What Is Sambal Bawang?

Sambal bawang is an Indonesian garlic sambal built around the bold flavour of fresh garlic and red chilli. The variant known as sambal bawang jos takes its name from the method of pouring hot oil over the raw garlic and chilli mixture, which cooks the garlic just enough to mellow its pungency while amplifying its aroma. This technique creates a sambal that is both raw and cooked at once — the garlic retains its bite while the oil carries the fragrance. SS Mart makes sambal bawang in small Melbourne batches using Australian garlic and imported Indonesian chilli.

Ingredients: Red and green chillies, garlic, shallots, vegetable oil, salt. The defining ingredient is garlic (bawang), applied in generous quantity and partially cooked with hot oil to create the sambal’s signature aromatic punch.

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 bawang is pungent, aromatic and medium-hot. The first impression is raw garlic, immediately followed by the warmth of red chilli and the richness of the hot oil. The garlic is bold but not harsh — the hot-oil pour softens the edge while keeping the aroma front and centre. Heat builds steadily and lingers, making this one of the more assertive sambals in the SS Mart range. It is best suited to those who enjoy garlic-forward flavours and a solid chilli kick.

How to Use Sambal Bawang: Sambal bawang is a powerful condiment best used sparingly. Spoon a small amount over steamed rice, fried rice or noodle dishes. It excels as a side for grilled meats — chicken, beef and lamb all benefit from its garlic-chilli punch. Stir it into soups and broths for a quick depth boost, or use it as a dipping sauce for dumplings and fried snacks. A little stirred into scrambled eggs or an omelette transforms a simple breakfast.

Pairing Ideas:

• Grilled chicken and beef satay
• Fried rice and noodle dishes (nasi goreng, mie goreng)
• Steamed rice with fried eggs
• Dumplings and spring rolls as a dipping sauce
• Soups and broths for a depth boost
• Prefer a smaller jar? See Small Hot Oil Garlic Sambal 120g

Storage: Refrigerate after opening and consume within 1 month. Before opening, store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The oil layer on top is natural — stir it back in before serving.

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 Bawang Online: Order hot oil garlic sambal online and have it delivered anywhere in Australia. Also available in a smaller 120g jar. For wholesale or restaurant enquiries, contact SS Mart directly.