Out of Red chili paste, one case
Red chili paste substitutes for any recipe
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Sriracha
Same amount as the red chili paste
The best red chili paste substitutes are Sriracha, Red Pepper Flakes + Oil, and Gochujang. 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 red chili paste | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Srirachageneral cooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Red pepper flakes + oilsimple recipes | 1 tsp flakes + 1 tbsp oilYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 3 | GochujangKorean dishes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak 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 red hot sauce with similar heat and tanginess to red chili paste. Good for most recipes that call for red 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.
Red pepper flakes + oil
different taste and texture
Simple combination that provides heat and oil content similar to red 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.
Gochujang
different taste, similar texture
Korean fermented red 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 red chili paste. Use in equal amounts.
Cayenne pepper + tomato paste
different taste, similar texture
Spicy combination with tomato base that mimics the texture and some flavor of red chili paste.
- Best for
- tomato-based dishes, sauces, when you want tomato flavor, pasta dishes, soups
This combination provides heat and body similar to red 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 red chili paste.
- Best for
- when you have hot sauce available, quick substitutions, general cooking, marinades
Mix your favorite red hot sauce with a bit of oil to thicken it. Use a 2:1 ratio of hot sauce to oil.
How red chili paste compares
Red chili paste is a specific type of chili paste made from red chilies, known for its bright red color and typically moderate to high heat level. The recommended substitutes work because they provide similar heat levels and can be used in most recipes that call for red chili paste.
Tips for substituting red chili paste
5 tips- Red chili paste is typically made from red chilies, so choose substitutes that use similar peppers
- For best results, taste as you go when substituting red chili paste
- Different red chili pastes have different heat levels - adjust your substitute accordingly
- Red chili paste often contains garlic and other seasonings - consider adding these to your substitute
- Store homemade red chili paste substitutes in the refrigerator for up to a week
Notes on red chili paste
- Make your own red chili paste by blending dried red chilies with oil and seasonings
- Use different types of red 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 red chili paste?
Yes, Sriracha is one of the best substitutes for red 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 red 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 red 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 red chili paste.
Can I make my own red chili paste substitute?
Yes, blend dried red chilies with oil, garlic, and seasonings, then cook until thick. You can also mix red hot sauce with oil and seasonings for a quick substitute.
What's the difference between red chili paste and other chili pastes?
Red chili paste is specifically made from red chilies and typically has a bright red color. Other chili pastes may use different colored peppers or have different flavor profiles.