To all Sambal Oelek lovers: it may be bad news for you. Do you want to know what it is? As we all know of the ongoing hot sauce shortage, the bad news is that there is no hope of its end.
Huy Fong Foods, Inc., is the manufacturer of the Sambal Oelek. The company also manufactures other hot sauces, including Sriracha hot chili sauce and Chili Garlic.
If you love the pure chili flavor of Sambal Oelek, but the news of its shortage is tough to digest. We can feel the pain, and to overcome it, we’ve discussed updated information on Sambal Oelek and its alternatives.
If you are still searching the blog for Sambal Oelek update info, this blog is the right place for you!
In this captivating blog, we’ve mentioned the status of Sambal Oelek. Let’s get started!!
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Why is there Sambal Oelek shortage?
Is There A Shortage Of Sambal Oelek? Huy Fong Foods Inc. is the maker of one of the most beloved condiments produced in Indonesia. Later, it became famous and other countries like the US has also made other versions of these sauces.
There was a serious shortage of Sambal Oelek in 2022. And after a year later, it was again short in supply, as bottles of Sambal Oelek were nowhere to be found in the stores.
Yet, the company has already declared facing a severe inventory shortage. They are also unaware of when the bottles of the hot chili sauces will be back on the stores’ shelves.
The company stopped production of its sauces in 2022 due to ingredient shortages. This iconic Sambal Oelek is a major component in Indonesian cuisines which is short in supply.
Along with it, Chili Garlic and Sriracha Hot Chilli Sauce are affected by pepper shortage.
Sambal Oelek is nothing but a ground chili sauce. It is a spicy Indonesian chili paste with a key ingredient, hot red peppers. It comprises hot red chile peppers, distilled vinegar, salt, sugar, onion, lemon, sodium bisulfite, potassium sorbate, and xantham gum.
Sambal Oelek is recognized for its spiciness and greatness; it originated in Indonesia. But its good taste influenced other countries too, and they developed another version of Sambal Oelek.
Sambal Oelek contains jalapeno seeds; it has a thick and chunky texture. Sriracha is also a chili sauce with a superb taste.
Is there any difference between Sriracha and Sambal Oelek? Yes! Sambal Oelek and Sriracha are different as they are thick, chunky, and made with fewer seasonings, such as garlic.
Also, made with a less processed process than Sriracha. Those who enjoy sauces can make the most of Sambal Oelek chili’s spicy flavor.
Many restaurants and chefs recognize it, and it is a popular choice. Because of its tasty and pure flavor, it has gained a lot of respect from famous chefs worldwide.
Why Is Sambal Oelek Out Of Stock Everywhere?
Sambal Oelek is out of stock everywhere because the maker of the beloved condiments has ceased production, not only because they want to wait to manufacture it. But because there is a shortage of its ingredients.
Sambal Oelek has a key ingredient, i.e., red jalapeno peppers, and there is a massive shortage of this item on the market. It forced the makers to suspend Sambal Oelek’s production.
Red Jalapeno peppers were short in supply due to poor weather conditions that affected the quality of red chili peppers.
The shortage not only affected Sambal Oelek’s production. But also affected Sriracha’s hot chili sauce and chili garlic sauce production.
The company released a letter to its buyers of the products that stated:
“There is a serious shortage of red chili peppers, due to which no Sambal Oelek is produced.”
Also, “The quality of chili peppers is inferior because we are dealing with extreme weather conditions that led to this issue. It is true; We are currently struggling with a more severe shortage of red chili.”
“The situation is not in our hands; it is out of our control. Red Jalapeno pepper is a key ingredient in making these hot sauces, so their shortages stopped our hands from producing any of our products.”
What Does Sambal Oelek Taste Like?
Sambal Oelek is best known for its hot chili flavor. Basic Sambal is made with vinegar, salt, and a key ingredient, red chile pepper. It has no sugar and less vinegar, providing a spicy, hot, bright chili flavor.
Those chile pepper lovers can be mesmerized by the taste of the chunkier and spicy flavor of this red hot sauce. If you need help buying this sauce, you can prepare it at home. But you know what? Homemade Sambal gives you the flavor of a natural red chile with sweetness.
You can use Sambal on various items to double the taste, giving a spicy and bold flavor. You can also pour a little of Sambal Oelek onto grain dishes, noodles, and eggs.
Also, it can be used as a wonderful ingredient in your dishes. If you spoon it onto Skirt Steak Marinade, add it to the hot oil to make a thick quick paste for roasted veggies, noodles, or spread for sandwiches.
Moreover, Sambal, when mixed with mayo, gives an amazing flavor, spicy with a sweet taste; this works wonders when used as a dipping sauce.
This can be added to hundreds of dishes or to every dish you want to add because the possibilities of sambal Oelek usage are infinite. So, Are you ready? To create a new dish version with spicy, red, hot, and awesome Sambal Oelek sauce.
Sambal Oelek Shelf Life
Once open, Sambal Oelek should be kept in a clean and dry airtight container to prevent moisture. To do so, you can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Do you want to make Sambal Oelek Shelf’s life longer? Then, you can add greatly vinegar or any other acid you have used while making Sambal Oelek. After that, could you give it a water bath? This way, you can maintain its freshness and shelf life for six months.
If you buy a bottle of Sambal Oelek from the market, then you must use it within a month once opened. Remember to store it in a refrigerator.
Does Sambal Oelek Still Available?
Sorry Folks, Sambal Oelek, is still short in supply. You may find it harder while buying it. A year ago, its shortage started, and the series continues.
The manufacturers have yet to determine when their iconic Sambal Oelek will return to the stores’ shelves.
When you check its availability in stores and online, you will get this product marked as “out of stock” or “currently unavailable.”
What Can Be Substituted To Sambal Oelek?
By the way, have you ever tried Sambal Oelek? If yes, and unable to find your delicious condiment anywhere. Then you can go for its substitutes. Here you can check out similar items to Sambal Oelek. You can also try the alternatives:
- Sriracha
- Tapatio Sauce
- Harissa
- Frank’s Red Hot Sauce
- Gochujang
Wrapping Up
We’ve concluded that Sambal Oelek has been out of stock everywhere since last year due to the shortage of red chili peppers.
And this amazing condiment contains ground chili peppers; without it, there is no production of Sambal Oelek.
We know those obsessed with this Indonesian condiment are up in arms because it is a staple item in their cuisine. And now its shortages are there; nothing can fill the gap.
You can even check the nearest stores and several other websites for availability. If they have their previous stock, you may find your Sambal Oelek hot sauce.
