Indonesian Raw Spicy Chili Paste - Sambal Oelek a base ingredient in cooking to add heat - 200 g

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Sambal: A traditional Indonesian sauce with a range of flavours

Sambal is a traditional Indonesian sauce made primarily from chillies, though it can also contain ingredients such as garlic, onion, coconut, vinegar, sugar and sometimes shrimp paste. It is an established part of Indonesian cooking and forms the basis of many dishes, including rice, tofu, fish, meat and other foods. Sambal is known for its heat and varied flavours, which differ by region and the ingredients used.

 

In Indonesia, sambal is part of everyday food, whether served as a dip, accompaniment or as part of a main dish. There are many types of sambal, with different levels of heat, consistency and flavour profiles. Sambal Brandal typically has a rich, smoky flavour from frying the chillies and spices, and works well with meat dishes or in sauces.

 

Sambal Oelek is a basic, simple form of sambal made from fresh chillies ground into a paste and used as a versatile base for seasoning. Sambal Manis is a sweeter version that combines chillies with sugar, giving it a milder flavour that works well with tofu, vegetables or as a dip.

 

Each type of sambal has a different level of heat, consistency and flavour profile.

 

Sambal Oelek by Yakso – key benefits

• Certified organic cultivation – based on organic cayenne pepper from controlled agriculture.
• Authentic heat – gives dishes the intense, fresh chilli heat typical of traditional Indonesian cooking.
• Versatile use – works well for seasoning rice, tofu, vegetables and meat dishes, or as a base for marinades and sauces.
• Minimal ingredients – the recipe contains only cayenne pepper and an acidity regulator (lactic acid).
• No listed animal-derived ingredients – the label lists cayenne pepper and an acidity regulator; the origin of the lactic acid should be confirmed with the supplier.
• No obvious sources of gluten or lactose – based on the listed ingredients, the recipe contains no common cereal or dairy ingredients; for allergies, refer to the current label and supplier information.
• No added sugar – the product contains no added sugar and allows precise control of heat without a sweet aftertaste.
• Easy to portion – the paste consistency makes it quick and easy to add precise amounts to both hot and cold dishes.
• Made in Europe – produced in the EU while following its original Asian culinary tradition.
• Practical 200g pack – a convenient amount in a glass jar for both everyday and more frequent use in the kitchen.

Sambal Oelek is a basic Indonesian chilli paste with an emphasis on organic ingredients, a simple recipe and a traditional spicy flavour profile.

 

Indonesian cuisine: A diversity of flavours and traditions

Indonesian cuisine is distinctive for its diversity, reflecting the country's rich culture and natural resources. It is characterised by a balanced mix of flavours – sweet, salty, sour, bitter and spicy – that come together across a wide range of dishes. Key ingredients include coconut milk, turmeric, ginger, lemongrass, chillies and tamarind. These ingredients form the basis of well-known dishes such as Nasi Goreng (fried rice), Satay (meat skewers with peanut sauce), Rendang (slow-cooked beef in coconut sauce) and Gado-Gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce). Rice is an established part of most dishes and is often combined with meat, vegetables or spicy sauces.

The ways food is served and eaten are also distinctive. Dishes are traditionally served on banana leaves, which add a subtle aroma to the food while providing an eco-friendly alternative. Food is often shared in the centre of the table, with several smaller bowls of different dishes for everyone to help themselves according to preference. In many regions, people still eat with their hands, which is regarded as a natural and culturally established practice. This approach reflects the importance of eating together and connecting with food.

Indonesian cuisine is not only about flavour, but also about traditions and stories passed down from generation to generation. Each dish reflects influences from different regions and cultures, giving the cuisine its distinctive and varied character. It is a cuisine centred on community, sharing and respect for natural resources, making it one of the strongest expressions of Indonesian identity.

Yakso products stand out for their quality ingredients and organic origin, verified by the relevant certification. The range includes sauces, noodles and rice, with straightforward recipes free from unnecessary additions. The result is food with distinctive flavours, clear origins and easy-to-understand ingredients.

Yakso places emphasis on sustainability, organic practices and traceable sourcing. The company works with farmers and suppliers who share its approach to sourcing ingredients and fair trade. This supports transparency across the range and alignment with organic standards.

Yakso draws on a long family tradition and works with Asian flavour profiles in formats accessible to the European market. With more than 30 years of experience, it has developed a range of sauces, pastes, noodles and rice for everyday cooking. The products bring Asian character to the kitchen without complicated preparation.

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Organic ingredients

All products are made from certified organic ingredients, without synthetic additives.

Sustainability

The company supports organic practices and works with farmers who follow ethical standards.

Quality

Yakso works with quality ingredients and straightforward recipes for distinctive flavour and practical everyday cooking.

Authentic Asian flavours

Yakso products follow traditional Asian recipes and provide a distinctive flavour base for home cooking.

Eco-friendly packaging

Yakso uses eco-friendly packaging that minimises its impact on the environment.

Straightforward ingredients

Yakso products use organic ingredients, simple recipes and no unnecessary artificial additives.

Yakso certifications

Yakso works with several certifications covering quality, ingredient origin and food safety.

Yakso products hold SKAL certification, confirming the organic origin of the ingredients. The brand is also certified to the FSSC 22000 standard, recognised by the GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative).

