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Homemade Sambal Oelek Recipe

Ignite your taste buds with this authentic Homemade Sambal Oelek recipe! A staple in Malaysian and Thai cuisine, this fiery chili paste is incredibly easy to make. 'Oelek' means grinding, so you're creating a vibrant, ground chili sambal from scratch. Perfect for adding a fiery kick to noodles, stir-fries, or as a dipping sauce. Plus, it freezes beautifully for later use!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Calories 1848 kcal
Protein 64g
Rating 2.7 (11 Reviews)
Homemade Sambal Oelek 14

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Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Homemade Sambal Oelek

  • Red Chile
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1 inch ginger, peeled
  • Lemongrass
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • Zest of 1 lime

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How to Make Homemade Sambal Oelek

  1. Combine the chilies, garlic, ginger, and lemongrass in a food processor or use a mortar and pestle.
  2. Process until finely chopped, gradually adding the vinegar until a smooth paste forms. If using a mortar and pestle, grind until a smooth paste is achieved, adding vinegar as needed.
  3. Transfer the chili paste to a small saucepan.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. Stir in the sugar until it dissolves completely.
  7. Stir in the salt and lime zest.
  8. Remove from heat and let cool completely before transferring to sterilized jars or containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

4 g

Sugar

1029g

Fat

21g

Carbs

143g

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Cuisine Preparation Occasion Appetizers Condiments Etc Asian Thai Vegan Vegetarian Herb And Spice Mixes Food Processor Blender Freezer Dietary Gifts Spicy Gluten Free Oamc Freezer Make Ahead Cooking Mixes Free Of Something Taste Mood Equipment Small Appliance Number Of Servings