Spice up your kitchen with this bold and fiery **Homemade Sambal Oelek**, a versatile Indonesian chili paste that’s made fresh in just 15 minutes! Featuring vibrant red chilies (bird’s eye or long red preferred), garlic, white vinegar, and a touch of sugar, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of heat, tang, and subtle sweetness. Its coarse, rustic texture offers a more authentic flavor compared to store-bought versions, and it’s incredibly simple to make with ingredients you likely already have on hand. Whether used as a condiment, a sauce base, or a zesty stir-in for noodles and soups, this sambal oelek is your one-stop ticket to elevating your favorite dishes with a punch of heat. Plus, it’s refrigerator-friendly, staying fresh for up to two weeks. Perfect for chili enthusiasts seeking homemade heat!
Rinse the red chilies under cold water and pat them dry. Remove the stems. If you prefer less heat, you can also remove the seeds, but this is optional.
Peel and roughly chop the garlic cloves.
In a food processor or blender, combine the red chilies, garlic, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and 2 tablespoons of water. Blend until the mixture becomes a coarse paste. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Transfer the chili paste to a small saucepan and place it over medium heat.
Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it slightly thickens and the flavors meld together. Be careful not to overcook or let it burn.
Let the sambal oelek cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or jar.
Store in the refrigerator and use within 2-3 weeks. Enjoy it as a condiment, sauce base, or stir-in for noodles, soups, or rice dishes.
Serving size | 265.4 grams (265.4g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 120 |
Total Fat 0.90g | 1% |
Saturated Fat 0.10g | 1% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g | |
Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
Sodium 333mg | 14% |
Total Carbohydrate 27.30g | 10% |
Dietary Fiber 7.20g | 26% |
Total Sugars 14.90g | |
Protein 4.60g | 9% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 92mg | 7% |
Iron 2mg | 13% |
Potassium 1506mg | 32% |
Source of Calories