This means it meets strict requirements for quality and food safety.

These certifications and practices demonstrate its approach to food safety and alignment with organic standards. Yakso also states its commitment to fair trade, ingredient origin and more transparent supplier relationships.

These certifications strengthen customer confidence and confirm that Yakso works with products where ingredient origin, production controls and organic standards matter.

Complete ingredients

FAQ

What is Sambal Oelek?

It is a traditional Indonesian chilli paste made from cayenne pepper and lactic acid, giving dishes a distinctive chilli heat. 

Is Sambal Oelek very hot?

The cayenne pepper gives the paste a pronounced heat. Adjust the intensity in a dish simply by changing the amount used.

Does the product contain artificial additives or preservatives?

The ingredients are cayenne pepper and an acidity regulator (lactic acid). The recipe contains no added sugar.

Is the product appropriate for people with gluten or lactose intolerance?

No cereal or dairy ingredients are listed.

What is the weight of this Sambal Oelek pack?

This Yakso product comes in a 200 g glass jar.

How long does the product keep after opening?

After opening, keep the paste refrigerated. Best before end and batch number are shown on the lid.

What exactly does “Oelek” mean in the name of the paste?

“Oelek” (or ulek) refers to the traditional Indonesian mortar and pestle in which chillies have long been ground by hand into a fine paste.

Where does the Yakso brand come from?

Yakso is a Dutch brand that brings organic foods based on Asian cuisine to the European market.

What does the name “Yakso” itself mean?

The name is associated with a Japanese macrobiotic context; in this product text, it is used solely as the brand name.

Are the ingredients in this sambal organic?

Cayenne pepper is marked with an asterisk on the label as an ingredient from certified organic cultivation.

Is the lactic acid used suitable for vegans?

The label lists lactic acid as an acidity regulator. Its origin is not specified on the label.

Does Yakso Sambal Oelek contain soya?

Soya is not listed in the ingredients.

What is the main difference in flavour between Sambal Oelek and Sambal Manis?

Sambal Oelek is a straightforward, savoury and hot chilli paste. Sambal Manis is a sweeter version in which chilli is combined with sugar or syrup.

What is the difference between Sambal Oelek and Sambal Brandal?

Sambal Brandal tends to have a more complex, slightly smoky note because the chillies and spices are fried before being ground into a paste.

How can I use Sambal Oelek in hot dishes?

It works well as a hot base for Asian stir-fries cooked in a wok, as well as in soups, Indonesian curries or braised meat dishes.

Can I also use the paste in cold dishes?

Yes. Use it to add heat to mayonnaise-based dressings, yoghurt dips for vegetables, cold marinades or as a spicy sauce served directly with food.

Does the product contain any added oils or fats?

No, the recipe contains no added oil. The small amount of fat shown in the nutritional values (0.5 g) occurs naturally in the chillies themselves.

Does Yakso work with farmers on an ethical basis?

Yes, one of the brand's principles is long-term, fair cooperation with local organic farmers, supporting fair trading conditions and traceable ingredient origins.

Is the product's glass packaging fully recyclable?

Yes, the product comes in a glass jar with a metal lid. The packaging is 100% recyclable and helps minimise plastic waste.

Which specific quality and origin certifications does Yakso hold?

Yakso holds the strict Dutch SKAL organic certification for organic food and is certified to the global FSSC 22000 food safety standard.

Is this product appropriate for a low-carb or keto diet?

It contains 4.2 g of carbohydrates per 100 g. In small amounts, it can also fit into a lower-carbohydrate diet; for a keto diet, the overall daily composition of the diet is what matters.

Can I use Sambal Oelek as a direct substitute for fresh chilli?

Yes, one teaspoon of this concentrated paste can reliably replace chopped fresh hot chilli in both hot and cold dishes.

What is the exact heat level of the product in SHU?

The specific SHU value is not stated on the label. Given the cayenne pepper used, this is a distinctly hot chilli paste; adjust the intensity in food by changing the amount used.

Why does the nutritional table list salt when it is not explicitly listed in the ingredients on the label?

The nutritional table states 16.7 g of salt per 100 g. The ingredients list only cayenne pepper and an acidity regulator – lactic acid.

How long has Yakso been working with organic food?

Yakso draws on more than 30 years of experience with organic foods based on Asian cuisine.

Does Yakso Sambal Oelek contain added onion or garlic?

No. Unlike other regional recipes, this Sambal Oelek is made in its simplest form without added garlic, onion or other herbs.

Does this sambal work well in traditional Nasi Goreng?

Yes, it works as a hot base for Indonesian fried rice or noodles. Add it gradually according to the level of heat you want.

Are Yakso products made directly in Asian countries?

The label states that the product is made in the EU. The recipe follows an Asian style of seasoning, but production is European.

Can Sambal Oelek be frozen after opening to keep it for longer?

Freezing is not recommended. Freezer temperatures may affect the consistency of the paste and cause water to separate. A properly closed jar kept in the fridge is sufficient.

What does cayenne pepper add to the flavour of the paste?

Cayenne pepper gives the paste a pronounced heat and clean chilli character. Only a small amount is needed in a dish, so adjust the quantity gradually.