Sambal Oelek is a hot chili paste that makes a wonderful spicy condiment for most Asian or Asian-inspired recipes! This copycat recipe can be made with Thai chilis, Fresno chilis, or red serrano peppers depending on how hot you like it. It tastes just like the real thing, but without all of the preservatives!
Copycat Sambal Oelek Recipe
Sambal Oelek red chili paste can be used for anything from seasoning noodle dishes to adding heat to stir-fries! It's a great condiment to have on hand, especially if you enjoy cooking Asian cuisine.
You only need a few ingredients and about 5 minutes of time to make chili paste from scratch. Once you give it a taste, you'll be wondering why you didn't try it sooner!
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What Is Sambal Oelek
Sambal Oelek is an Indonesian red chili paste made with raw hot red chili peppers, vinegar, and salt. The traditional recipe is really that simple and is typically made with very few ingredients.
The Sambal Oelek many of us are familiar with today comes in a jar that can be found on the Asian food aisle at the grocery store. These recipes sometimes contain additional ingredients and preservatives, that's why making it at home with fresh ingredients is the way to go!
🥘 Sambal Oelek Ingredients
Truthfully, you only need 3 ingredients to make chili paste from scratch. Some variations of Sambal Olek may include garlic, lime juice, and other ingredients (which I like to include from time to time), but the classic recipe is simply chilis, vinegar, and salt.
- Red Chilis - 1 pound of red chilis. Thai chilis are traditional, or Fresno chilis, or red serranos.
- Rice Vinegar - 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar.
- Salt - 1 tablespoon of salt.
- Garlic Cloves (optional) - 2 garlic cloves.
- Lime Juice (optional) - 1 teaspoon of lime juice, fresh is best.
*Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!*
🔪 How To Make Sambel Oelek
You don't have to cook a thing to make chili paste at home! You'll need either a food processor, blender, or mortar and pestle, as well as a silicone spatula.
This recipe makes 2 cups of Sambal Oelek and you can add a little or a lot to your favorite dishes depending on how hot you like things!
- Dice the chilis. Remove the stems from 1 pound of red chili peppers and dice them up seeds and all.
- Blend. Add the diced chilis, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of salt (as well as 2 garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of lime juice if using) to a food processor or blender. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides occasionally and pulse or blend until smooth paste forms.
- Refrigerate. Transfer to an airtight jar and store in the refrigerator until needed.
Try adding this homemade chili paste to drunken noodles or pork belly ramen! It also adds a punch of flavor to chicken stir-fries and soups! Enjoy!
💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes
- For the closest chili paste to Sambal Oelek, use Thai chilis. However, these are very hot! So if you don't like things super spicy, try using Fresno chilis, red serranos, or red jalapenos. You could also use cayenne peppers, but again, hot!
- To add a little sweetness to the heat, try mixing in ¾ tablespoons of palm sugar or brown sugar.
- For a richer depth of flavor, you can wok fry the chilis and/or garlic in a bit of oil for a few minutes before blending them.
- In place of a food processor or blender, a mortar and pestle can also be used to make this chili paste.
🥡 Storing
Keep your homemade Sambal Oelek in an airtight container in the fridge. The vinegar will keep it fresh for up to 3 months.
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❓ Recipe FAQs
Though similar, Sambal Oelek is less processed than Sriracha because of its short ingredient list. Sriracha also includes a small amount of sugar, which is not typical for Indonesian chili paste.
When stored properly in the refrigerator, homemade chili paste can last for a month or two. The salt and vinegar help keep the chilis fresh for longer.
To freeze your chili paste, you can put it into small airtight containers or an ice cube tray for easy-to-grab portions. It will freeze well for 3-4 months.
😋 More DIY Condiments
- Big Mac Sauce - A perfect copycat of Mcdonald's signature burger sauce.
- Red Wine Reduction Sauce - This rich and tangy sauce is the perfect thing for dressing up steaks and roasts.
- Cajun Dipping Sauce - A creamy and zesty sauce that is perfect for french fries, chicken, alligator, shrimp, and so much more!
- Sweet and Sour Sauce - Get the same great sweet and tangy flavor as your favorite takeout restaurant from the comfort of your own home!
- Hawaiian BBQ Sauce - This teriyaki-style BBQ sauce made with pineapple juice is a great addition to grilled chicken or shrimp!
- Cheese Sauce for Broccoli - Even the kids will want to eat their broccoli when it's covered in this creamy cheese sauce!
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📖 Recipe Card
Sambal Oelek
Ingredients
- 1 lb red chilis (Thai chilis, Fresno chilis, or red serranos)
- 2 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 garlic cloves (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice (optional)
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
- Remove the stems from your chili peppers and dice them up seeds and all.
- Add the diced chilis, vinegar, and salt (as well as the garlic and lime juice if using) to a food processor or blender. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides occasionally and pulse or blend until smooth paste forms.
- Transfer to an airtight jar and store in the refrigerator until needed.
Notes
- For the closest chili paste to Sambal Oelek, use Thai chilis. However, these are very hot! So if you don't like things super spicy, try using Fresno chilis, red serranos, or red jalapenos. You could also use cayenne peppers, but again, hot!
- To add a little sweetness to the heat, try mixing in ¾ tablespoon of palm sugar or brown sugar.
- For a richer depth of flavor, you can wok fry the chilis and/or garlic in a bit of oil for a few minutes before blending them.
- In place of a food processor or blender, a mortar and pestle can also be used to make this chili paste.
- To store: Keep your homemade Sambal Oelek in an airtight container in the fridge. The vinegar will keep it fresh for up to 1 month.
Claudia says
In the picture of ingredients It looks like you have shallots next to the garlic cloves - but you do not have it listed in the recipe? Are they supposed to be used?
Angela Latimer says
No, I just don't usually have fresh shallots on hand. I sauteed them for another dish at the same time.
Mackenzi Hermeier says
Can I can this to make it shelf stable?
Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com says
Yes, but here are a few things I recommend for longer storage:
1) To can your sambal oelek, reduce the rice vinegar used. This applies to both water bath and pressure canning.
2) To freeze the chili paste, omit the vinegar.
Terri says
Thank you so much for sharing this recipe. It is exactly what I was looking for. The chili paste I use is no longer made and I have tried others that are too mild. I made this with Fresno chilis and my Kung Pao stir fry turned out just like it used to with some hot spice that has been missing.
Rick S says
Best copycat recipe I've tried, very authentic tasting, thanks!
SUH Seung Ji says
Ni Hao! Thanks for this. I make about 99% of everything I eat from scratch, but have been lazy about Olek Sambal. But it’s no longer available anywhere, and everything else has garlic, etc….so home made it is.