Sambal Oelek Ground Fresh Chili Paste – 18 Ounce Jar – Authentic Asian Flavor

Overview

Elevate your culinary creations with the vibrant and fiery taste of sambal oelek chili paste. This 18-ounce jar delivers an authentic and robust flavor profile, making it a pantry staple for those who appreciate bold, spicy notes in their cooking. Made from ground fresh chili, this paste captures the pure essence of chilies without added sweetness, allowing the natural heat and flavor to shine through. It’s a versatile condiment that transcends regional cuisine, perfect for adding a kick to Asian dishes, marinades, sauces, or even as a simple spread. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or an adventurous home cook, this chili paste is an excellent way to introduce depth and excitement to your meals. The generous 18 ounce chili paste size ensures you’ll have plenty on hand for numerous culinary adventures.

Unlike many other chili sauces, sambal oelek chili paste focuses on the unadulterated flavor of fresh ground chilies, providing a clean and potent heat. This makes it an ideal ingredient for recipes where you want to control the spice level and add a genuine chili flavor without altering other tastes. Its thick, textured consistency, often with visible chili seeds, indicates its fresh preparation and contributes to a more authentic dining experience. This authentic chili paste is ready to use straight from the jar, saving you time and effort in the kitchen while delivering consistent, high-quality spice.

Key Benefits

Incorporating this sambal oelek chili paste into your cooking offers numerous advantages, enhancing both the flavor and versatility of your meals. Here are some key benefits:

• Intense Flavor Profile: Experience the pure, unadulterated heat and rich flavor of fresh ground chilies. This paste provides a direct and potent spicy kick, making it a standout ingredient in any dish.
• Versatile Culinary Use: This spicy Asian condiment is incredibly adaptable. Use it in stir-fries, soups, noodles, marinades for meats, dipping sauces, or even as a spread on sandwiches and eggs. Its versatility makes it a must-have in any kitchen.
• Authentic Taste: Crafted from simple, high-quality ingredients, this authentic chili paste delivers a taste that is true to traditional Sambal Oelek. It’s a fantastic way to bring genuine Asian flavors into your home cooking.
• Convenient & Ready-to-Use: Save time and effort with this ready-to-use paste. No need for chopping or grinding chilies; simply spoon out the desired amount to instantly add heat and flavor to your dishes.
• No Added Sweetness: Unlike many other chili sauces, this sambal oelek chili paste contains no added sugar, allowing the natural heat and robust chili flavor to dominate. This makes it perfect for recipes where you want pure spice.
• Generous Quantity: The 18 ounce chili paste jar ensures you have a substantial supply, making it cost-effective and convenient for regular use in your kitchen.
• Enhances a Variety of Cuisines: While a staple in Asian cooking, this ground fresh chili can also elevate Mexican, American, and other international dishes, adding a unique and exciting element.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

While sambal oelek chili paste is a finished product, understanding the origins of its key ingredient – fresh chili peppers – can inspire those interested in growing their own. Chili peppers, from which this spicy Asian condiment is made, typically thrive in warm, sunny conditions. For optimal growth, chili plants require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) is ideal. When growing chili peppers, consistent watering is crucial, especially during flowering and fruiting stages, but avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Fertilization should begin once the plant starts producing flowers, using a balanced fertilizer or one higher in phosphorus and potassium to encourage fruit development.

For those aiming to replicate the fresh, potent flavor found in this ground fresh chili, selecting the right variety of chili pepper is key. Common types used for such pastes include red jalapeños, serranos, or even bird’s eye chilies for extra heat. Pests like aphids and spider mites can be a concern for chili plants, so regular inspection and organic pest control methods are recommended. Harvesting chilies when they are fully ripe (usually bright red) will yield the best flavor and heat for making your own paste, or simply enjoying fresh. Though this product is a convenient, ready-to-use authentic chili paste, cultivating your own chili peppers can be a rewarding gardening experience.

Size & Details

This product features a substantial 18 ounce chili paste jar, providing a long-lasting supply of your favorite spicy condiment. The paste has a thick, textured consistency, indicative of its fresh ground chili composition, and often contains visible chili seeds, adding to its authentic appeal. The jar is designed for convenient storage and easy access, ensuring the paste remains fresh for an extended period once opened and refrigerated. The dimensions of the jar are approximately 6.2 inches in height, 3.2 inches in width, and 2.9 inches in depth, making it a manageable size for most pantry shelves or refrigerator doors. It’s packaged as a single unit, ready to enhance countless meals with its distinctive sambal oelek chili paste flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big is this jar of Sambal Oelek? A: This product comes in a generous 18 ounce chili paste jar, providing ample supply for regular use in your kitchen. It’s a convenient size for families and individuals who frequently enjoy spicy dishes.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor product? A: This sambal oelek chili paste is a food product, designed for indoor kitchen use as a condiment or cooking ingredient. It is stored at room temperature before opening and refrigerated after.
• Q: Is this chili paste very spicy? A: Yes, this ground fresh chili paste is known for its pure and potent heat. It offers a significant spicy kick, making it suitable for those who enjoy bold flavors. You can adjust the amount used to control the spice level in your dishes.
• Q: What condition will the product arrive in? A: The authentic chili paste will arrive in a new, sealed glass jar, ensuring its freshness and quality. It is securely packaged to prevent damage during transit.
• Q: Can I use this Sambal Oelek in everyday cooking? A: Absolutely! This spicy Asian condiment is incredibly versatile and can be used to add flavor to a wide variety of dishes beyond just Asian cuisine. Try it in soups, stews, marinades, or even mixed with mayonnaise for a spicy dip.
• Q: What are the main ingredients in this chili paste? A: The primary ingredients typically include fresh ground chili peppers, salt, and vinegar, focusing on the pure flavor of the chilies. It’s a simple yet powerful blend.
• Q: Does this Sambal Oelek contain any added sugar? A: No, this sambal oelek chili paste is traditionally made without added sugar, allowing the natural heat and robust flavor of the chili peppers to be the star. This makes it a great choice for those seeking pure chili flavor.
• Q: How should I store the chili paste after opening? A: After opening, it is recommended to store the 18 ounce chili paste jar in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and flavor. Ensure the lid is tightly sealed.
• Q: Is this product gluten-free or vegan? A: Based on common formulations, sambal oelek chili paste is typically gluten-free and vegan, as its main ingredients are chilies, salt, and vinegar. Always check the specific product label for definitive dietary information.
• Q: What kind of regional cuisine is this paste typically used in? A: While originating from Indonesia, sambal oelek chili paste is a popular spicy Asian condiment used across various Southeast Asian cuisines, including Thai, Malaysian, and Vietnamese dishes. Its versatility, however, makes it suitable for global culinary applications.