🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Red Chili Paste Substitutes: for Any Recipe Complete Guide

Find the best substitutes for red 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 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.

Best Substitutes

Sriracha

1:1

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

Red Pepper Flakes + Oil

1 tsp flakes + 1 tbsp oil

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 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.

Gochujang

1:1

Korean fermented red 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 red chili paste. Use in equal amounts.

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 red chili paste.

Best for:

tomato-based dishessauceswhen you want tomato flavorpasta dishessoups

This combination provides heat and body similar to red 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 red chili paste.

Best for:

when you have hot sauce availablequick substitutionsgeneral cookingmarinades

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

Cooking 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

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