Sambal Oelek is a spicy Indonesian chili paste made with hot red peppers. It’s typically made with hot red chile peppers, salt and vinegar. Some variations can contain onion, lemon, sugar, etc.

What can I substitute for sambal oelek?

Sambal Oelek Substitutes

  • Sriracha – often the best substitution.
  • Harissa – it will alter the final flavor of your dish, but can still be rather tasty.
  • Chinese Chili Sauce or Paste.
  • Any Basic Chili Paste.
  • Gochujang – has a deeper, more fermented flavor.

Is sambal oelek the same as chili sauce?

Basically, it is a type of chili garlic sauce, but the ingredients are different than conventional chili garlic sauces. Sambal oelek doesn’t have any sugar in it, which makes it a healthier option, and it’s great for people on a diet.

Where can I use sambal?

Traditionally sambal is used as an all-purpose condiment. It may be added to noodle dishes, soups, stews, meat, rice, and even eggs. Sambal can also be used to add heat and flavor to marinades, dips, sauces, and spreads. To make a spicy spread for sandwiches or burgers, mix sambal with ketchup or mayonnaise.

How do you use sambal oelek?

Add a dollop of sambal oelek to stir-fries and cook for another minute before plating, use it as a condiment for noodle dishes, grilled meat, fish and tofu, burgers or pizza (don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it), or even substitute it for hot sauce in your favorite chicken wings recipe.

Can I use gochujang instead of sambal oelek?

If you’re looking for a substitute for sambal oelek, then your best options are sriracha, gochujang, red pepper flakes, or harissa. While sambal oelek has chunky bits and chili seeds, gochujang and harissa are more like a paste, and sriracha has a shiny sauce texture.

What aisle is sambal oelek in?

Asian food section
Sambal oelek is available in most grocery stores in the Asian food section, right next to the sriracha.

How many types of sambal are there?

In the Indonesian archipelago, there are as many as 212 to 300 varieties of sambal. The intensity ranges from mild to very hot.

What can I use sambal for?

Is sambal oelek same as harissa?

Sambal oelek is perfect as a substitute since its solely chilies with a small amount of vinegar, water, and salt. It’s very neutral compared to harissa, so your recipe may not have the same spiced nuance. But if you dive into your own spice rack, you can layer in at least some of the harissa experience.

What’s the difference between gochujang and sambal oelek?

Gochujang is closer to tomato paste in terms of thickness; sambal oelek is more similar to stewed tomatoes. Sambal oelek consists mainly of chili peppers with some vinegar and salt. Because gochujang relies on more than just chili peppers for its flavor, it is not quite as hot as sambal oelek .