Extra Spicy Geprek
A fiery version of the classic sambal geprek that will challenge even the most heat-tolerant spice enthusiasts. This recipe cranks up the heat while maintaining the delicious flavors that make sambal geprek so popular.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into pieces
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- Oil for frying
For the Extra Spicy Sambal:
- 25 red chilies
- 10 bird's eye chilies
- 6 cloves garlic
- 3 shallots
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3 tbsp hot oil
- 1 tsp habanero powder (optional, for extreme heat)
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
- Coat the chicken in flour, ensuring each piece is well covered.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy, about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain on paper towels and set aside.
Making the Extra Spicy Sambal:
- Prepare the chilies by removing stems (keep all seeds for maximum heat).
- Slice the garlic and shallots thinly.
- In a mortar and pestle, grind chilies, garlic, shallots, salt, and sugar until you achieve a coarse paste.
- If using habanero powder, add it to the paste and mix well.
- Heat 3 tablespoons of oil until smoking hot.
- Pour the hot oil over the sambal mixture and mix well.
Assembly:
- Place the fried chicken on a serving plate.
- Spoon the extra spicy sambal generously over the chicken.
- Using a pestle or the back of a spoon, gently smash the chicken with the sambal.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice and cooling sides like cucumber or yogurt.
Chef's Tips
- Warning: This recipe is not for the faint of heart! Start with fewer chilies if you're unsure about your spice tolerance.
- Have cooling agents ready - yogurt, milk, or cucumber slices can help tame the heat if it becomes too intense.
- Toast the dried chilies before grinding for a deeper, smokier flavor.
- For an even more intense heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or extra habanero powder to the sambal.
Variations
- Extreme Heat Challenge: Add 1-2 ghost peppers or Carolina reapers for those who truly want to test their limits
- Sweet and Spicy: Add 1 tablespoon of honey to balance the extreme heat with sweetness
- Smoky Spice: Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky dimension
- Quick Alternative: If you're craving the heat but short on time, this fiery sambal delivers comparable intensity.
Storage
Best enjoyed fresh. The sambal can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but note that the heat level may intensify over time.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes