Sambal Oelek

Sambal oelek is an Asian ingredient made with chiles and only flavored with vinegar and a little salt.  The sauce is used as a cooking sauce rather than a condiment.  You can find Sambal Oelek in the Asian section of well-stocked grocery store, most Asian grocery stores and online at Amazon.

Substitute For Sambal Oelek

If you don't have sambal oelek and need a substitute you can use equal amounts of:

• Chinese Chile Sauce - although you'll probably introduce other flavors such as garlic.
• OR - Sriracha sauce which will be thinner and lacks the vinegar flavor which sambal oelek imparts.
• OR - Harissa paste - which will add flavors of caraway and cumin which may or may not work with your recipe. It will add heat.
• OR - Use red hot pepper flakes to taste and a dash of vinegar.