🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Chili Garlic Paste Substitutes: for Any Recipe Guide

Find the best substitutes for chili garlic paste in any recipe. Learn proper ratios, techniques, and tips for perfect spicy garlic results every time.

✓

Quick Answer

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.

Best Substitutes

Sriracha + Garlic

1:1 Sriracha + 1 clove garlic per tbsp

Popular hot sauce combined with fresh garlic to mimic the heat and garlic flavor of chili garlic paste. Perfect for most recipes.

Best for:

general cookingstir-friesmarinadeswhen you want similar heat and garlicmost recipes

Mix Sriracha with minced garlic. Use 1 clove of garlic per tablespoon of Sriracha for best results.

Red Pepper Flakes + Oil + Garlic

1 tsp flakes + 1 tbsp oil + 1 clove garlic

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 recipeswhen you want to control heatItalian dishespasta saucesquick substitutions

Mix red pepper flakes with olive oil and minced garlic. Adjust the amount of flakes based on desired heat level.

Gochujang + Garlic

1:1 Gochujang + 1 clove garlic per tbsp

Korean fermented chili paste combined with fresh garlic for deep umami flavor and moderate heat. Excellent for Asian dishes.

Best for:

Korean dishesAsian cookingmarinadeswhen you want fermented flavorumami-rich recipes

Mix Gochujang with minced garlic. Use 1 clove of garlic per tablespoon of Gochujang for best results.

Cayenne Pepper + Tomato Paste + Garlic

1/2 tsp cayenne + 1 tbsp tomato paste + 1 clove garlic

Spicy combination with tomato base and garlic that mimics the texture and flavor of chili garlic paste.

Best for:

tomato-based dishessauceswhen you want tomato flavorpasta dishessoups

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

2:1 hot sauce to oil + 1 clove garlic per tbsp

Thickened hot sauce mixture with garlic that provides similar consistency, heat, and flavor to chili garlic paste.

Best for:

when you have hot sauce availablequick substitutionsgeneral cookingmarinades

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.

Cooking 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can 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.

Summary

Find the best substitutes for chili garlic paste in any recipe. Learn proper ratios, techniques, and tips for perfect spicy garlic results every time.