*Sambal oelek is a South-East Asian chilil paste. The brand I use has a distinctive green lid and a rooster on its gold and clear labels. There’s a couple of varieties – plain and one with garlic. Either will work. Grocery stores sell it or order it online. It’s good in salsa, pasta sauce (yes, even though it is Asian, it’s good in pasta sauce), soups, stir-fries, stews and such. It’s also served as a condiment.