5.0 from 3 votes
Sambal Oelek Recipe (Indonesian Chili Paste)
This Indonesian sambal oelek recipe is an easy, and fast to make chili paste. Featuring a carefully calibrated balance of Fresno and red bird’s eye chilies, this robust spicy condiment adds an addictive spicy depth to dishes like noodles, soups, and grilled foods.
Prep Time
3 mins
Cook Time
3 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 8 ounces
Calories: 12 kcal
Course:
Condiments
Cuisine:
Indonesian
Ingredients
- 100 grams Fresno chilies stems removed
- 100 grams red bird’s eye chilies stems removed
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic optional
- ½ cup water
- 2 teaspoons salt or to taste
Instructions
- Remove the stems from the Fresno chilies and red bird’s eye chilies. Place the chilies in a food processor or mortar and pestle along with the vinegar, garlic cloves (if using), and water. Blend until a chunky paste forms, with visible seeds throughout.
- Transfer the puréed mixture to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the pepper pieces have softened and the sauce is thicker.
- Stir in the salt.
- Remove from the heat and let the sauce cool. Transfer the sauce to sterilized jars. Store in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to three weeks.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- 🔥 Raw and SpicyFor a hotter and brighter sambal, skip the simmering. While some traditional sambal oelek recipes skip simmering, they don't have as long a shelf life due to the presence of bacteria and enzymes. The cooking also softens the pepper bits, making it a more versatile condiment.
- 🔥
- Raw and Spicy
- 🧤 Glove UpWear gloves when handling hot chilies to prevent skin burns. Capsaicin can cause irritation, so protect yourself from accidental contact.
- 🧤
- Glove Up
- 💨 Breathe EasyGrind or cook the paste in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling spicy fumes. Use an exhaust fan or open windows with a fan running to circulate the air.
- 💨
- Breathe Easy
Nutrition Information
Calories
12kcal
(1%)
Carbohydrates
2g
(1%)
Protein
1g
(2%)
Fat
0.1g
(0%)
Saturated Fat
0.01g
(0%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.1g
Monounsaturated Fat
0.01g
Sodium
585mg
(24%)
Potassium
84mg
(2%)
Fiber
0.4g
(2%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Vitamin A
238IU
(5%)
Vitamin C
36mg
(40%)
Calcium
6mg
(1%)
Iron
0.3mg
(2%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8ounces
Amount Per Serving
Calories 12
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 12kcal | 1% |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 0.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.01g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.01g | 0% |
| Sodium | 585mg | 24% |
| Potassium | 84mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 0.4g | 2% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 238IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 36mg | 40% |
| Calcium | 6mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.3mg | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.