Out of Sriracha, one case
Huy Fong Sriracha substitute: during Sriracha shortage
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Other Sriracha brands
Same amount as the Sriracha
The best Huy Fong sriracha substitutes are other sriracha brands (Tabasco Sriracha, Yellowbird), chili garlic sauce, or homemade sriracha. During shortages, chili garlic sauce provides the closest flavor match.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- When you want authentic sriracha flavor
One casethe full Sriracha card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Sriracha | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Other Sriracha brandsWhen you want authentic sriracha flavor | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Chili garlic sauceWhen you want Huy Fong flavor | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Homemade SrirachaWhen you want exact flavor control | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Gochujang + vinegar + sugarKorean dishes | Same amountPlus 1 tsp vinegar + 1 tsp sugar per tbsp gochujangTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Sambal oelek + sugar + garlicWhen you have sambal available | Same amountPlus 1 tsp sugar + ¼ tsp garlic powder per tbsp sambalWorks | Works |
| 6 | Hot sauce + garlic + sugarWhen you have hot sauce available | Same amountPlus ¼ tsp garlic powder + 1 tsp sugar per tbsp hot sauceTweak it | Tweak it |
Other Sriracha brands
similar taste and texture
Alternative sriracha brands that provide similar heat and flavor profile to Huy Fong.
- Best for
- When you want authentic sriracha flavor, direct replacement, when other brands are available
Try Tabasco Sriracha, Yellowbird Sriracha, or other brands. Each has slightly different flavor profiles but similar heat and consistency. Use 1:1 ratio.
Chili garlic sauce
similar taste and texture
Huy Fong's own chili garlic sauce provides similar heat and garlic flavor without the sweetness of sriracha.
- Best for
- When you want Huy Fong flavor, Asian dishes, when you need garlic heat, stir-fries
Made by the same company as Huy Fong sriracha, this provides similar heat and garlic flavor. It's thicker and less sweet than sriracha but very close in flavor profile.
Homemade Sriracha
similar taste and texture
DIY sriracha made with red jalapeños, garlic, sugar, and vinegar to replicate Huy Fong's flavor.
- Best for
- When you want exact flavor control, long-term solution, when you have fresh peppers, customization
Blend red jalapeños with garlic, sugar, and vinegar. Ferment for 3-5 days, then blend smooth. This allows you to replicate Huy Fong's exact flavor profile.
Gochujang + vinegar + sugar
different taste, similar texture
Korean chili paste modified to mimic sriracha's sweetness and acidity.
- Best for
- Korean dishes, when you want complex flavor, when gochujang is available, Asian fusion
Thin gochujang with vinegar and add sugar to match sriracha's sweetness. This creates a complex, fermented flavor similar to Huy Fong sriracha.
Sambal oelek + sugar + garlic
similar taste and texture
Indonesian chili paste enhanced to match sriracha's sweet-garlic profile.
- Best for
- When you have sambal available, Indonesian dishes, when you want pure heat base, quick substitute
Mix sambal oelek with sugar and garlic powder. This adds the sweetness and garlic that makes Huy Fong sriracha distinctive. Adjust sugar to taste.
Hot sauce + garlic + sugar
similar taste, different texture
Hot sauce enhanced with garlic and sugar to replicate sriracha's flavor profile.
- Best for
- When you have hot sauce available, quick substitute, when other options aren't available
Mix any hot sauce with garlic powder and sugar. This combination mimics sriracha's sweet-garlic-heat profile. Use Tabasco, Frank's, or your preferred hot sauce.
How it behaves in this recipe
Huy Fong sriracha has a unique flavor profile due to their specific pepper blend, fermentation process, and balance of heat, sweetness, and garlic. During shortages, the best substitutes either replicate this exact profile or provide the closest available alternative.
Tips for substituting Sriracha
10 tips- During Huy Fong shortages, stock up on chili garlic sauce as it's made by the same company
- Other sriracha brands may have slightly different flavor profiles - taste before using in large quantities
- Homemade sriracha requires fermentation time, so plan ahead if making your own
- Huy Fong sriracha has a specific balance of heat, sweetness, and garlic - aim for this balance in substitutes
- Store homemade sriracha in the refrigerator for up to 6 months
- When making homemade sriracha, use red jalapeños for the most authentic flavor
- Huy Fong's distinctive flavor comes from their specific pepper blend and fermentation process
- During shortages, consider buying in bulk when available to avoid future shortages
- Chili garlic sauce is often more available than sriracha during shortages
- If using other brands, you may need to adjust recipes slightly for flavor differences
Notes on Sriracha
- Stock up on Huy Fong chili garlic sauce during shortages as it's made by the same company
- Try different sriracha brands to find your preferred alternative
- Make large batches of homemade sriracha to last through shortages
- Combine multiple substitutes for a more complex flavor profile
- Consider growing your own peppers for homemade sriracha
Questions
6 questionsWhat's the best substitute for Huy Fong sriracha?
Huy Fong's own chili garlic sauce is the best substitute for their sriracha. It has similar heat and garlic flavor, made by the same company. Other sriracha brands like Tabasco Sriracha also work well.
Why is Huy Fong sriracha hard to find?
Huy Fong sriracha has experienced supply shortages due to pepper crop issues and increased demand. This has made it difficult to find in stores, leading many to seek alternatives.
Can I make my own Huy Fong-style sriracha?
Yes, you can make homemade sriracha using red jalapeños, garlic, sugar, and vinegar. Ferment the mixture for 3-5 days, then blend smooth. This allows you to replicate Huy Fong's flavor profile.
What other sriracha brands are good?
Tabasco Sriracha, Yellowbird Sriracha, and other brands provide similar heat and flavor. Each has slightly different flavor profiles but can work as direct replacements for Huy Fong.
Is chili garlic sauce the same as sriracha?
Chili garlic sauce is made by Huy Fong and has similar heat and garlic flavor, but it's thicker and less sweet than sriracha. It's an excellent substitute during sriracha shortages.
How long does homemade sriracha last?
Homemade sriracha lasts 4-6 months in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. The vinegar and fermentation help preserve it naturally.