Is Sambal Oelek Gluten Free?

on January 21, 2023

A common ingredient in Southeast Asian cooking, sambal oelek used in marinades, soups, and stir-fries fire and flavor. However, it might be difficult for those with gluten sensitivity or allergy to locate gluten-free products. Because of this, we are here to respond to the frequently asked question, “Is Sambal Oelek gluten-free?”

Yes, traditional sambal oelek is gluten-free, to put it succinctly. It is free of gluten and is produced from a straightforward mixture of chili peppers, vinegar, and salt. It is therefore a fantastic choice for individuals who follow a gluten-free diet.

However, it’s always advisable to check the ingredients list on the particular brand you’re using twice because there may be recipe variants that contain gluten.

How Tell If Sambal Oelek Is Gluten Free?

Check the ingredient list on the label of a particular brand of sambal oelek to see if it is gluten-free. It is not gluten-free if any gluten-containing substances, such as wheat, barley, or rye, are listed in the ingredient list.

It is probably gluten-free if the only ingredients listed are chili peppers, vinegar, and salt. But it’s always a good idea to look for a “gluten-free” label or certification, which confirms that the item has been examined and complies with strict gluten-free requirements.

Another choice is to check the product for gluten-free certifications like the gluten-free Gluten Intolerance Group mark.

A product may still contain trace levels of gluten even if it was prepared using gluten-free components due to the possibility of cross-contamination during the manufacturing process. As a result, it’s critical to read the allergy statement on the product, which will reveal whether gluten is present.

If you’re still unclear, you should speak with the manufacturer directly to find out if their goods are gluten-free.

What Is A Gluten Free Alternative For Sambal Oelek?

You might make your own sambal oelek at home using solely gluten-free ingredients as a gluten-free substitute for Sambal Oelek. An easy recipe for homemade gluten-free sambal oelek is provided below:

Ingredients:

3 cups of seeded and coarsely diced fresh chili peppers, such as bird’s eye chili
Rice vinegar, half a cup

A quarter cup of brown sugar
2 minced garlic cloves
Sea salt, 1 teaspoon

Tamarind paste, half a teaspoon (optional)

Instructions:

Blend or process the chili peppers until they are completely smooth.

Combine the chili pepper puree, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, sea salt, and tamarind paste in a small saucepan (if using).
For about 10-15 minutes, until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce has thickened, boil the mixture over medium heat, stirring regularly.
Before putting the sambal oelek in an airtight container and putting it in the refrigerator, let it cool fully. It can be stored for up to two weeks.

With this recipe, you can make sambal oelek that is free of gluten. You can even change how spicy it is to suit your tastes by choosing peppers with different levels of heat.

As an alternative, try browsing specialist shops or internet merchants who provide gluten-free goods for sambal oelek. Huy Fong, Lee Kum Kee, and Mae Ploy are a few names associated with gluten-free products. Always examine the ingredient list and search for gluten-free certifications prior to making a purchase.

Are There Other Sauces In Asian Cooking That Is Likely To Contain Gluten?

It’s true that there are other sauces used often in Asian cuisine that might contain gluten. Several instances include:

Soy sauce: Gluten is present in traditional soy sauce since it is manufactured from soybeans, wheat, salt, and water. However, there are gluten-free substitutes available, such as tamari sauce.
Hoisin sauce: A popular sweet and savory sauce in Chinese cooking is hoisin. Spices, sugar, vinegar, and soybeans are used in its preparation. Some hoisin sauces include wheat flour, making them not gluten-free.
Teriyaki sauce: Japanese food is known for its sweet and delicious teriyaki sauce. Mirin, sugar, and soy sauce are the ingredients (a sweet rice wine). Teriyaki sauces are not always gluten-free since they can contain wheat flour.

Oyster sauce: Using oyster extract, sugar, and salt, oyster sauce is a flavorful condiment. Oyster sauces that contain wheat flour do not qualify as gluten-free.
Sweet and Sour sauce: Chinese cuisine frequently combines sweet and sour ingredients to create sweet and sour sauce. Sweet and sour sauces that aren’t gluten-free could include wheat flour.
Barbecue sauce: A sweet and savory sauce called barbecue sauce is used as a marinade or dipping sauce. Some barbecue sauces may include wheat flour in them, which prevents them from being gluten-free.

When buying these sauces or making them at home with gluten-free ingredients, it’s crucial to read the ingredient list and seek for gluten-free certificates.