Top Recipes to Try With MindoFoods Vegetarian Belacan Chilli

Belacan chilli, you either hate it or love it. This Malay recipe is a popular condiment in both Singapore and Malaysian food culture. It adds flavour and spice to your dish and can even be eaten with plain rice! 

While traditional belacan chilli may not be the healthiest, our vegetarian belacan chilli is made with plant based ingredients that taste just as excellent! 

The Ingredients

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Our vegetarian belacan chilli is made from a selected blend of high-quality ingredients. It delivers the bold and authentic taste of the traditional recipe while remaining plant-based. The blend of chilli paste and water forms the base, providing heat and smoothness. 

Lime is added for a zesty citrus flavour, balancing the spiciness with a touch of acidity. Instead of traditional shrimp paste, we use vegetarian mushroom seasoning for a rich umami flavour. The addition of salt ensures a well balanced flavour. 

We also use yeast extract to compliment the spiciness of the chilli. To ensure versatility. This makes it easier to incorporate into various dishes. 

To preserve the freshness and quality of the product, we include approved preservatives like sorbic acid and benzoic acid. Finally, a touch of lactic acid is added to give a subtle tang – all products are HALAL certified.

The History of Belacan Chilli and Why People Love It

Belacan is a chilli condiment that was produced in Malacca over 2 centuries ago. Some say it came from Penang while others claim it originated from Java, Indonesia. Regardless of its origin, it has deep roots in Southeast Asian cuisine and that’s why it is so beloved. 

It has added flavour and zest to many dishes throughout the region. It’s a staple in most Southeast Asian kitchens and it continues to play a vital role in both traditional and modern cooking. Here are more reasons why belacan chilli is so beloved: 

• Versatility: Belacan chilli can be used in many different ways. You can add it to a simple plate of rice, mix it into stir fried or use it as a dipping sauce. 

• Spiciness: Southeast Asians love spicy food. Cooking with belacan gives our dishes that fiery kick! It also adds more flavour and depth to our food. 

• Umami Taste: Belacan has that rich umami taste that adds a savoury depth to your dish. This “fifth taste” is often described as a pleasant broth-like or meaty flavour. It is a perfect complement to many ingredients. 

• Ease of Use: It’s so easy to cook with belacan chilli. All you need is a spoonful of belacan to enhance your dish. Its convenience makes it a favourite for both experienced chefs and home cooks. 

• Cultural Significance: Belacan chilli is more than a condiment – it’s a link to culture and heritage. Its presence in Southeast Asian culture has turned it into a culinary symbol. Families have passed down recipes for generations, preserving its cultural heritage. 

Recipe Ideas

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• Belacan Chilli Fried Rice: Elevate your fried rice game with belacan chilli. Heat some oil in a wok then saute garlic and onions until fragrant. Toss in a bunch of mixed vegetables such as carrots, peas and bell peppers – stir fry until tender.
  Add a spoonful of belacan chilli for a spicy, umami hit. For protein, consider adding tofu or tempeh and stir fry until golden. Top your dish with a fried egg and sprinkle some spring onions for added flavour.

• Vegetarian Laksa: Add 2 tablespoons of our vegetarian curry paste and 1 table spoon of belacan. Add 1/2 tea spoon laksa leaves, 200g of water and add your protein of choice (fried tofu, prawn, chicken, etc.) and don’t forget the noodles.
  80-100g will do along with 50g of coconut milk. Consider adding MindoFoods multi-purpose seasoning salt for extra taste if necessary.

• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Add a tablespoon of belacan into your stir-fried vegetables. Start by heating a little oil in a wok and saute some garlic until fragrant. Add your favourite greens like kangkong, bok choy or broccoli – stir fry until tender.
  Add in the belacan chilli for a tangy, spicy kick. Consider adding tofu or tempeh for protein. This will turn simple greens into a tasty side dish or main course.

• Chilli Tofu Scramble: Spice up your tofu scramble with belacan chilli. Saute crumbled tofu with garlic and onions for added flavour. Add your favourite veggies like mushroom, spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
  Add the belacan chilli once the tofu and veggies are cooked. The rich umami flavour will complement the tofus texture, making a protein packed dish. It is best served on toast or rice for a quick meal.

• Chilli Dipping Sauce: Create your own dipping sauce by mixing belacan chilli, soy sauce, lime juice and a bit of sugar. This sauce pairs well with fried or steamed dumplings, spring rolls, or grilled tofu.
  You can even use it as a dip for fresh vegetables or a drizzle over roasted dishes.

Why Plant Based Products? 

Living the plant based life is both a conscious choice and a lifestyle change. It’s been gaining popularity in recent years with many people recognising the benefits of plant based food. For starters, these products are a great source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. 

They can boost your immune system and improve overall health. At MindoFoods, we strive to provide every household with delicious plant based options that you can easily cook with. 

Our vegetarian belacan chilli is only the tip of the iceberg as we have a bunch of other products to showcase. Head over our shop to find out more! 

Conclusion

Belacan chilli is a staple in Southeast Asian cuisine. It has been used for decades, enhancing countless dishes while enforcing cultural significance across the region. Our vegetarian rendition may be unconventional, but it stays true to the bold flavours and rich heritage of the original. 

This healthier alternative may even prompt your transition into plant based cuisine! So order yourself a bottle and start experimenting with these recipes because we’d love to see what you create. 

Contact us to find out more!