Out of Sriracha, one case
Non-spicy Sriracha substitute
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Ketchup + garlic powder
1 tbsp ketchup + ¼ tsp garlic powder
The best non-spicy sriracha substitutes are ketchup + garlic powder, sweet chili sauce, or sriracha mixed with mayonnaise. These provide similar flavor without the heat.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- Kids
One casethe full Sriracha card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Sriracha | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ketchup + garlic powderKids | 1 tbsp ketchup + ¼ tsp garlic powderWorks | Works |
| 2 | Sweet chili sauceAsian dishes | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Sriracha + mayonnaiseWhen you have sriracha but want less heat | 1 part sriracha + 3 parts mayonnaiseTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Ketchup + honey + garlic powderWhen you want sweet-garlic flavor | 2 tbsp ketchup + 1 tsp honey + ¼ tsp garlic powderWorks | Works |
| 5 | Mild hot sauce + sugarWhen you want minimal heat | 1 tbsp mild hot sauce + 1 tsp sugarWorks | Works |
| 6 | Tomato paste + sugar + garlic powderCooking applications | 1 tbsp tomato paste + 1 tsp sugar + ¼ tsp garlic powder + 1 tsp waterWorks | Works |
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
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 heat.
Sweet chili sauce
similar taste and texture
Mild, sweet sauce with similar consistency to sriracha but no heat. Popular in Asian cuisine.
- Best for
- Asian dishes, dipping sauces, when you want mild sweetness, stir-fries
Sweet chili sauce has the thickness and sweetness of sriracha but is completely mild. It's widely available and works well in most applications.
Sriracha + mayonnaise
similar taste, different texture
Diluted sriracha that reduces heat while maintaining some of the original flavor.
- Best for
- When you have sriracha but want less heat, dips, sandwiches, spreading
Mix sriracha with mayonnaise to reduce heat. Start with 1:3 ratio and adjust. The mayo adds creaminess and significantly reduces spiciness.
Ketchup + honey + garlic powder
similar taste and texture
Sweet, garlicky sauce with no heat that mimics sriracha's flavor profile.
- Best for
- When you want sweet-garlic flavor, marinades, glazes, dipping sauces
Mix ketchup with honey and garlic powder. The honey adds natural sweetness while garlic powder provides the savory element. No heat at all.
Mild hot sauce + sugar
similar taste and texture
Mild hot sauce sweetened to reduce heat perception and add sweetness.
- Best for
- When you want minimal heat, when you have mild hot sauce available, quick substitute
Use a mild hot sauce like mild Tabasco or mild Frank's. Add sugar to sweeten and further reduce heat perception. Mix well.
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
Mix tomato paste with sugar, garlic powder, and a little water to thin. This creates a thick, sweet, garlicky sauce with no heat.
How it behaves in this recipe
Non-spicy 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 spiciness.
Tips for substituting Sriracha
10 tips- For completely non-spicy options, avoid any hot sauce or chili-based ingredients
- Sweet chili sauce is the easiest non-spicy substitute to find in stores
- When making homemade non-spicy 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 non-spicy choice
- If you accidentally make something too spicy, add more sweetener to balance
- Non-spicy substitutes work best in applications where heat isn't expected
- Store homemade non-spicy substitutes in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
- For dipping sauces, mayonnaise-based substitutes are especially good
- When cooking with non-spicy 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 non-spicy ingredients for more complex flavor
- Add umami elements like soy sauce or Worcestershire for depth without heat
Questions
6 questionsWhat's the best non-spicy substitute for sriracha?
Sweet chili sauce is the best non-spicy 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 not spicy?
Mix sriracha with mayonnaise (1:3 ratio) or ketchup to dilute the heat. You can also use sweet chili sauce as a completely non-spicy alternative.
Can I use ketchup instead of sriracha?
Yes, ketchup works as a non-spicy 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, non-spicy 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.