and enhance the overall meal experience.
To get started, gather your ingredients and prepare your workspace. The key to achieving the perfect Balado Eggs lies in the frying technique and the balance of flavors in the sambal sauce. You can easily adjust the spiciness of the dish by modifying the number of chilies according to your preference. This recipe will guide you through the steps to create a mouthwatering plate of Telur Balado that will surely impress family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 6 hard-boiled eggs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 red chilies (adjust to taste)
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 4 shallots
- 3 cloves of garlic
- Salt (to taste)
- Sugar (to taste)
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by peeling the hard-boiled eggs and heating vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Carefully add the eggs to the hot oil, frying them until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside, then remove them and set aside.
In the same pan, add the chopped shallots, garlic, and red chilies, sautéing until fragrant. Next, add the diced tomatoes, cooking the mixture down until thickened. Season with salt and sugar to taste.
Finally, return the fried eggs to the pan, coating them thoroughly with the sambal sauce, allowing the flavors to meld for a few minutes before serving.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of tamarind juice or a pinch of lime juice to the sambal sauce for a tangy twist. If you’re looking for a richer taste, you can also try adding some toasted coconut or finely chopped herbs like cilantro or basil for garnish.
Remember to adjust the spice level to your liking by experimenting with different types of chilies or by removing the seeds for a milder sauce. Enjoy your homemade Telur Balado with a side of steamed rice to complete the experience!
Cooking Steps
To make delicious Balado Eggs, you’ll start by boiling the eggs until they’re firm.
Next, you’ll prepare the sambal sauce and fry the eggs until they’re golden brown.
Finally, simmer the eggs in the sauce before serving them with steamed rice.
Step 1. Boil Eggs Until Firm
Boiling eggs until firm is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Start by placing your eggs in a saucepan and covering them with cold water, making sure the water level is about an inch above the eggs.
Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, cover the pan and remove it from the heat, letting the eggs sit for 9-12 minutes for hard-boiled eggs, depending on their size and your desired firmness.
After the time’s up, transfer the eggs to an ice bath or run them under cold water for a few minutes. This halts the cooking process and makes peeling easier.
When cooled, gently tap and roll the eggs on a hard surface before peeling, starting from the wider end.
Step 2. Prepare Sambal Balado Sauce
Once you’ve got your hard-boiled eggs ready, it’s time to whip up the sambal balado sauce that will elevate their flavor.
Start by blending 2-3 ripe tomatoes, 3 red chili peppers, ½ brown onion or 1 shallot, and 3 minced garlic cloves until smooth.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat and add the blended mixture. Sauté for about 3 minutes until fragrant.
Next, season with salt and sugar to taste, balancing those flavors perfectly. For an extra layer of flavor, toss in 5 kaffir lime leaves or some lime zest while cooking.
Let the sauce simmer until it thickens, ensuring it clings nicely to the eggs when added. Enjoy this delightful Indonesian dish!
Step 3. Fry Eggs Until Golden Brown
Get ready to create a crispy, golden brown exterior on your hard-boiled eggs.
Start by heating oil in a pot to about 175°C (350°F). While the oil heats, prick the hard-boiled eggs all over with a fork; this helps develop a crispy skin.
Once the oil’s hot, carefully fry the eggs for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, turning them until they’re golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcook them.
After frying, set the eggs aside on a strainer to let excess oil drain off, keeping them from getting soggy.
These perfectly fried eggs will enhance the flavor absorption and texture when you serve with Telur in your delicious Indonesian spicy sambal sauce.
Step 4. Simmer in Sambal Sauce
Return the golden brown fried eggs to the frying pan with the sautéed sambal balado mixture.
Adjust the seasoning of the sambal sauce with salt and sugar to your taste before adding the eggs.
Pour in a small amount of water to help the sauce simmer and meld with the eggs, then bring it to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the eggs.
For an extra layer of flavor, toss in kaffir lime leaves or lime zest during the simmering process.
This will elevate your sambal sauce, making your Telur Balado an irresistible dish bursting with taste.
Step 5. Serve With Steamed Rice
After letting the eggs soak up the rich sambal balado sauce, it’s time to plate your dish.
Scoop a generous serving of fluffy steamed rice onto the plate; jasmine or white rice works best as it balances the spicy flavors of Telur Balado. The rice absorbs the heat from the sambal, creating a harmonious meal.
Next, carefully arrange the eggs over the rice, making sure to drizzle some extra sambal on top for added flavor.
For an extra touch, garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions. This popular Indonesian dish is best enjoyed with a side of fresh vegetable stir-fry or salad, adding nutritional variety and enhancing your dining experience.
Enjoy your delicious creation!
Final Thoughts
While you might think of eggs as a simple ingredient, Telur Balado proves that they can be transformed into a culinary masterpiece. This Indonesian egg dish showcases hard-boiled eggs coated in a spicy, tangy sauce that’s addictively delicious.
Using a food processor, you can whip up the sauce in no time, blending tomatoes, chili peppers, garlic, and shallots. By frying the eggs on medium heat, you create a perfect balance of richness and spice.
The beauty of Telur Balado lies in its versatility; you can adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Whether served with steamed rice or vegetables, this dish reflects the rich culinary heritage of West Sumatra, making it a delightful addition to your meals. Additionally, similar to Brazilian dishes like rice and corn-based meals, Telur Balado serves as a great source of energy and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Telur Balado in English?
Imagine savoring a dish that dances on your taste buds, offering a symphony of flavors.
When you ask what “Telur Balado” means in English, you’re looking at “Eggs in Spicy Sauce.”
This delightful dish features hard-boiled eggs enveloped in a vibrant, fiery sauce made from tomatoes and chili peppers.
It’s a culinary adventure from West Sumatra that promises to awaken your senses and spice up your meal, making each bite an exciting experience.
What Is Balado Made Of?
Balado sauce is a vibrant blend of fresh tomatoes, red chili peppers, shallots or onions, and garlic. You can adjust the amount of chili to match your spice preference.
Season it with salt and sugar for balance, and consider adding kaffir lime leaves or lime zest for an extra burst of flavor.
Once you blend these ingredients into a smooth puree, sauté it in oil to create a fragrant, delicious sauce that elevates any dish.
What Does Balado Taste Like?
Ever wondered if a sauce can be both spicy and sweet? Balado’s got you covered!
With its bold red chilies delivering a kick, you’ll also taste the sweetness from tomatoes and the aromatic garlic and shallots. A tangy hint from lime adds depth, while the balance of salt and sugar makes it addictive.
Each bite bursts with complex flavors that dance on your palate, making it a true delight for spice lovers!
Is Sambal Balado Spicy?
Yes, sambal balado is spicy! If you love heat, you’ll appreciate its bold flavor, primarily from fresh red chili peppers.
You can adjust the spice level based on how many chilies you add, so start with 1-3 if you’re not used to it. The sweetness of tomatoes and sugar balances the heat, creating a deliciously complex taste.
Plus, extra spices like garlic and shallots boost the overall flavor, making it even more enticing.
Chloe is the go-to for classic Southern comfort food. From buttery biscuits to crispy fried chicken, Chloe knows how to whip up soul-warming meals that make you feel at home. She also loves hosting outdoor barbecues and picnics, bringing a touch of Southern hospitality to every dish.
