13 Best Substitutes For Sambal Oelek

Sambal Oelek is a type of Indonesian chili paste that is made from ground fresh red chili peppers and vinegar. It’s a popular ingredient in many Asian dishes and is often used as a condiment or marinade. However, if you don’t have any Sambal Oelek on hand or are looking for a substitute, there are several options that can provide similar flavors and heat levels. In this article, we’ll discuss 10 of the best substitutes for Sambal Oelek and how to use them.

What is Sambal Oelek?

Sambal Oelek is a hot sauce made from chili peppers, vinegar, and salt. It is a popular ingredient in Indonesian and Malaysian cuisine and is often used as a condiment or an ingredient in sauces and marinades.

Sambal Oelek is made by grinding together fresh chili peppers with vinegar and salt, resulting in a chunky, spicy sauce that can add heat and flavor to a wide variety of dishes. Sambal Oelek is widely available in most grocery stores and specialty food stores, but if you can’t find it or prefer a different flavor profile, there are plenty of substitutes you can use instead.

Best Substitutes For Sambal Oelek

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is a common spice that’s made from dried and ground cayenne chili peppers. It’s known for its pungent, hot flavor and bright red color. To use cayenne pepper as a substitute for Sambal Oelek, mix it with vinegar or water to create a paste. The paste should be thick and spicy, with a similar heat level to Sambal Oelek. However, keep in mind that cayenne pepper has a slightly different flavor profile than Sambal Oelek, so the final dish may taste slightly different.

Chili Garlic Sauce

Chili garlic sauce is a popular condiment that’s made from chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, and sugar. It has a similar heat level to Sambal Oelek and a similar consistency, making it an excellent substitute. To use chili garlic sauce as a substitute for Sambal Oelek, simply use it in the same amounts as the recipe calls for. Keep in mind that chili garlic sauce has a slightly sweeter flavor than Sambal Oelek, so adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe as necessary.

Sriracha Sauce

Sriracha sauce is a type of hot sauce that’s made from chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and salt. It’s known for its bright red color and spicy, tangy flavor. To use sriracha sauce as a substitute for Sambal Oelek, use it in the same amounts as the recipe calls for. Keep in mind that sriracha sauce has a slightly different flavor profile than Sambal Oelek, so the final dish may taste slightly different. However, sriracha sauce is a great substitute if you’re looking for a similar level of heat and consistency.

Harissa

Harissa is a type of North African chili paste that’s made from roasted red peppers, chili peppers, garlic, and spices. It has a smoky, spicy flavor that’s similar to Sambal Oelek. To use harissa as a substitute for Sambal Oelek, mix it with vinegar or water to create a paste. The paste should be thick and spicy, with a similar heat level to Sambal Oelek. Keep in mind that harissa has a slightly smoky flavor profile, so the final dish may taste slightly different.

Gochujang

Gochujang is a type of Korean chili paste that’s made from chili peppers, rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. It has a slightly sweet, spicy flavor that’s similar to Sambal Oelek. To use gochujang as a substitute for Sambal Oelek, mix it with vinegar or water to create a paste.

The paste should be thick and spicy, with a similar heat level to Sambal Oelek. Keep in mind that gochujang has a slightly different flavor profile, so the final dish may taste slightly different. However, gochujang is a great substitute if you’re looking for a similar consistency and level of spiciness.

Red Pepper Flakes

Red pepper flakes are made from dried and crushed red chili peppers. They’re commonly used as a spice and can add heat to many dishes. To use red pepper flakes as a substitute for Sambal Oelek, mix them with vinegar or water to create a paste. The paste should be thick and spicy, with a similar heat level to Sambal Oelek. Keep in mind that red pepper flakes have a slightly different texture than Sambal Oelek, so the final dish may have a slightly different mouthfeel.

Thai Red Curry Paste

Thai red curry paste is a type of spice blend that’s made from red chili peppers, lemongrass, garlic, ginger, and other spices. It has a spicy, complex flavor that’s similar to Sambal Oelek. To use Thai red curry paste as a substitute for Sambal Oelek, mix it with vinegar or water to create a paste. The paste should be thick and spicy, with a similar heat level to Sambal Oelek. Keep in mind that Thai red curry paste has a slightly different flavor profile, so the final dish may taste slightly different.

Green Tabasco Sauce

Green Tabasco sauce is a type of hot sauce that’s made from green chili peppers, vinegar, and salt. It has a tangy, spicy flavor that’s similar to Sambal Oelek. To use Green Tabasco sauce as a substitute for Sambal Oelek, use it in the same amounts as the recipe calls for. Keep in mind that Green Tabasco sauce has a slightly different flavor profile than Sambal Oelek, so the final dish may taste slightly different. However, Green Tabasco sauce is a great substitute if you’re looking for a similar level of heat and consistency.

Black Bean Sauce

Black bean sauce is a type of Chinese sauce that’s made from fermented black beans, garlic, and other spices. It has a savory, umami flavor that’s different from Sambal Oelek, but it can still provide a similar level of spiciness. To use black bean sauce as a substitute for Sambal Oelek, mix it with vinegar or water to create a paste. The paste should be thick and spicy, with a similar heat level to Sambal Oelek. Keep in mind that black bean sauce has a different flavor profile than Sambal Oelek, so the final dish may taste slightly different.

Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce

Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are made from smoked jalapeno peppers that are preserved in a tangy, slightly sweet tomato-based sauce. They have a smoky, spicy flavor that’s different from Sambal Oelek, but they can still provide a similar level of spiciness. To use chipotle peppers in adobo sauce as a substitute for Sambal Oelek, mix them with vinegar or water to create a paste. The paste should be thick and spicy, with a similar heat level to Sambal Oelek. Keep in mind that chipotle peppers in adobo sauce have a different flavor profile than Sambal Oelek, so the final dish may taste slightly different.

Habanero Peppers

Habanero peppers are one of the hottest chili peppers in the world. They have a fruity, floral flavor that’s different from Sambal Oelek, but they can still provide a similar level of spiciness. To use habanero peppers as a substitute for Sambal Oelek, blend them with vinegar or water to create a paste. The paste should be thick and spicy, with a similar heat level to Sambal Oelek. Keep in mind that habanero peppers have a different flavor profile than Sambal Oelek, so the final dish may taste slightly different.

Crushed Ginger and Garlic

If you don’t have any spicy condiments on hand, you can use a mixture of crushed ginger and garlic as a substitute for Sambal Oelek. This won’t provide the same level of spiciness as Sambal Oelek, but it will add a similar depth of flavor to your dish. To use crushed ginger and garlic as a substitute, mix them with a small amount of vinegar or water to create a paste. The paste should be thick and flavorful, with a similar flavor profile to Sambal Oelek.

Crushed Red Chili Peppers

Crushed red chili peppers are made from dried and crushed red chili peppers. They’re commonly used as a spice and can add heat to many dishes. To use crushed red chili peppers as a substitute for Sambal Oelek, mix them with vinegar or water to create a paste. The paste should be thick and spicy, with a similar heat level to Sambal Oelek. Keep in mind that crushed red chili peppers have a slightly different texture than Sambal Oelek, so the final dish may have a slightly different mouthfeel.

Conclusion

Sambal Oelek is a popular Indonesian chili paste that’s commonly used in many dishes. However, if you don’t have any Sambal Oelek on hand, there are many great substitutes that you can use. Whether you prefer something with a similar flavor profile, or you’re just looking for something that’s spicy, there are many great options to choose from. Try experimenting with some of these substitutes to find the one that works best for your dish.