Chili Sauce

Posted on 24. Jan, 2010 by admin in Ingredients

I don’t think I could ever be without chili sauce. Wait. I think I say that about a lot of ingredients! Chili Sauce is a blend of chillies with other ingredients such as garlic, salt, vinegar and sugar. Chili sauce is so popular in all countries of Asia, and it’s very easy to make your own from fresh or dried chilies. Of all chili sauces, there are two that are the most popular in the U.S., one is called Sriracha and the other is the Indonesian sambal oelek–a chilli-garlic combo. A staple at many Vietnamese restaurants (though originated from Thailand), Sriracha is like ketchup with a kick! I use it for everything, yes, even dipping in french fries (mix Sriracha with mayo). Its bottle is easy to spot—look for a green cap and a rooster logo—and you’ll find it. chili-garlic sauce, or sambal oelek, is thicker and great to add to a bit of soy sauce for a simple dipping sauce for dim sum. I also sometimes add a spoonful of chili garlic sauce to any stir-fry. Once opened, keep  chili sauce in the refrigerator. See sambal, below.