Out of Chili garlic paste, one case
Chili garlic paste substitutes for any recipe
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Sriracha + garlic
Same amount as the chili garlic paste
Sriracha + 1 clove garlic per tbsp
The best chili garlic paste substitutes are Sriracha + Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes + Oil + Garlic, and Gochujang + Garlic. Use 1:1 ratio for Sriracha with added garlic, or 1 tsp flakes + 1 tbsp oil + 1 clove garlic.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- general cooking
One casethe full chili paste card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of chili garlic paste | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sriracha + garlicgeneral cooking | Same amountSriracha + 1 clove garlic per tbspWorks | Works |
| 2 | Red pepper flakes + oil + garlicsimple recipes | 1 tsp flakes + 1 tbsp oil + 1 clove garlicTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Gochujang + garlicKorean dishes | Same amountGochujang + 1 clove garlic per tbspTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Cayenne pepper + tomato paste + garlictomato-based dishes | ½ tsp cayenne + 1 tbsp tomato paste + 1 clove garlicTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Hot sauce + oil + garlicwhen you have hot sauce available | 2:1 hot sauce to oil + 1 clove garlic per tbspWorks | Works |
Sriracha + garlic
similar taste and texture
Popular hot sauce combined with fresh garlic to mimic the heat and garlic flavor of chili garlic paste. Good for most recipes.
- Best for
- general cooking, stir-fries, marinades, when you want similar heat and garlic, most recipes
Mix Sriracha with minced garlic. Use 1 clove of garlic per tablespoon of Sriracha for best results.
Red pepper flakes + oil + garlic
similar taste, different texture
Simple combination that provides heat, oil content, and garlic flavor similar to chili garlic paste. Great for when you want to control the heat level.
- Best for
- simple recipes, when you want to control heat, Italian dishes, pasta sauces, quick substitutions
Mix red pepper flakes with olive oil and minced garlic. Adjust the amount of flakes based on desired heat level.
Gochujang + garlic
different taste, similar texture
Korean fermented chili paste combined with fresh garlic for deep umami flavor and moderate heat. Excellent for Asian dishes.
- Best for
- Korean dishes, Asian cooking, marinades, when you want fermented flavor, umami-rich recipes
Mix Gochujang with minced garlic. Use 1 clove of garlic per tablespoon of Gochujang for best results.
Cayenne pepper + tomato paste + garlic
different taste, similar texture
Spicy combination with tomato base and garlic that mimics the texture and flavor of chili garlic paste.
- Best for
- tomato-based dishes, sauces, when you want tomato flavor, pasta dishes, soups
Mix cayenne pepper with tomato paste and minced garlic. This combination provides heat, body, and garlic flavor similar to chili garlic paste.
Hot sauce + oil + garlic
similar taste and texture
Thickened hot sauce mixture with garlic that provides similar consistency, heat, and flavor to chili garlic paste.
- Best for
- when you have hot sauce available, quick substitutions, general cooking, marinades
Mix your favorite hot sauce with oil and minced garlic. Use a 2:1 ratio of hot sauce to oil plus 1 clove garlic per tablespoon.
How chili garlic paste compares
Chili garlic paste is a specific type of chili paste that combines chilies with garlic, known for its complex flavor profile and moderate to high heat level. The recommended substitutes work because they provide similar heat levels and include the essential garlic component.
Tips for substituting chili garlic paste
5 tips- Chili garlic paste is known for its combination of heat and garlic flavor - choose substitutes that can provide both
- For best results, use fresh garlic rather than garlic powder in your substitutes
- Different chili garlic pastes have different heat levels - adjust your substitute accordingly
- Chili garlic paste often contains additional seasonings - consider adding these to your substitute
- Store homemade chili garlic paste substitutes in the refrigerator for up to a week
Notes on chili garlic paste
- Make your own chili garlic paste by blending dried chilies with oil, fresh garlic, and seasonings
- Use different types of hot sauces with added garlic 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 Sriracha instead of chili garlic paste?
Yes, Sriracha can work as a substitute, but you'll need to add garlic to match the flavor profile. Mix 1 clove of minced garlic per tablespoon of Sriracha.
What's the best ratio for chili garlic paste substitute?
For Sriracha and Gochujang, use 1:1 ratio plus 1 clove garlic per tablespoon. For red pepper flakes, use 1 tsp flakes with 1 tbsp oil and 1 clove garlic.
Why doesn't my dish taste right with chili garlic paste substitutes?
Common issues include not adding enough garlic, using too much substitute, or not accounting for different heat levels. Make sure to include fresh garlic in your substitute and start with less substitute, adding more gradually.
Can I make my own chili garlic paste substitute?
Yes, blend dried chilies with oil, fresh garlic, and seasonings, then cook until thick. You can also mix hot sauce with oil, garlic, and seasonings for a quick substitute.
What's the difference between chili garlic paste and regular chili paste?
Chili garlic paste contains garlic in addition to chilies, giving it a more complex flavor profile. Regular chili paste may not have the garlic component.