Vegan Sambal: What It Is, How to Make It, and Why You’ll Love It

Vegan Sambal: What It Is, How to Make It, and Why You’ll Love It

Vegan Sambal: What It Is, How to Make It, and Why You’ll Love It

If you’ve ever wondered “is sambal vegan?” or searched for “how to make vegan sambal” or “easy vegan sambal”, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ll explore the world of vegan sambal, show you how quick and delicious it can be, and introduce how Smit's Chilli Vegan Sambal 275g product fits seamlessly into your kitchen routine.

What Is Sambal — And Is Sambal Vegan?

Sambal is a chilli paste or sauce widely used across Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore) as a condiment, flavour base, or cooking ingredient. Traditional sambals often include ingredients like shrimp paste (belacan) or fish sauce to give them umami depth.

So, is sambal vegan? 

The short answer: it depends. A basic, traditional sambal made with just chilis, vinegar, garlic, shallot, and salt can be vegan. But many store‑bought versions add non‑vegan elements like shrimp paste, fish sauce or anchovy extracts. That’s where vegan sambal comes in — a version of sambal crafted to exclude all animal-derived ingredients, while retaining that fiery, tangy kick.

Why Try a Vegan Sambal?

  • Inclusive for all diets, no fish, no shrimp; safe for vegans
  • Transparent ingredient list, you know what’s in it (and what’s not).
  • Versatile in cooking, works as a condiment, marinade, stir‑in, or sauce base.
  • Comparable flavour, a well-made vegan sambal delivers heat, depth and tang.

How to Make Vegan Sambal (Easy & Homemade)

Here’s a simple, no-fuss recipe you can try in your own kitchen. This is the kind of easy vegan sambal that lets you adjust heat, acidity, and sweetness to your preference.

Ingredients (adjust to your preference):

  • 200 g fresh red chillies (stemmed)
  • 2–3 cloves garlic
  • 2 shallots
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar
  • 1 tsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp sugar (or to taste)
  • Pinch salt
  • 1–2 tbsp neutral oil (coconut, sunflower, or canola)

Instructions:

  1. Roughly chop chilies, garlic, shallots.
  2. In a small pan, heat oil and gently sauté garlic + shallots until translucent.
  3. Add chopped chillies, stir for 1–2 minutes.
  4. Add vinegar, lime juice, sugar, salt — simmer for 3–4 mins.
  5. Blend (or mortar + pestle) into a paste (or leave slightly chunky).
  6. Taste and adjust salt/sweet/acid.

How to Use Vegan Sambal in Your Meals?

  • Stir-fries & noodles: Toss a teaspoon into fried rice, noodles, or vegetable stir-fries.
  • Marinades & sauces: Use as a base layer under tofu, tempeh, or veggies.
  • Dipping sauce: Mix with mayo for a spicy dip for chips, spring rolls, or veggies.
  • On toast (yes, really): Spread on toast or flatbread for a bold savoury start.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy SMITS CHILLI Vegan Sambal

If you’re after a ready-made, high-quality vegan sambal, check out SMITS CHILLI’s version. Crafted in Melbourne with clean, plant-based ingredients, it’s made for folks who want serious flavour without compromise. This sambal product is specifically designed to embody all the advantages we’ve discussed:

  • No shrimp paste or fish sauce
  • Bold, balanced heat
  • Ready to use, no blending or messy kitchen!

Blog Written By: Steve Barko Digital Marketing

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