Skip to main content

Join The Table to earn rewards.

Already a member?

What can I substitute for sambal oelek, pls?

Sara
  • Posted by: Sara
  • April 15, 2014
  • 11074 views
  • 3 Comments

3 Comments

Order By
Threads
DJ D.
DJ D.April 1, 2015
Sambals are now readily available on US supermarket shelves. Technically speaking, a sambal of the oelek variety is a basic formulation, just a few ingredients, "add more according to your current need." One way to substitute is to obtain a "chile garlic sauce," then adjust the garlic in the recipe if you are so inclined. Some would suggest using a Sriracha sauce as a sub, but be aware that it has sugar in it, so be cautious.
London_Eats
London_EatsApril 16, 2014
This is used a lot in Indonesian cookery - it is basically a raw chili paste with a bit of oil, and ground make a smooth paste.

So if you need a substitute, just add some minced chilies, but be careful how you do this – I find that the fresh ones are hotter than sambal paste, so taste as you go, rather than doing a 1:1 substitution.
pierino
pierinoApril 16, 2014
You could substitute a Chinese garlic sauce (not very hard to find). You could also use sriracha although depending on the dish you are attempting you might need to dilute it a little.
Showing 3 out of 3 Comments
Recommended by Food52

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience.

When you visit our website, we collect and use personal information about you using cookies. You may opt out of selling, sharing, or disclosure of personal data for targeted advertising (called "Do Not Sell or Share" in California) by enabling the Global Privacy Control on a compatible browser. See our Privacy Policy for further information.