Chili Garlic Paste Substitute: Complete Guide
Find the best substitutes for chili garlic paste in Asian cooking, marinades, and more. Complete guide with ratios, tips, and alternatives for every use.
Quick Answer
The best substitutes for chili garlic paste are sriracha, sambal oelek, and homemade chili garlic paste. Use 1:1 ratio for most applications, with sriracha being the most accessible option.
Best Substitutes
Sriracha
1:1Thai hot sauce with similar heat level but different flavor profile. Perfect substitute for most chili garlic paste applications, especially when you want similar heat with a more vinegary taste.
Best for:
Sriracha has different flavor than chili garlic paste but similar heat level. It's more vinegary and garlicky.
Sambal Oelek
1:1Indonesian chili paste with similar heat level but different flavor profile. Good substitute for most applications when you want similar heat with more complex spices.
Best for:
Sambal oelek has different flavor than chili garlic paste but similar heat level. It's more complex with spices and herbs.
Homemade Chili Garlic Paste
1:1Fresh chili garlic paste made from scratch with similar flavor and texture. Perfect substitute for most applications when you want authentic taste.
Best for:
Make homemade chili garlic paste by blending fresh chilies with garlic and a little oil. Provides similar flavor and texture.
Chili Powder + Garlic
1:1 + 1 clove garlic per tbspHomemade chili garlic paste made by mixing chili powder with fresh garlic. Good substitute for most applications when you want to control the ingredients.
Best for:
Mix chili powder with fresh garlic to create a paste-like consistency. Adjust garlic amount for desired flavor.
Hot Sauce
1:1Liquid hot sauce with similar heat level but different form. Good substitute for most applications when you want similar heat with different texture.
Best for:
Hot sauce has different form than chili garlic paste but similar heat level. It's more liquid and may need thickening.
Cooking Tips
- 💡Chili garlic paste adds spicy, garlicky flavor to dishes and is essential for many Asian cuisines
- 💡It's commonly used in marinades, sauces, and rubs for traditional Asian cooking
- 💡Chili garlic paste has a spicy, garlicky flavor that's perfect for complex sauces
- 💡It pairs well with soy sauce, ginger, and other Asian ingredients for classic flavor combinations
- 💡Store chili garlic paste in the refrigerator in an airtight container to maintain freshness
- 💡For best results, use freshly made chili garlic paste rather than store-bought
- 💡Chili garlic paste can be mixed with other ingredients for custom flavor profiles
- 💡For best flavor, toast whole chilies before grinding into paste
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best substitute for chili garlic paste?
Sriracha is the best substitute for chili garlic paste. It has similar heat level and is widely available, making it perfect for most applications.
Can I use sriracha instead of chili garlic paste?
Yes, sriracha is an excellent substitute for chili garlic paste. It has similar heat level and can be used in most recipes that call for chili garlic paste.
What's the difference between chili garlic paste and sriracha?
Chili garlic paste is a thick paste with garlic and chili, while sriracha is a liquid sauce with vinegar and garlic. Both have similar heat levels but different textures and flavors.
Can I make homemade chili garlic paste?
Yes, you can make homemade chili garlic paste by blending fresh chilies with garlic and a little oil. This provides the most authentic taste and texture.
Why is chili garlic paste so popular in Asian cooking?
Chili garlic paste is popular in Asian cooking because it adds spicy, garlicky flavor that complements many Asian ingredients and creates authentic flavor profiles.
Summary
Find the best substitutes for chili garlic paste in Asian cooking, marinades, and more. Complete guide with ratios, tips, and alternatives for every use.