Out of Chili paste, one case
Chili paste substitutes, case by case
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Sriracha
Same amount as the chili paste
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.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- general cooking
One casethe full chili paste card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of chili paste | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Srirachageneral cooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | GochujangKorean dishes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Red pepper flakes + oilsimple recipes | 1 tsp flakes + 1 tbsp oilYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 4 | Cayenne pepper + tomato pastetomato-based dishes | ½ tsp cayenne + 1 tbsp tomato pasteTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Hot sauce + oilwhen you have hot sauce available | 2:1 hot sauce to oilWorks | Works |
Sriracha
similar taste and texture
Popular hot sauce with similar heat and tanginess to chili paste. Good for most recipes that call for chili paste.
- Best for
- general cooking, stir-fries, marinades, when you want similar heat and tang, most recipes
Sriracha has a slightly different flavor profile but works well in most applications. Use in equal amounts by volume.
Gochujang
different taste, similar texture
Korean fermented chili paste with deep umami flavor and moderate heat. 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 regular chili paste. Use in equal amounts.
Red pepper flakes + oil
different taste and texture
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 recipes, when you want to control heat, Italian dishes, pasta sauces, quick 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
different taste, similar texture
Spicy combination with tomato base that mimics the texture and some flavor of chili paste.
- Best for
- tomato-based dishes, sauces, when you want tomato flavor, pasta dishes, soups
This combination provides heat and body similar to chili paste. Adjust cayenne amount based on desired heat level.
Hot sauce + oil
similar taste and texture
Thickened hot sauce mixture that provides similar consistency and heat to chili paste.
- Best for
- when you have hot sauce available, quick substitutions, general cooking, marinades
Mix your favorite hot sauce with a bit of oil to thicken it. Use a 2:1 ratio of hot sauce to oil.
How it behaves in this recipe
Chili paste is a versatile ingredient that adds heat, flavor, and color to many dishes. The recommended substitutes work because they provide similar heat levels and can be used in most recipes that call for chili paste.
Tips for substituting chili paste
5 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
Notes on chili paste
- Make your own chili paste by blending dried chilies with oil and seasonings
- Use different types of hot sauces 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 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 ½ 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.