10-Minute Sambal Oelek Red Chili Paste (Better Than Walmart!)

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This 10-minute Sambal Oelek recipe takes red chili peppers, vinegar, salt, garlic, and lime to make the famous Indonesian chili paste that’s absolutely bursting with flavor! We guarantee it tastes better than the storebought sambal oelek you’ll find in Walmart!

What is Sambal Oelek Red Chili Paste?

In the Indonesian language, the word “sambal” means chili paste, and the word “oelek” means ground with a moljacete. Traditionally, sambal oelek is made with freshly ground red chili peppers and as such, is often spicier than the typical chili sauce like Sriracha.

When I lived in Indonesia, my housekeeper made sambal oelek using a moljacete fresh every week. And let me tell you: we’d eat every bit of her delicious sambal by the end of the week! Trust me, once you try making your own sambal oelek, there’s no going back! This Indonesian red chili paste adds so much flavor to anything you add it to, and is SO easy to make.

Of course, you can buy Sambal Oelek from your local grocery store like Walmart. But, once you realize how simple and quick it is to make on your own Sambal Oelek, there’s no reason you’ll buy the storebought red chili paste ever again!

Sambal Oelek Red Chili Paste is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.

What You Need to Make Better-Than-Walmart Sambal Oelek

• 1 pound red chili peppers , washed & de-stemmed
• 3 tbsp oil
• 2 tbsp vinegar
• 1 tbsp salt
• 3 cloves garlic , minced
• ¾ tbsp palm sugar (sub brown sugar)

How to Make Better-Than-Walmart Sambal Oelek

1. Heat oil in a wok or skillet on medium-high heat. Add in red chili peppers and garlic. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until garlic is fragrant and chili peppers are soft.
2. Remove from heat and transfer the ingredients into a molcajete. Add all the remaining ingredients and grind until a rough paste forms. Alternatively, you can add all of the ingredients into a food processor and pulse until roughly combined.
3. Add sambal oelek into a jar and cover tightly. Refrigerate the red chili paste until ready to use. ENJOY!

PRO TIP: Make double batches of Sambal Oelek, one to eat as is and one to make Sambal Aioli!

How to Use Sambal Oelek Chili Paste:

Our homemade sambal oelek pairs exceptionally well with various recipe, including:

• fried rice
• ramen
• pad thai
• dumplings
• stir-fry
• rice bowls
• burgers (also works great with Sambal Aioli!)
• and more!

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If you make this Sambal Oelek recipe, please drop a comment below! I’d LOVE to know what you think! Or take a picture and share it on Instagram by tagging @dwellbymichelle!

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