Chilli garlic sauce substitutes
Chilli garlic sauce substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Sriracha
Same amount as the chilli garlic sauce
Similar sauce with different flavor.
The best substitutes for chilli garlic sauce are sriracha, sambal oelek, or a homemade blend, depending on the use.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- marinades
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of chilli garlic sauce | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Srirachamarinades | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Sambal oelekmarinades | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Homemade blendmarinades | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Chili pastemarinades | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Hot saucemarinades | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 6 | Gochujangmarinades | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Sriracha
different taste, similar texture
Similar sauce with different flavor.
- Best for
- marinades, sauces, rubs, dips
Different flavor, similar heat.
Sambal oelek
different taste, similar texture
Similar sauce with different flavor.
- Best for
- marinades, sauces, rubs, dips
Different flavor, similar heat.
Homemade blend
similar taste and texture
Similar sauce with different preparation.
- Best for
- marinades, sauces, rubs, dips
Different preparation, similar flavor.
Chili paste
different taste, similar texture
Similar sauce with different flavor.
- Best for
- marinades, sauces, rubs, dips
Different flavor, similar heat.
Hot sauce
different taste and texture
Similar sauce with different flavor.
- Best for
- marinades, sauces, rubs, dips
Different flavor, similar heat.
Gochujang
different taste, similar texture
Similar sauce with different flavor.
- Best for
- marinades, sauces, rubs, dips
Different flavor, similar heat.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use sriracha instead of chilli garlic sauce?
Yes, sriracha is a good substitute for chilli garlic sauce. It has a different flavor but similar heat and can be used in most recipes.
What's the difference between chilli garlic sauce and sriracha?
Chilli garlic sauce is made from chili peppers and garlic, while sriracha is made from chili peppers and vinegar. Both are spicy sauces but have different ingredients.
Can I use sambal oelek instead of chilli garlic sauce?
Yes, sambal oelek can work as a substitute, though it has a different flavor. It provides similar heat and can be used in most recipes.
Why is chilli garlic sauce so popular in Asian cooking?
Chilli garlic sauce is popular because it adds spicy, garlicky flavor and is a key ingredient in many traditional Asian dishes like stir-fries.
Tips for substituting chilli garlic sauce
6 tips- Chilli garlic sauce adds spicy, garlicky flavor to dishes
- Chilli garlic sauce can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
- Chilli garlic sauce pairs well with meats, vegetables, and rice
- Chilli garlic sauce works well in Asian and fusion cuisines
- Chilli garlic sauce can be used to make marinades and stir-fries
- Store chilli garlic sauce in the refrigerator