Carrageenan Free Sambal Oelek
Bright, fiery, and built entirely from scratch, this sambal oelek delivers the kind of bold chili heat that store-bought condiments rarely match. That matters more than you might think — many jarred versions of this beloved Southeast Asian paste sneak in thickeners and stabilizers, including carrageenan, to extend shelf life and improve texture. Making it at home with fresh Fresno or red jalapeño chilies, garlic, ginger, lime juice, and olive oil means you know exactly what's in every spoonful. The food processor does the heavy lifting, and a quick pulse technique keeps the texture authentically chunky rather than turning it into a smooth, featureless sauce. That rough, flecked consistency is part of what makes sambal so satisfying — it clings to noodles, grilled meats, eggs, and rice in a way a thin hot sauce simply can't. A squeeze of fresh lime lifts the heat and rounds out the flavor beautifully. Stir it into marinades, spoon it over fried rice, or keep a jar in the fridge all week for instant fire on demand.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!