Out of Sambal oelek, one case
Sambal oelek substitutes UK & NZ
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Sriracha (flying goose brand)
Same amount as the sambal oelek
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.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- general cooking
One casethe full sambal oelek card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of sambal oelek | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sriracha (flying goose brand)general cooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Gochujang (Korean chili paste)Korean dishes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Red pepper flakes + garlic + vinegarwhen you can't find Asian ingredients | ½ tsp red pepper flakes + 1 minced garlic + ½ tsp vinegar per 1 tsp sambalTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Chili garlic sauce (Lee Kum Kee)stir-fries | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Sweet chili saucemild dishes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Harissa (belazu or rose harissa)Mediterranean dishes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Sriracha (flying goose brand)
different taste, similar texture
Most widely available sriracha in UK/NZ - found at major supermarkets and Asian stores
- Best for
- general cooking, stir-fries, noodles, dips, marinades
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)
different taste, similar texture
Korean fermented chili paste available at Asian grocery stores and some supermarkets
- Best for
- Korean dishes, marinades, sauces, Asian fusion, complex 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
similar taste, different texture
Homemade substitute using readily available UK/NZ ingredients
- Best for
- when you can't find Asian ingredients, authentic flavor, cooking, marinades
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)
similar taste and texture
Chinese chili garlic sauce available at Asian grocery stores and some supermarkets
- Best for
- stir-fries, marinades, dips, Asian cooking
Look for Lee Kum Kee brand at Asian stores or online. Similar heat and garlic flavor to sambal oelek.
Sweet chili sauce
different taste, similar texture
Mild, sweet chili sauce widely available at all major UK/NZ supermarkets
- Best for
- mild dishes, children's meals, sweet and sour recipes, when 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)
different taste, similar texture
North African chili paste available at Waitrose, Sainsbury's, and specialty stores
- Best for
- Mediterranean dishes, Middle Eastern cooking, marinades, sauces
Look for Belazu or Rose Harissa brands. Contains additional spices but provides good heat and flavor.
How it behaves in this recipe
UK and New Zealand have limited access to authentic sambal oelek compared to other regions. The best substitutes are those readily available at local supermarkets (Sriracha, Sweet Chili Sauce) or easily made with common ingredients (red pepper flakes + garlic + vinegar). Asian grocery stores offer the most authentic alternatives.
Tips for substituting sambal oelek
9 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 - good 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
Notes on sambal oelek
- Order sambal oelek online from Amazon UK/NZ or Asian food websites
- Visit Asian grocery stores in major cities for authentic ingredients
- Make your own sambal oelek using fresh chilies, salt, and vinegar
- Use different hot sauces available locally and adjust recipes accordingly
- Combine multiple locally available substitutes for more complex flavor
Questions
8 questionsWhere 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.