Out of Sriracha, one case
Sriracha substitute: replacing Sriracha sauce
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Chili garlic sauce
Same amount as the Sriracha
The best sriracha substitutes are chili garlic sauce (1:1), hot sauce like Tabasco (1:1), or a mix of ketchup + cayenne pepper (1 tbsp ketchup + ¼ tsp cayenne). Each works well for different applications.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- Asian dishes
One casethe full Sriracha card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Sriracha | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chili garlic sauceAsian dishes | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Hot sauce (Tabasco, frank's, etc.)General heat | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 3 | Ketchup + cayenne pepperWhen you want sweet heat | 1 tbsp ketchup + ¼ tsp cayenne pepperTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | GochujangKorean dishes | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 5 | Sambal oelekWhen you want pure heat | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Red pepper flakes + vinegar + sugarWhen you have basic ingredients | 1 tsp flakes + 1 tsp vinegar + 1 tsp sugarTweak it | Tweak it |
Chili garlic sauce
similar taste and texture
Thick, garlicky sauce with similar heat level and texture to sriracha. Closest match available.
- Best for
- Asian dishes, stir-fries, marinades, dipping sauces, when you want closest match
Most similar to sriracha in both flavor and texture. Has the garlic component that makes sriracha unique.
Hot sauce (Tabasco, frank's, etc.)
different taste and texture
Vinegary hot sauce with similar heat level but thinner consistency and different flavor profile.
- Best for
- General heat, when you need quick substitute, American dishes, when texture doesn't matter
Provides the heat but lacks sriracha's sweetness and garlic. May need to add garlic powder for closer match.
Ketchup + cayenne pepper
similar taste, different texture
Sweet and spicy combination that mimics sriracha's sweet-heat balance.
- Best for
- When you want sweet heat, American dishes, burgers, fries, when you have basic ingredients
Mix ketchup with cayenne pepper to taste. Add garlic powder for closer match. Adjust heat level with more/less cayenne.
Gochujang
different taste and texture
Korean fermented chili paste that's thicker and more complex than sriracha.
- Best for
- Korean dishes, marinades, when you want complex flavor, Asian fusion
Thicker and more fermented than sriracha. Has umami depth but different flavor profile. May need to thin with vinegar.
Sambal oelek
different taste, similar texture
Indonesian chili paste that's pure heat without the sweetness or garlic of sriracha.
- Best for
- When you want pure heat, Indonesian dishes, when you don't need sweetness, spicy applications
Pure chili heat without sriracha's sweetness or garlic. Add sugar and garlic powder for closer match.
Red pepper flakes + vinegar + sugar
similar taste, different texture
Homemade substitute that combines heat, acidity, and sweetness.
- Best for
- When you have basic ingredients, quick substitute, when you want to control heat level
Mix red pepper flakes with white vinegar and sugar. Let sit 10 minutes to develop flavor. Adjust ratios to taste.
How it behaves in this recipe
Sriracha is unique because it combines heat, sweetness, garlic, and a thick texture. The best substitutes either match this combination (like chili garlic sauce) or can be easily modified to achieve it (like ketchup + cayenne + garlic).
Tips for substituting Sriracha
10 tips- For best results, taste your substitute before adding to the full recipe
- Sriracha is both sweet and spicy - most substitutes need both elements
- If using a thinner substitute, reduce other liquids in your recipe
- For closer flavor match, add garlic powder to any hot sauce substitute
- Let homemade substitutes sit for 10-15 minutes to develop flavor
- Store homemade substitutes in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
- Start with less heat and add more gradually - you can always add more spice
- For Asian dishes, chili garlic sauce is usually the best choice
- For American dishes, hot sauce or ketchup + cayenne work well
- For Korean dishes, gochujang is the most authentic choice
Notes on Sriracha
- Make your own sriracha-style sauce by blending red jalapeños, garlic, sugar, and vinegar
- Use different types of hot sauce based on your heat preference (mild, medium, or hot)
- Combine multiple substitutes for a more complex flavor profile
- Adjust the sweetness level by adding honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup
- Add umami depth with soy sauce, fish sauce, or Worcestershire sauce
Questions
6 questionsWhat's the best substitute for sriracha?
Chili garlic sauce is the best overall substitute for sriracha because it has similar heat, sweetness, and garlic flavor. Use a 1:1 ratio for most recipes.
Can I use hot sauce instead of sriracha?
Yes, you can use hot sauce like Tabasco or Frank's Red Hot, but it will be thinner and more vinegary. You may want to add a pinch of sugar and garlic powder for a closer match.
What can I substitute for sriracha if I don't have any hot sauce?
Mix ketchup with cayenne pepper (1 tbsp ketchup + ¼ tsp cayenne). Add garlic powder for closer flavor. This gives you the sweet-spicy balance that makes sriracha unique.
Is gochujang a good substitute for sriracha?
Gochujang can work as a substitute, especially for Korean dishes, but it's thicker and more fermented. You may need to thin it with vinegar and add sugar for sweetness.
How do I make sriracha less spicy?
Mix sriracha with ketchup, mayonnaise, or honey to reduce heat. Start with equal parts and adjust to taste. You can also use a milder hot sauce as your base substitute.
Can I substitute sriracha for gochujang?
Yes, but sriracha is thinner and sweeter than gochujang. For Korean dishes, you might want to add some soy sauce and reduce other sweeteners in your recipe.