Out of Sriracha, one case
Sriracha substitute for spicy mayo
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Chili garlic sauce
Same amount as the Sriracha
The best sriracha substitutes for spicy mayo are chili garlic sauce (1:1), hot sauce + garlic powder (1:1 + ¼ tsp garlic), or gochujang thinned with vinegar (1:1 + 1 tsp vinegar). Mix with mayonnaise for good spicy mayo.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- Spicy mayo
One casethe full Sriracha card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Sriracha | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chili garlic sauceSpicy mayo | 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 dishes | Same amountPlus 1 tsp vinegar per tbsp gochujangTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Sambal oelek + sugar + garlicIndonesian dishes | 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 + vinegarWhen you have basic ingredients | 1 tsp flakes + ¼ tsp garlic powder + 1 tsp vinegar per 2 tbsp mayoWorks | Works |
Chili garlic sauce
similar taste and texture
Thick, garlicky sauce that's good for spicy mayo. Has similar heat and garlic flavor to sriracha.
- Best for
- Spicy mayo, Asian-inspired dishes, when you want closest match, sushi, sandwiches
Mix 1 part chili garlic sauce with 2-3 parts mayonnaise. This creates the most authentic spicy mayo substitute. Adjust ratio based on desired heat level.
Hot sauce + garlic powder
similar taste and texture
Hot sauce enhanced with garlic powder to mimic sriracha's garlic flavor in spicy mayo.
- Best for
- When you have hot sauce available, American-style spicy mayo, quick substitute
Mix hot sauce with garlic powder, then combine with mayonnaise. Use Tabasco, Frank's, or any hot sauce you prefer. Start with 1:3 ratio (sauce to mayo).
Gochujang + vinegar
different taste, similar texture
Korean chili paste thinned with vinegar for spicy mayo. Provides complex, fermented flavor.
- Best for
- Korean-inspired dishes, when you want complex flavor, Asian fusion, marinades
Thin gochujang with vinegar, then mix with mayonnaise. The vinegar helps thin the paste and adds acidity. Use 1:3 ratio with mayo.
Sambal oelek + sugar + garlic
similar taste and texture
Indonesian chili paste enhanced with sugar and garlic for spicy mayo applications.
- Best for
- Indonesian dishes, when you want pure heat, spicy applications, when you have sambal available
Mix sambal oelek with sugar and garlic powder, then combine with mayonnaise. This adds the sweetness and garlic that sriracha provides.
Cayenne pepper + garlic powder + sugar
similar taste and texture
Dry spice blend that can be mixed directly into mayonnaise for spicy mayo.
- Best for
- When you have basic spices, quick substitute, when you want to control heat precisely
Mix cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and sugar directly into mayonnaise. Start with small amounts and adjust to taste. This gives you complete control over heat level.
Red pepper flakes + garlic + vinegar
similar taste and texture
Homemade spicy blend that mimics sriracha's flavor profile in mayonnaise.
- Best for
- When you have basic ingredients, homemade approach, when you want to customize flavor
Mix red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and vinegar, then let sit 10 minutes before mixing with mayonnaise. This creates a complex flavor similar to sriracha.
How it behaves in this recipe
Spicy mayo requires a balance of heat, creaminess, and flavor. The best sriracha substitutes for spicy mayo maintain this balance while providing the garlic and sweetness that makes sriracha mayo distinctive.
Tips for substituting Sriracha
10 tips- For best spicy mayo, mix the hot element with mayonnaise gradually to avoid over-spicing
- Let spicy mayo 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 sushi applications, chili garlic sauce works best as a sriracha substitute
- For sandwiches and burgers, hot sauce + garlic powder is a good choice
- Store homemade spicy mayo in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
- If your spicy mayo 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 dishes, gochujang-based spicy mayo 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 vinegars (rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar) for varied acidity
- 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 spicy mayo?
Chili garlic sauce is the best substitute for sriracha in spicy mayo. It has similar heat, sweetness, and garlic flavor. Mix 1 part chili garlic sauce with 2-3 parts mayonnaise.
Can I use hot sauce instead of sriracha for spicy mayo?
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 in a 1:3 ratio.
How do I make spicy mayo without sriracha?
Mix chili garlic sauce, hot sauce + garlic powder, or gochujang + vinegar with mayonnaise. Start with a 1:3 ratio (sauce to mayo) and adjust to taste.
What's a good sriracha mayo substitute?
Mix chili garlic sauce with mayonnaise (1:3 ratio) for the closest match. You can also use hot sauce + garlic powder or gochujang + vinegar as alternatives.
Can I use gochujang for spicy mayo?
Yes, but thin it with vinegar first. Mix 1 part gochujang with 1 tsp vinegar, then combine with mayonnaise in a 1:3 ratio. This works especially well for Korean dishes.
How spicy should my sriracha mayo substitute be?
Start mild and add more heat gradually. A good starting ratio is 1 part hot sauce to 3 parts mayonnaise. You can always add more spice but can't take it away.