🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Chili Bean Paste Substitutes: for Asian Cooking Guide

Find the best substitutes for chili bean paste in Asian recipes. Learn proper ratios, techniques, and tips for authentic Asian flavor.

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Quick Answer

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 + 1/2 tsp chili flakes per tbsp.

Best Substitutes

Gochujang

1:1

Korean fermented chili paste with similar heat and umami depth to chili bean paste. Excellent for Asian dishes and marinades.

Best for:

Korean dishesAsian cookingmarinadeswhen you want fermented flavorumami-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

1:1 miso + 1/2 tsp chili flakes per tbsp

Japanese fermented bean paste combined with chili flakes to mimic the heat and umami of chili bean paste.

Best for:

Japanese disheswhen you want fermented flavorsoupsmarinadesAsian cooking

Mix miso paste with red pepper flakes. Use 1/2 teaspoon of chili flakes per tablespoon of miso for best results.

Doubanjiang + Chili Flakes

1:1 doubanjiang + 1/2 tsp chili flakes per tbsp

Chinese fermented bean paste combined with chili flakes for authentic Asian flavor and heat.

Best for:

Chinese disheswhen you want authentic Asian flavorstir-friessaucesmarinades

Mix doubanjiang with red pepper flakes. Use 1/2 teaspoon of chili flakes per tablespoon of doubanjiang for best results.

Sriracha + Soy Sauce

2:1 Sriracha to soy sauce

Hot sauce combined with soy sauce to provide heat and umami similar to chili bean paste.

Best for:

when you have Sriracha availablequick substitutionsgeneral Asian cookingmarinades

Mix Sriracha with soy sauce. Use a 2:1 ratio of Sriracha to soy sauce for best results.

Hot Sauce + Miso

1:1 hot sauce to miso

Hot sauce combined with miso paste to provide heat and umami similar to chili bean paste.

Best for:

when you have hot sauce availablequick substitutionsgeneral cookingmarinades

Mix your favorite hot sauce with miso paste. Use equal amounts for best results.

Cooking 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

Find the best substitutes for chili bean paste in Asian recipes. Learn proper ratios, techniques, and tips for authentic Asian flavor.