When something works, you tend to do it on repeat. That’s the case with this all-purpose dipping sauce that I keep coming back to. I created this recipe in 2012. Chances are you didn’t even know the recipe existed since I made this dip for sesame tofu patties. I am revisiting the recipe as I make it often and my family loves it. This spicy, tangy and creamy all-purpose sambal dipping sauce is a great recipe to have on hand, as it’s free from sugar.
I’m calling this an all-purpose dipping sauce, because that’s really what it is. We use this delicious dipping sauce drizzled over our patties, dip our chicken nuggets, spread on sandwich, pour over some salad or stir fry for a tasty side dish. The savory sweetness of it is just so appealing. All you need is yogurt, mayo, sambal oelek, lemon juice, lemon zest and salt. You’ll be ready for dipping in 5 minutes.
Sambal Oelek
If you are not familiar with sambal oelek, let me introduce you. It is an Indonesian condiment, made with just three ingredients- crushed raw chilies, vinegar and salt. Sambal oelek is available in most grocery stores in the Asian food section, right next to the sriracha.
The thing I like about sambal oelek is that it actually tastes like chilies and contains no added sugar. Buying sugar free condiments from the supermarket is a tricky thing these days. The nutrition label would say, 0 sugar but the third ingredient in it would be sugar.
If you get a chance to try this recipe, let me know! It doesn’t take long to whip up if you have all the ingredients ready. And, if you find the sauce spicy add more yogurt to reduce the effects of spiciness. If you don’t find sambal olek where you live you can use any sriracha or any chili sauce that you have.
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unflavored thick yogurt or good quality Greek yogurt
- 8 -10 tsp (+-) sambal oelek (or sriracha)
- 3 garlic cloves (use only 1 if using sri racha as it comes with garlic)
- 3 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 1/3 -1/2 mayo (sugar and gluten free- the one I used is actually egg free, too)
Instructions
- Mix yogurt and mayo in a bowl.
- Put garlic, sambal oelek, lemon juice and lemon zest in a blender and blend to a smooth mixture (I used nutri bullet, it is good for blending small portions of food. If you use a regular blender jar I recommend doubling the quantity).
- Use a small spoon to scrape the contents of the blender into the bowl containing yogurt.
- Mix thoroughly. Alternatively, put the yogurt in there, PULSE and then transfer to the bowl.
I am bringing this dip to #CookBlogShare party hosted this week by Michelle
angiesrecipes
I adore sambal oelek!! This dipping sauce is a must make for me :-))
Monika Dabrowski
This really sounds like it could go with anything, so versatile and easy to make!
Blackswan
Love the pinky colour unlike the traditional sambal red! xoxo
amrita roy
This is new to me…I haven’t ever tried sambal oelek but I would love to try this all purpose sauce
Juliana
Oh Balvinder, I will definitely try this sauce, I love that you used yogurt…thanks for the recipe.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Michelle Rolfe
You had me at spice! I love this flavouring so must make it soon! Thanks for sharing with #CookBlogShare, Michelle
Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out Food
This sort of reminds me of the Yum Yum sauce at Japanese hibachi restaurants—except that your sauce is MUCH tastier, with the spicy kick of sambal or sriracha.