Out of Sriracha, one case
Mild Sriracha substitute - less spicy options
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Sweet chili sauce
Same amount as the Sriracha
The best mild sriracha substitutes are sweet chili sauce (1:1), sriracha mixed with mayonnaise (1:3 ratio), or ketchup + garlic powder (1 tbsp ketchup + ¼ tsp garlic). These provide similar flavor with reduced heat.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- Sensitive palates
One casethe full Sriracha card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Sriracha | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sweet chili sauceSensitive palates | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Sriracha + mayonnaiseWhen you have sriracha but want less heat | 1 part sriracha + 3 parts mayonnaiseTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Ketchup + garlic powderKids | 1 tbsp ketchup + ¼ tsp garlic powderWorks | Works |
| 4 | Mild hot sauce + garlic powder + sugarWhen you want minimal heat | Same amountPlus ¼ tsp garlic powder + 1 tsp sugar per tbsp mild hot sauceWorks | Works |
| 5 | Tomato paste + sugar + garlic powderCooking applications | 1 tbsp tomato paste + 1 tsp sugar + ¼ tsp garlic powder + 1 tsp waterWorks | Works |
| 6 | Sriracha + sour creamWhen you have sriracha but want less heat | 1 part sriracha + 2 parts sour creamTweak it | Tweak it |
Sweet chili sauce
similar taste and texture
Mild, sweet sauce with similar consistency to sriracha but significantly less heat. Good for sensitive palates.
- Best for
- Sensitive palates, kids, when you want zero heat, dipping sauces, Asian dishes, when you want sweetness
Sweet chili sauce has the thickness and sweetness of sriracha but is completely mild. It's widely available and works well in most applications where you want sriracha flavor without heat.
Sriracha + mayonnaise
similar taste, different texture
Diluted sriracha that significantly reduces heat while maintaining some of the original flavor.
- Best for
- When you have sriracha but want less heat, dips, sandwiches, spreading, when you want creaminess
Mix sriracha with mayonnaise to reduce heat. Start with 1:3 ratio and adjust. The mayo adds creaminess and significantly reduces spiciness while maintaining some sriracha flavor.
Ketchup + garlic powder
similar taste and texture
Sweet and garlicky without any heat. Good for those who want sriracha's flavor profile without spice.
- Best for
- Kids, sensitive palates, when you want zero heat, burgers, fries, dips, when you have basic ingredients
Mix ketchup with garlic powder to taste. Add a pinch of sugar if you want more sweetness. This gives you the sweet-garlic flavor of sriracha without any heat.
Mild hot sauce + garlic powder + sugar
similar taste and texture
Mild hot sauce enhanced with garlic and sugar for reduced heat perception.
- Best for
- When you want minimal heat, when you have mild hot sauce available, quick substitute, when you want some heat but not too much
Use a mild hot sauce like mild Tabasco or mild Frank's. Add garlic powder and sugar to enhance flavor and reduce heat perception. This provides some heat but much less than regular sriracha.
Tomato paste + sugar + garlic powder
similar taste and texture
Thick, sweet, and garlicky sauce with no heat that works well in cooking applications.
- Best for
- Cooking applications, when you want thick consistency, marinades, sauces, when you want zero heat
Mix tomato paste with sugar, garlic powder, and a little water to thin. This creates a thick, sweet, garlicky sauce with no heat that works well in cooking applications.
Sriracha + sour cream
similar taste, different texture
Diluted sriracha with sour cream that reduces heat and adds tanginess.
- Best for
- When you have sriracha but want less heat, dips, when you want tanginess, when you want creaminess
Mix sriracha with sour cream to reduce heat. The sour cream adds tanginess and creaminess while significantly reducing spiciness. Use 1:2 ratio and adjust to taste.
How it behaves in this recipe
Mild sriracha substitutes are essential for people with sensitive palates, children, or those who want the flavor profile of sriracha without the heat. The key is maintaining the sweet-garlic flavor while completely eliminating or significantly reducing spiciness.
Tips for substituting Sriracha
10 tips- For completely mild options, avoid any hot sauce or chili-based ingredients
- Sweet chili sauce is the easiest mild substitute to find in stores
- When making mild substitutes, taste as you go to ensure no heat
- Ketchup-based substitutes work well for American dishes and kids' meals
- For Asian dishes, sweet chili sauce is the most authentic mild choice
- If you accidentally make something too spicy, add more sweetener or dairy to balance
- Mild substitutes work best in applications where heat isn't expected
- Store mild substitutes in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
- For dipping sauces, mayonnaise or sour cream-based substitutes are especially good
- When cooking with mild substitutes, you may need to add other seasonings for depth
Notes on Sriracha
- Use different sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave for varied sweetness profiles
- Add herbs like basil or cilantro for fresh flavor without heat
- Use different types of mild sauces as bases (mild salsa, mild BBQ sauce)
- Combine multiple mild ingredients for more complex flavor
- Add umami elements like soy sauce or Worcestershire for depth without heat
Questions
6 questionsWhat's the best mild substitute for sriracha?
Sweet chili sauce is the best mild substitute for sriracha. It has similar thickness and sweetness without any heat. Use a 1:1 ratio in most recipes.
How do I make sriracha less spicy?
Mix sriracha with mayonnaise (1:3 ratio) or sour cream (1:2 ratio) to dilute the heat. You can also use sweet chili sauce as a completely mild alternative.
Can I use ketchup instead of sriracha?
Yes, ketchup works as a mild substitute, especially when mixed with garlic powder. It provides the sweetness and thickness of sriracha without the heat.
What's a good mild substitute for sriracha?
Sweet chili sauce is the best mild substitute. It's widely available, has similar consistency to sriracha, and provides sweetness without any heat.
Can kids eat sriracha substitutes?
Yes, mild substitutes like ketchup + garlic powder or sweet chili sauce are good for kids. They provide similar flavor without any heat.
Is there a way to reduce sriracha's heat without changing the flavor?
Mix sriracha with mayonnaise or sour cream to reduce heat while maintaining most of the original flavor. Start with a 1:2 or 1:3 ratio.