Artificial Flavors Free Sambal Oelek
Most store-bought sambal oelek contains preservatives, citric acid, or synthetic flavor enhancers that can sneak into your pantry without much fanfare. This version is built entirely from whole, recognizable ingredients — fresh Fresno or red jalapeño chilies, garlic, ginger, lime juice, olive oil, and salt — so you know exactly what you're getting in every fiery spoonful. The food processor does the heavy lifting, giving you that signature coarse, chunky paste with real chili texture rather than a smooth, processed-looking sauce. Fresh lime juice brings brightness that no artificial flavoring can convincingly replicate, and the ginger adds a subtle warmth that rounds out the heat beautifully. It comes together in minutes and keeps in the fridge for up to a week, making it an easy staple to have on hand for noodles, grilled meats, eggs, or anything that needs a serious flavor boost. Once you taste the difference a clean, from-scratch condiment makes, the jarred stuff is going to be a hard sell.
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Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- 8 oz fresh red fresno or red jalapeño chilies, stems removed, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
Instructions
- 1
Combine the chopped chilies, garlic, and ginger in a food processor or blender. Pulse 8–10 times until the mixture is coarsely ground — the texture should be chunky and rough, not a smooth purée.
- 2
Add the lime juice, olive oil, and salt. Pulse 3–4 more times until just combined and the paste holds together but still has visible chili flecks. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
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