Out of Sambal oelek chili paste, one case
Sambal oelek chili paste substitutes
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Red pepper flakes + oil + salt
1 tsp flakes + 1 tbsp oil + pinch salt
The best sambal oelek chili paste substitutes are Red Pepper Flakes + Oil + Salt, Gochujang, and Sriracha. Mix 1 tsp flakes + 1 tbsp oil + pinch salt and add it to taste, or use a 1:1 ratio for Gochujang and Sriracha.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- similar taste, different texture
- Best for —
- Indonesian dishes
One casethe full sambal oelek card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of sambal oelek chili paste | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Red pepper flakes + oil + saltIndonesian dishes | 1 tsp flakes + 1 tbsp oil + pinch saltTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Gochujangwhen you want fermented flavor | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Srirachageneral cooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Cayenne pepper + oil + saltwhen you want to control heat | ½ tsp cayenne + 1 tbsp oil + pinch saltYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 5 | Hot sauce + oilwhen you have hot sauce available | 2:1 hot sauce to oilYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
Red pepper flakes + oil + salt
similar taste, different texture
Simple combination that provides heat and saltiness similar to sambal oelek. Sambal oelek itself has no oil; the oil here only turns the dried flakes into a paste.
- Best for
- Indonesian dishes, when you want authentic flavor, simple substitutions, quick cooking, most recipes
Mix red pepper flakes with oil and a pinch of salt. Stir it in a little at a time: start with half the amount of sambal the recipe calls for and add to taste.
Gochujang
different taste, similar texture
Korean fermented chili paste with similar heat and umami depth to sambal oelek. Good for when you want a fermented flavor profile.
- Best for
- when you want fermented flavor, Asian fusion dishes, marinades, sauces, umami-rich recipes
Gochujang has a unique fermented taste and is slightly sweeter than sambal oelek. Use in equal amounts by volume.
Sriracha
similar taste and texture
Popular hot sauce with similar heat and tanginess to sambal oelek. Good for most recipes that call for sambal oelek.
- Best for
- general cooking, stir-fries, marinades, when you want similar heat and tang, most recipes
Sriracha is sweeter and garlicky but works well in most applications. Use in equal amounts by volume.
Cayenne pepper + oil + salt
different taste and texture
Spicy combination with oil and salt that mimics the heat and flavor of sambal oelek.
- Best for
- when you want to control heat, simple recipes, quick substitutions, general cooking
Mix cayenne pepper with oil and a pinch of salt. Cayenne is much hotter than sambal oelek, so start with half the amount of sambal the recipe calls for and add to taste.
Hot sauce + oil
similar taste and texture
Hot sauce rounded out with a little oil. Thinner and more vinegary than sambal oelek.
- Best for
- when you have hot sauce available, quick substitutions, general cooking, marinades
Oil does not thicken hot sauce; it only softens the vinegar. Use a 2:1 ratio of hot sauce to oil, and start with less than the recipe's sambal, since hot sauces vary widely in heat.
How sambal oelek chili paste compares
Sambal oelek is a specific type of Indonesian chili paste known for its simple, pure chili flavor and moderate to high heat level. The recommended substitutes work because they provide similar heat levels and can be used in most recipes that call for sambal oelek.
Tips for substituting sambal oelek chili paste
5 tips- Sambal oelek is known for its simple, pure chili flavor - choose substitutes that can provide similar heat without too many additional flavors
- Sambal oelek contains no oil; in the homemade mixes the oil only turns dried chili into a paste, so use a neutral one
- Different sambal oelek brands have different heat levels - adjust your substitute accordingly
- Sambal oelek is typically quite salty - make sure to include salt in your substitute
- Store homemade sambal oelek substitutes in the refrigerator for up to a week
Notes on sambal oelek chili paste
- Make your own sambal oelek by blending fresh red chilies with salt and vinegar
- Use different types of hot sauces with added oil and salt based on the cuisine you're cooking
- Combine multiple substitutes for a more complex flavor profile
- Adjust heat levels by using milder or hotter versions of your chosen substitute
Questions
5 questionsCan I use Sriracha instead of sambal oelek?
Yes, Sriracha is one of the best substitutes for sambal oelek. Use it in a 1:1 ratio, though it is sweeter and garlicky, so cut back other sugar in the dish.
What's the best ratio for sambal oelek substitute?
For Sriracha and Gochujang, use 1:1 ratio. For red pepper flakes, use 1 tsp flakes with 1 tbsp oil and a pinch of salt. For cayenne + oil + salt, use ½ tsp cayenne with 1 tbsp oil and a pinch of salt.
Why doesn't my dish taste right with sambal oelek substitutes?
Common issues include not adding enough salt, using too much substitute, or not accounting for different heat levels. Make sure to include salt in your substitute and start with less substitute, adding more gradually.
Can I make my own sambal oelek substitute?
Yes, blend fresh red chilies with salt and a little vinegar into a coarse paste. For a quick substitute, mix red pepper flakes with oil and salt.
What's the difference between sambal oelek and other chili pastes?
Sambal oelek is a simple Indonesian chili paste made from ground red chilies, salt, and vinegar. It has a pure, clean chili flavor without additional seasonings that other chili pastes might contain.