Out of Sriracha, one case
Sriracha substitute for bang bang sauce
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Chili garlic sauce
Same amount as the Sriracha
The best sriracha substitutes for bang bang sauce are chili garlic sauce (1:1), hot sauce + garlic powder (1:1 + ¼ tsp garlic), or gochujang + vinegar (1:1 + 1 tsp vinegar). Mix with mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce for authentic bang bang sauce.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- Bang bang sauce
One casethe full Sriracha card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Sriracha | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chili garlic sauceBang bang sauce | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Hot sauce + garlic powderWhen you have hot sauce available | Same amountPlus ¼ tsp garlic powder per tbsp hot sauceWorks | Works |
| 3 | Gochujang + vinegarKorean-inspired bang bang sauce | Same amountPlus 1 tsp vinegar per tbsp gochujangTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Sambal oelek + sugar + garlicIndonesian-inspired bang bang sauce | Same amountPlus 1 tsp sugar + ¼ tsp garlic powder per tbsp sambalWorks | Works |
| 5 | Cayenne pepper + garlic powder + sugarWhen you have basic spices | ¼ tsp cayenne + ¼ tsp garlic powder + ½ tsp sugar per tbsp mayoWorks | Works |
| 6 | Red pepper flakes + garlic + vinegar + sugarWhen you have basic ingredients | 1 tsp flakes + ¼ tsp garlic powder + 1 tsp vinegar + ½ tsp sugar per 2 tbsp mayoWorks | Works |
Chili garlic sauce
similar taste and texture
Thick, garlicky sauce that's good for bang bang sauce. Has similar heat and garlic flavor to sriracha.
- Best for
- Bang bang sauce, when you want closest match, Asian-inspired dishes, when you want authentic flavor
Mix 1 part chili garlic sauce with 2 parts mayonnaise and 1 part sweet chili sauce for bang bang sauce. This creates the most authentic flavor profile. Adjust ratios based on desired heat level.
Hot sauce + garlic powder
similar taste and texture
Hot sauce enhanced with garlic powder for bang bang sauce applications.
- Best for
- When you have hot sauce available, quick substitute, when you want to control heat level
Mix hot sauce with garlic powder, then combine with mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce. Use Tabasco, Frank's, or your preferred hot sauce. Start with 1:2:1 ratio (hot sauce:mayo:sweet chili sauce).
Gochujang + vinegar
different taste, similar texture
Korean chili paste thinned with vinegar for bang bang sauce. Provides complex, fermented flavor.
- Best for
- Korean-inspired bang bang sauce, when you want complex flavor, Asian fusion, when you have gochujang available
Thin gochujang with vinegar, then mix with mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce. The vinegar helps thin the paste and adds acidity. Use 1:2:1 ratio for balanced flavor.
Sambal oelek + sugar + garlic
similar taste and texture
Indonesian chili paste enhanced with sugar and garlic for bang bang sauce.
- Best for
- Indonesian-inspired bang bang sauce, when you want pure heat, when you have sambal available, spicy applications
Mix sambal oelek with sugar and garlic powder, then combine with mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce. This adds the sweetness and garlic that sriracha provides. Adjust sugar to taste.
Cayenne pepper + garlic powder + sugar
similar taste and texture
Dry spice blend that can be mixed directly into bang bang sauce for heat and flavor.
- Best for
- When you have basic spices, quick substitute, when you want to control heat precisely, homemade approach
Mix cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and sugar directly into mayonnaise, then add sweet chili sauce. This gives you complete control over heat level. Use 1:2:1 ratio (spice mix:mayo:sweet chili sauce).
Red pepper flakes + garlic + vinegar + sugar
similar taste and texture
Homemade spicy blend that mimics sriracha's flavor profile in bang bang sauce.
- Best for
- When you have basic ingredients, homemade approach, when you want to customize flavor, when you want complex flavor
Mix red pepper flakes, garlic powder, vinegar, and sugar, then let sit 10 minutes before mixing with mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce. This creates a complex flavor similar to sriracha.
How it behaves in this recipe
Bang bang sauce requires a balance of heat, creaminess, and sweetness. The best sriracha substitutes for bang bang sauce maintain this balance while providing the garlic and heat that makes bang bang sauce distinctive.
Tips for substituting Sriracha
10 tips- For authentic bang bang sauce, use a 1:2:1 ratio (sriracha substitute:mayonnaise:sweet chili sauce)
- Let bang bang sauce sit for 15-30 minutes before using to allow flavors to meld
- Start with less heat and add more gradually - you can always add more spice
- For shrimp or chicken applications, chili garlic sauce works best as a sriracha substitute
- For dipping sauces, hot sauce + garlic powder is a good choice
- Store bang bang sauce in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
- If your bang bang sauce is too hot, add more mayonnaise to dilute
- For a creamier texture, use full-fat mayonnaise instead of light
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness if your substitute lacks acidity
- For Korean-inspired bang bang sauce, gochujang-based substitute is most authentic
Notes on Sriracha
- Use different types of mayonnaise (full-fat, light, or vegan) for varied textures
- Add other seasonings like smoked paprika, cumin, or herbs for complexity
- Use different types of sweet chili sauce for varied sweetness levels
- Add a touch of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness
- Experiment with different hot sauces to find your preferred heat level
Questions
6 questionsWhat's the best substitute for sriracha in bang bang sauce?
Chili garlic sauce is the best substitute for sriracha in bang bang sauce. It has similar heat, sweetness, and garlic flavor. Mix 1 part chili garlic sauce with 2 parts mayonnaise and 1 part sweet chili sauce.
How do I make bang bang sauce without sriracha?
Mix chili garlic sauce, hot sauce + garlic powder, or gochujang + vinegar with mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce. Use a 1:2:1 ratio (hot sauce:mayo:sweet chili sauce) for balanced flavor.
Can I use hot sauce instead of sriracha for bang bang sauce?
Yes, but add garlic powder to mimic sriracha's garlic flavor. Mix 1 part hot sauce with ¼ tsp garlic powder, then combine with mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce in a 1:2:1 ratio.
What's a good sriracha substitute for bang bang sauce?
Chili garlic sauce works best for bang bang sauce because it has similar thickness and flavor. You can also use hot sauce + garlic powder or gochujang + vinegar as alternatives.
Can I use gochujang for bang bang sauce?
Yes, but thin it with vinegar first. Mix 1 part gochujang with 1 tsp vinegar, then combine with mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce in a 1:2:1 ratio. This works especially well for Korean-inspired bang bang sauce.
How spicy should my bang bang sauce be?
Start mild and add more heat gradually. A good starting ratio is 1 part hot sauce to 2 parts mayonnaise to 1 part sweet chili sauce. You can always add more spice but can't take it away.