So I have this jar of Sambal Oelek chili paste and I have NO idea of how to use it, or what recipe it would be used in. So this is HotSauceDaily.com’s version of “ask.com”, where I’m asking you, the reader, to help me out with suggested uses for this chili paste.

Sambal Oelek

It’s made of only 3 things: “chili, salt, distilled vinegar”, plus 3 preservatives – “Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Bisulfite and Xantham Gum“.

This rich, deep red sauce says:

Add GROUND FRESH CHILI PASTE to make any food mouth-warmingly spicy. Use it to “heat up” your stir-fry dishes, pizza, eggs, pasta, or anything you desire.”

Wow, sounds like there’s no limit… typical of the condensed marketing hype on any given bottle of sauce, I mean “mouth-warmingly”?… I like it! The hype that is.

I should add, this sauce is made and distributed by Huy Fong Foods, who make the awesome Sriracha Sauce I’ve gushed about on this blog time and again. So I’m sure it’s a quality product.

And sure, I could Google “sambal oelek recipes” to find recipes for it, but I want to hear from the experts out there… YOU. Have you ever used this concoction and what is your favorite way to use it?

Update: Oct 31, 2008 – Wow… this Sambal Oelek is very much like one of my favorite condiments for subs and pizzas – Tallarico’s Hoagie Spread. The Sambal Oelek is slightly thicker, and maybe sweeter – but it’s a great stand-in for Tallarico’s! And it’s definately hotter. Yay!

Leave a Comment and help me out.