Out of Chili bean paste, one case
Chili bean paste substitutes for Asian cooking
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Gochujang
Same amount as the chili bean paste
The best chili bean paste substitutes are Gochujang, Miso + Chili Flakes, and Doubanjiang + Chili Flakes. Use 1:1 ratio for Gochujang, or 1:1 miso + ½ tsp chili flakes per tbsp.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- Korean dishes
One casethe full chili paste card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of chili bean paste | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GochujangKorean dishes | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Miso + chili flakesJapanese dishes | Same amountMiso + ½ tsp chili flakes per tbspTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Doubanjiang + chili flakesChinese dishes | Same amountDoubanjiang + ½ tsp chili flakes per tbspWorks | Works |
| 4 | Sriracha + soy saucewhen you have Sriracha available | 2:1 Sriracha to soy sauceYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 5 | Hot sauce + misowhen you have hot sauce available | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Gochujang
similar taste and texture
Korean fermented chili paste with similar heat and umami depth to chili bean paste. Excellent for Asian dishes and marinades.
- Best for
- Korean dishes, Asian cooking, marinades, when you want fermented flavor, umami-rich recipes
Gochujang has a unique fermented taste and is slightly sweeter than chili bean paste. Use in equal amounts by volume.
Miso + chili flakes
different taste, similar texture
Japanese fermented bean paste combined with chili flakes to mimic the heat and umami of chili bean paste.
- Best for
- Japanese dishes, when you want fermented flavor, soups, marinades, Asian cooking
Mix miso paste with red pepper flakes. Use ½ teaspoon of chili flakes per tablespoon of miso for best results.
Doubanjiang + chili flakes
similar taste and texture
Chinese fermented bean paste combined with chili flakes for authentic Asian flavor and heat.
- Best for
- Chinese dishes, when you want authentic Asian flavor, stir-fries, sauces, marinades
Mix doubanjiang with red pepper flakes. Use ½ teaspoon of chili flakes per tablespoon of doubanjiang for best results.
Sriracha + soy sauce
different taste and texture
Hot sauce combined with soy sauce to provide heat and umami similar to chili bean paste.
- Best for
- when you have Sriracha available, quick substitutions, general Asian cooking, marinades
Mix Sriracha with soy sauce. Use a 2:1 ratio of Sriracha to soy sauce for best results.
Hot sauce + miso
different taste, similar texture
Hot sauce combined with miso paste to provide heat and umami similar to chili bean paste.
- Best for
- when you have hot sauce available, quick substitutions, general cooking, marinades
Mix your favorite hot sauce with miso paste. Use equal amounts for best results.
How chili bean paste compares
Chili bean paste is a specific type of chili paste that combines chilies with fermented beans, known for its complex umami flavor profile and moderate to high heat level. The recommended substitutes work because they provide similar heat levels and include the essential fermented bean component.
Tips for substituting chili bean paste
5 tips- Chili bean paste is known for its combination of heat and umami from fermented beans - choose substitutes that can provide both
- For best results, use fermented bean pastes like miso or doubanjiang in your substitutes
- Different chili bean pastes have different heat levels - adjust your substitute accordingly
- Chili bean paste often contains additional seasonings - consider adding these to your substitute
- Store homemade chili bean paste substitutes in the refrigerator for up to a week
Notes on chili bean paste
- Make your own chili bean paste by blending fermented bean paste with chili flakes, oil, and seasonings
- Use different types of fermented bean pastes with added chili based on the cuisine you're cooking
- Combine multiple substitutes for a more complex flavor profile
- Adjust heat levels by using milder or hotter versions of your chosen substitute
Questions
5 questionsCan I use Gochujang instead of chili bean paste?
Yes, Gochujang is one of the best substitutes for chili bean paste. Use it in a 1:1 ratio, though it has a slightly different flavor profile with more sweetness.
What's the best ratio for chili bean paste substitute?
For Gochujang, use 1:1 ratio. For miso + chili flakes, use 1:1 miso with ½ tsp chili flakes per tablespoon. For doubanjiang + chili flakes, use 1:1 doubanjiang with ½ tsp chili flakes per tablespoon.
Why doesn't my dish taste right with chili bean paste substitutes?
Common issues include not adding enough umami flavor, using too much substitute, or not accounting for different heat levels. Make sure to include fermented bean paste in your substitute and start with less substitute, adding more gradually.
Can I make my own chili bean paste substitute?
Yes, blend fermented bean paste with chili flakes, oil, and seasonings, then cook until thick. You can also mix hot sauce with miso or doubanjiang for a quick substitute.
What's the difference between chili bean paste and regular chili paste?
Chili bean paste contains fermented beans in addition to chilies, giving it a more complex umami flavor profile. Regular chili paste may not have the fermented bean component.