What Is Sambal Oelek?

It’s easy to boil down the entire world of hot sauce to simply “sauce that makes things hot,” but then you’d miss the delicious nuances and varieties within the world of hot sauces. Today, we’ll be taking our magnifying glass to a specific type of spicy condiment: sambal oelek. 

What is sambal oelek?

Sambal oelek is a traditional Indonesian hot sauce. “Sambal” means chili sauce. In Indonesia, it’s typically just made with red chili peppers (often Thai chili peppers, but you can also use fresno chili peppers or even red jalapenos) crushed up in a mortar and pestle (aka “ulek”). Here in the U.S., the sauce is a bit more complex, with added salt and vinegar. 

What do I put sambal oelek on?

Sambal oelek is an extremely versatile chili paste that can be used on everything from grilled meats, to noodle dishes, to steamed vegetables (c’mon, you know you’re always looking for a way to jazz those up!). It’s also often used as a base for other sauces or condiments. Try mixing it with other condiments like mayo! 

Is sambal oelek gluten free?

Yes, sambal oelek can be gluten free, just be sure to check the label before purchasing! Always a good move when you’re gluten intolerant (that stuff can weasel its way into anywhere…I swear I tasted some gluten in my tap water the other day).

Does sambal oelek go bad?

One reason to purchase a jar of sambal oelek is its longevity. A bottle of sambal oelek can last at room temperature for about a year—up to 18 months if stored properly. At that rate, you’ll only need to buy a jar every couple years, which gives you lots of bang for your buck. 

Does sambal oelek need to be refrigerated?

Unopened, you can keep sambal oelek at room temperature. However, once it has been exposed to air, sambal oelek should be refrigerated for maximum freshness. 

Sambal oelek is a pantry/fridge staple. I shudder to think of how uncouth one might feel when their party grinds to a screeching halt after someone asks, “Where’s the sambal oelek?” and you have none to offer. Boy, would your face be red…when it should be red for a totally different reason!