Cap Ibu Sambal Balado (Padang Chili Sauce) Hot 220g

This is a classic and authentic Indonesian chili sauce, specifically representing the famous Balado style from the Padang region of West Sumatra. The brand "Cap Ibu" translates to "Mother's Brand," signifying a traditional, homestyle taste. It's a versatile, ready-to-use sauce that delivers the signature fiery, tangy, and savory taste of Balado without the need for extensive preparation.

The 220g jar or bottle is a common and convenient size.

Key Features

• Brand: Cap Ibu (Mother's Brand) - A well-known Indonesian brand for traditional condiments.

• Net Weight: 220g

• Type: Balado Sauce (Sambal Balado)

• Spice Level: Hot (Pedes). This is a genuinely spicy condiment.

• Flavor Profile: A vibrant and bold combination of fiery heat from red chilies, a distinct tanginess from calamansi or lime, and a deep savory umami base. It is less sweet and more focused on chili and acid compared to some other sambals.

What is Sambal Balado?

Balado is a cooking technique and flavor profile from the Minangkabau people of West Sumatra. It involves frying ingredients (like potatoes, eggs, or meat) and then tossing them in a sambal made primarily from ground red chilies, shallots, garlic, and a key ingredient: calamansi juice (or lime), which gives it a characteristic citrusy tang.

This product is a ready-made version of that foundational sambal paste.

How to Use It (Culinary Uses)

This sauce is incredibly versatile in Indonesian cuisine. You can use it in two main ways:

1. As a Ready-to-Use Condiment:

• Dipping Sauce: Serve as a dip for fried foods like tempeh, tofu, fish, or chicken.
• Table Condiment: Add a spoonful to your plate of rice and other dishes to instantly boost flavor and heat.

2. As a Cooking Base (the most common use):
This is where it truly shines. You can quickly recreate classic Padang dishes by using this sauce as a starter.

• Balado Fried Potatoes (Kentang Balado): Boil small potatoes, lightly fry them until golden, then sauté in a few spoonfuls of this sambal balado until coated.
• Balado Fried Eggs (Telur Balado): Fry eggs until the edges are crispy, then toss them in the sambal sauce.
• Balado Chicken or Beef (Ayam/Rendang Balado): Sauté pre-cooked chicken or beef with the sauce until well-integrated.
• Balado Terong (Eggplant Balado): Fry eggplant pieces until tender, then stir-fry with the sambal.

Pro Tip: For an even more authentic taste, many cooks briefly sauté the bottled sambal in a little hot oil before adding their main ingredient. This "blooms" the flavors and makes it taste freshly made.

Storage Instructions

• Unopened: Store in a cool, dry pantry.
• After Opening:** Must be refrigerated.** Always use a clean spoon to prevent contamination. The oil in the sauce may solidify slightly when cold; this is normal and will liquefy again at room temperature.