🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Sambal Oelek Substitutes UK & NZ

Find sambal oelek substitutes available in UK and New Zealand. Discover where to buy Sriracha, Gochujang, and other alternatives, plus homemade recipes using locally available ingredients.

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Quick Answer

In UK/NZ, the best sambal oelek substitutes are Sriracha (available at Tesco, Sainsbury's), Gochujang (Asian grocery stores), and homemade Red Pepper Flakes + Garlic + Vinegar. Look for Flying Goose Sriracha or make your own with local ingredients.

Best Substitutes

Sriracha (Flying Goose Brand)

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Most widely available sriracha in UK/NZ - found at major supermarkets and Asian stores

Best for:

general cookingstir-friesnoodlesdipsmarinades

Available at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, and Asian grocery stores. Slightly sweeter than sambal oelek but works well in most recipes.

Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste)

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Korean fermented chili paste available at Asian grocery stores and some supermarkets

Best for:

Korean dishesmarinadessaucesAsian fusioncomplex flavors

Look for it at Asian grocery stores, some Tesco stores, and online. Has fermented umami flavor that adds depth to dishes.

Red Pepper Flakes + Garlic + Vinegar

1 tsp sambal = 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes + 1 minced garlic + 1/2 tsp vinegar

Homemade substitute using readily available UK/NZ ingredients

Best for:

when you can't find Asian ingredientsauthentic flavorcookingmarinades

Use dried red pepper flakes from any supermarket, fresh garlic, and white wine vinegar. Add a pinch of salt for authenticity.

Chili Garlic Sauce (Lee Kum Kee)

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Chinese chili garlic sauce available at Asian grocery stores and some supermarkets

Best for:

stir-friesmarinadesdipsAsian cooking

Look for Lee Kum Kee brand at Asian stores or online. Similar heat and garlic flavor to sambal oelek.

Sweet Chili Sauce

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Mild, sweet chili sauce widely available at all major UK/NZ supermarkets

Best for:

mild disheschildren's mealssweet and sour recipeswhen you want less heat

Available at Tesco, Sainsbury's, ASDA, Countdown, New World. Much sweeter than sambal oelek but provides chili flavor without heat.

Harissa (Belazu or Rose Harissa)

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North African chili paste available at Waitrose, Sainsbury's, and specialty stores

Best for:

Mediterranean dishesMiddle Eastern cookingmarinadessauces

Look for Belazu or Rose Harissa brands. Contains additional spices but provides good heat and flavor.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Sriracha is your best bet for easy availability - look for Flying Goose brand at major supermarkets
  • 💡Asian grocery stores in major cities (London, Manchester, Auckland, Wellington) will have the most authentic options
  • 💡Online shopping is your friend - Amazon UK/NZ often has Asian ingredients with fast delivery
  • 💡Make your own with red pepper flakes + garlic + vinegar for the most authentic flavor using local ingredients
  • 💡Sweet Chili Sauce is everywhere but much sweeter - reduce other sugars in your recipe if using it
  • 💡Gochujang adds fermented umami - perfect for complex Asian dishes but may overpower simple recipes
  • 💡Check the international aisle at larger supermarkets - they often have Asian ingredients
  • 💡For authentic flavor, visit Asian grocery stores in Chinatown areas of major cities
  • 💡Store homemade substitutes in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy sambal oelek in the UK?

Look for it at Asian grocery stores, some Tesco stores, and online retailers like Amazon UK. It's less common than Sriracha, so you may need to visit specialty stores.

What's the best sambal oelek substitute in New Zealand?

Sriracha (Flying Goose brand) is widely available at Countdown and New World. For authentic flavor, make your own with red pepper flakes + garlic + vinegar from any supermarket.

Can I find Gochujang in UK supermarkets?

Some larger Tesco stores carry it, but Asian grocery stores are more reliable. Look for it in the international aisle or order online from Amazon UK.

What's available at Tesco for sambal oelek substitute?

Tesco typically carries Sriracha (Flying Goose), Sweet Chili Sauce, and sometimes Gochujang in larger stores. Check the international aisle for Asian ingredients.

Is Sriracha available in New Zealand?

Yes, Flying Goose Sriracha is widely available at Countdown, New World, and Pak'nSave. You can also find it at Asian grocery stores and online.

What can I use if I can't find any Asian chili pastes?

Make your own with red pepper flakes + garlic + vinegar + oil + salt. All ingredients are available at any UK/NZ supermarket and will give you authentic flavor.

Where are the best Asian grocery stores in the UK?

Look in London's Chinatown, Manchester's Chinatown, Birmingham's Chinese Quarter, and other major cities. Online stores like Wing Yip also deliver nationwide.

Can I substitute sambal oelek with something from Waitrose?

Waitrose carries Sriracha, Sweet Chili Sauce, and sometimes Harissa. For the closest match, look for Sriracha or make your own with red pepper flakes + garlic + vinegar.

Summary

Find sambal oelek substitutes available in UK and New Zealand. Discover where to buy Sriracha, Gochujang, and other alternatives at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Countdown, and Asian stores.