🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Best Chili Paste Substitutes: Complete Recipe Guide

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

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Quick Answer

The best chili paste substitutes are Sriracha, Gochujang, and Red Pepper Flakes + Oil. Use 1:1 ratio for Sriracha and Gochujang, or 1 tsp flakes + 1 tbsp oil for the flakes mixture.

Best Substitutes

Sriracha

1:1

Popular hot sauce with similar heat and tanginess to chili paste. Perfect for most recipes that call for chili paste.

Best for:

general cookingstir-friesmarinadeswhen you want similar heat and tangmost recipes

Sriracha has a slightly different flavor profile but works well in most applications. Use in equal amounts by volume.

Gochujang

1:1

Korean fermented chili paste with deep umami flavor and moderate heat. 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 regular chili paste. Use in equal amounts.

Red Pepper Flakes + Oil

1 tsp flakes + 1 tbsp oil

Simple combination that provides heat and oil content similar to chili 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 or vegetable oil. Adjust the amount of flakes based on desired heat level.

Cayenne Pepper + Tomato Paste

1/2 tsp cayenne + 1 tbsp tomato paste

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

Best for:

tomato-based dishessauceswhen you want tomato flavorpasta dishessoups

This combination provides heat and body similar to chili paste. Adjust cayenne amount based on desired heat level.

Hot Sauce + Oil

2:1 hot sauce to oil

Thickened hot sauce mixture that provides similar consistency and heat to chili paste.

Best for:

when you have hot sauce availablequick substitutionsgeneral cookingmarinades

Mix your favorite hot sauce with a bit of oil to thicken it. Use a 2:1 ratio of hot sauce to oil.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Chili paste is concentrated, so start with less substitute and add more to taste
  • 💡For best results, taste as you go when substituting chili paste
  • 💡Different chili pastes have different heat levels - adjust your substitute accordingly
  • 💡Chili paste often contains garlic and other seasonings - consider adding these to your substitute
  • 💡Store homemade chili paste substitutes in the refrigerator for up to a week

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Sriracha instead of chili paste?

Yes, Sriracha is one of the best substitutes for chili paste. Use it in a 1:1 ratio, though it has a slightly different flavor profile with more tanginess.

What's the best ratio for chili paste substitute?

For Sriracha and Gochujang, use 1:1 ratio. For red pepper flakes, use 1 tsp flakes with 1 tbsp oil. For cayenne + tomato paste, use 1/2 tsp cayenne with 1 tbsp tomato paste.

Why doesn't my dish taste right with chili paste substitutes?

Common issues include using too much substitute, not accounting for different heat levels, or missing additional seasonings. Start with less substitute and add more gradually, and consider adding garlic or other seasonings that might be in the original chili paste.

Can I make my own chili paste substitute?

Yes, blend dried chilies with oil, garlic, and seasonings, then cook until thick. You can also mix hot sauce with oil and seasonings for a quick substitute.

What's the difference between chili paste and hot sauce?

Chili paste is thicker and more concentrated than hot sauce, often containing additional ingredients like garlic, oil, and spices. Hot sauce is typically more liquid and may have vinegar.

Summary

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