Out of Thai chili paste, one case
Thai chili paste substitutes: Thai cooking
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Sriracha + fish sauce
Same amount as the Thai chili paste
Sriracha + 1 tsp fish sauce per tbsp
The best Thai chili paste substitutes are Sriracha + Fish Sauce, Red Pepper Flakes + Fish Sauce + Lime, and Gochujang + Fish Sauce. Use 1:1 Sriracha + 1 tsp fish sauce, or 1 tsp flakes + 1 tsp fish sauce + 1 tsp lime juice.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- Thai dishes
One casethe full chili paste card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Thai chili paste | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sriracha + fish sauceThai dishes | Same amountSriracha + 1 tsp fish sauce per tbspWorks | Works |
| 2 | Red pepper flakes + fish sauce + limeThai dishes | 1 tsp flakes + 1 tsp fish sauce + 1 tsp lime juiceTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Gochujang + fish saucewhen you want fermented flavor | Same amountGochujang + 1 tsp fish sauce per tbspTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Cayenne pepper + fish sauce + lime + sugarwhen you want to control ingredients | ½ tsp cayenne + 1 tsp fish sauce + 1 tsp lime juice + ½ tsp sugarYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 5 | Hot sauce + fish sauce + limewhen you have hot sauce available | 2:1:1 hot sauce to fish sauce to lime juiceTweak it | Tweak it |
Sriracha + fish sauce
similar taste and texture
Hot sauce combined with fish sauce to provide heat and umami similar to Thai chili paste.
- Best for
- Thai dishes, when you want similar heat and umami, stir-fries, marinades, most recipes
Mix Sriracha with fish sauce. Use 1 teaspoon of fish sauce per tablespoon of Sriracha for best results.
Red pepper flakes + fish sauce + lime
similar taste, different texture
Spicy combination with fish sauce and lime that mimics the heat and tang of Thai chili paste.
- Best for
- Thai dishes, when you want authentic Thai flavor, simple recipes, quick substitutions
Mix red pepper flakes with fish sauce and lime juice. This combination provides heat, umami, and tang similar to Thai chili paste.
Gochujang + fish sauce
different taste, similar texture
Korean fermented chili paste combined with fish sauce for heat and umami similar to Thai chili paste.
- Best for
- when you want fermented flavor, Asian fusion dishes, marinades, sauces, umami-rich recipes
Mix Gochujang with fish sauce. Use 1 teaspoon of fish sauce per tablespoon of Gochujang for best results.
Cayenne pepper + fish sauce + lime + sugar
different taste and texture
Spicy combination with fish sauce, lime, and sugar that mimics the complex flavor of Thai chili paste.
- Best for
- when you want to control ingredients, homemade alternatives, when you don't have Thai chili paste, simple recipes
Mix cayenne pepper with fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. This combination provides heat, umami, tang, and sweetness similar to Thai chili paste.
Hot sauce + fish sauce + lime
similar taste, different texture
Hot sauce combined with fish sauce and lime to provide heat, umami, and tang similar to Thai chili paste.
- Best for
- when you have hot sauce available, quick substitutions, general cooking, marinades
Mix hot sauce with fish sauce and lime juice. Use a 2:1:1 ratio for best results.
How Thai chili paste compares
Thai chili paste is a specific type of chili paste known for its high heat level and combination of umami and tang flavors. The recommended substitutes work because they provide similar heat levels and include the essential umami and tang components.
Tips for substituting Thai chili paste
5 tips- Thai chili paste is known for its combination of heat, umami, and tang - choose substitutes that can provide all three
- For best results, use fish sauce in your substitutes to match the umami flavor
- Thai chili paste typically has a high heat level - adjust your substitute accordingly
- Thai chili paste often contains additional seasonings like garlic and shallots - consider adding these to your substitute
- Store homemade Thai chili paste substitutes in the refrigerator for up to a week
Notes on Thai chili paste
- Make your own Thai chili paste by blending fresh or dried chilies with fish sauce, lime juice, and seasonings
- Use different types of hot sauces with added fish sauce and lime based on availability
- 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 Thai chili paste?
Yes, Sriracha can work as a substitute, but you'll need to add fish sauce to match the umami flavor. Mix 1 teaspoon of fish sauce per tablespoon of Sriracha.
What's the best ratio for Thai chili paste substitute?
For Sriracha + fish sauce, use 1:1 Sriracha with 1 tsp fish sauce per tablespoon. For red pepper flakes + fish sauce + lime, use 1 tsp flakes with 1 tsp fish sauce and 1 tsp lime juice.
Why doesn't my dish taste right with Thai chili paste substitutes?
Common issues include not adding enough umami flavor, missing the tang, or not accounting for different heat levels. Make sure to include fish sauce and lime in your substitute and start with less substitute, adding more gradually.
Can I make my own Thai chili paste substitute?
Yes, blend fresh or dried chilies with fish sauce, lime juice, and seasonings, then cook until thick. You can also mix hot sauce with fish sauce and lime for a quick substitute.
What's the difference between Thai chili paste and other chili pastes?
Thai chili paste is known for its high heat level and combination of umami (from fish sauce) and tang (from lime). Other chili pastes may not have these specific flavor components.