🇲🇾 Malaysia · Food
Terung Belacan
By eatmundo · August 4, 2026
🇲🇾 MYA flavorful Malaysian dish of pan-fried eggplant coated in a spicy, savory shrimp paste sauce. It is a smoky and umami-packed vegetarian-friendly classic if you omit the shrimp.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Cut 3 eggplants into long, bite-sized strips and soak them in salted water for 10 minutes to remove any bitterness.
- 2
Heat 3 tbsp oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the eggplant strips until they are soft and golden brown, then drain.
- 3
Soak 2 tbsp dried shrimp in warm water for 5 minutes, then drain and finely chop them.
- 4
In the same pan, sauté 4 minced garlic cloves and the chopped dried shrimp until golden and fragrant.
- 5
Add 1 tbsp sambal and stir-fry for 1 minute until the oil starts to turn red and aromatic.
- 6
Return the eggplant to the pan, add 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp sugar, and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- 7
Cook for another 2 minutes, ensuring the eggplant absorbs the sambal flavor without becoming mushy.
- 8
Remove from heat and serve hot, ideally as a side dish for a larger spread of Malay dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is belacan?+
Belacan is a pungent Malaysian fermented shrimp paste that adds intense umami; sambal made with it is essential for the authentic taste.
Can I grill the eggplant instead?+
Yes, grilling or roasting the eggplant gives it a lovely smoky flavor, though pan-frying is the most traditional method.
Is this spicy?+
The spice level depends on the sambal you use, but it is typically a moderately spicy dish.
What can I use instead of dried shrimp?+
If you don't have dried shrimp, you can use a small amount of fish sauce or just rely on the belacan for that umami punch.
🇲🇾 MYMundo Match
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