What Is Sambal Ijo?

Sambal ijo (also called sambal hijau) is a green chili sambal from the Minangkabau culinary tradition of West Sumatra, Indonesia. Unlike red sambals that rely on dried or cooked red chillies, sambal ijo uses fresh green chillies blended with garlic and shallots to create a bright, herbaceous heat. It is a staple of Padang restaurants across Indonesia and is prized for its clean, zesty character that complements fried foods and rice dishes without overpowering them. SS Mart makes sambal ijo in small Melbourne batches with fresh green chillies and garlic.

Ingredients: Green chillies, garlic, shallots, vegetable oil, salt, lime juice. The defining ingredients are fresh green chilli (cabe hijau) and garlic, which together create the sambal’s signature bright green colour and herbaceous heat.

Allergen Information: Made in a facility that handles nuts, soy, gluten and shrimp. No artificial colours and no preservatives added.

Flavour Profile and Heat Level: Sambal ijo is bright, fresh and moderately hot. The green chilli delivers a cleaner, more herbaceous heat than red chilli — less sweet, more vegetal. Garlic adds a pungent backbone while shallots contribute mild sweetness. The heat level is medium to high, building steadily with each bite. It is approachable for those who enjoy a proper chilli kick without the intense, lingering burn of bird’s-eye chilli sambals. The overall character is zesty and sharp rather than deep and slow.

How to Use Sambal Ijo: Sambal ijo is a versatile everyday condiment. Use it as a side for steamed rice, fried rice and noodle dishes. Spoon it over fried eggs, grilled chicken or fried tofu. It also works as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, perkedel (potato fritters) and other fried snacks. For a quick marinade, mix sambal ijo with a little lime juice and kecap manis. It pairs especially well with Padang-style dishes like rendang and ayam pop.

Pairing Ideas:

• Steamed rice with fried eggs and ayam goreng
• Nasi goreng and mie goreng
• Fried tofu and tempeh
• Spring rolls and perkedel (potato fritters)
• Rendang and other Padang-style dishes
• Prefer a smaller jar? See Small Green Chili Garlic Sambal 140g

Storage: Refrigerate after opening and consume within 1 month. Before opening, store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Stir before serving as natural separation may occur.

About SS Mart: SS Mart is the online home of Waroeng SS Spesial Sambal, a Melbourne-based Indonesian sambal kitchen located at 398 Lygon Street, Carlton, VIC. Every jar is made in small batches using traditional Indonesian methods and imported aromatics, roasted and cooked locally for freshness. SS Mart exists to bring Indonesia’s sambal culture to Australian tables — one jar at a time. Explore our full sambal range.

Buy Sambal Ijo Online: Order green chili garlic sambal online and have it delivered anywhere in Australia. Also available in a smaller 140g jar. For wholesale or restaurant enquiries, contact SS Mart directly.