🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Sriracha Substitute for Bang Bang Sauce: Best Alternatives

Find the best sriracha substitutes for bang bang sauce recipes. Learn about hot sauce alternatives, chili garlic sauce, and how to make perfect bang bang sauce without sriracha.

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Quick Answer

The best sriracha substitutes for bang bang sauce are chili garlic sauce (1:1), hot sauce + garlic powder (1:1 + 1/4 tsp garlic), or gochujang + vinegar (1:1 + 1 tsp vinegar). Mix with mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce for authentic bang bang sauce.

Best Substitutes

Chili Garlic Sauce

1:1

Thick, garlicky sauce that's perfect for bang bang sauce. Has similar heat and garlic flavor to sriracha.

Best for:

Bang bang saucewhen you want closest matchAsian-inspired disheswhen you want authentic flavor

Mix 1 part chili garlic sauce with 2 parts mayonnaise and 1 part sweet chili sauce for bang bang sauce. This creates the most authentic flavor profile. Adjust ratios based on desired heat level.

Hot Sauce + Garlic Powder

1:1 + 1/4 tsp garlic powder per tbsp hot sauce

Hot sauce enhanced with garlic powder for bang bang sauce applications.

Best for:

When you have hot sauce availablequick substitutewhen you want to control heat level

Mix hot sauce with garlic powder, then combine with mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce. Use Tabasco, Frank's, or your preferred hot sauce. Start with 1:2:1 ratio (hot sauce:mayo:sweet chili sauce).

Gochujang + Vinegar

1:1 + 1 tsp vinegar per tbsp gochujang

Korean chili paste thinned with vinegar for bang bang sauce. Provides complex, fermented flavor.

Best for:

Korean-inspired bang bang saucewhen you want complex flavorAsian fusionwhen you have gochujang available

Thin gochujang with vinegar, then mix with mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce. The vinegar helps thin the paste and adds acidity. Use 1:2:1 ratio for balanced flavor.

Sambal Oelek + Sugar + Garlic

1:1 + 1 tsp sugar + 1/4 tsp garlic powder per tbsp sambal

Indonesian chili paste enhanced with sugar and garlic for bang bang sauce.

Best for:

Indonesian-inspired bang bang saucewhen you want pure heatwhen you have sambal availablespicy applications

Mix sambal oelek with sugar and garlic powder, then combine with mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce. This adds the sweetness and garlic that sriracha provides. Adjust sugar to taste.

Cayenne Pepper + Garlic Powder + Sugar

1/4 tsp cayenne + 1/4 tsp garlic powder + 1/2 tsp sugar per tbsp mayo

Dry spice blend that can be mixed directly into bang bang sauce for heat and flavor.

Best for:

When you have basic spicesquick substitutewhen you want to control heat preciselyhomemade approach

Mix cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and sugar directly into mayonnaise, then add sweet chili sauce. This gives you complete control over heat level. Use 1:2:1 ratio (spice mix:mayo:sweet chili sauce).

Red Pepper Flakes + Garlic + Vinegar + Sugar

1 tsp flakes + 1/4 tsp garlic powder + 1 tsp vinegar + 1/2 tsp sugar per 2 tbsp mayo

Homemade spicy blend that mimics sriracha's flavor profile in bang bang sauce.

Best for:

When you have basic ingredientshomemade approachwhen you want to customize flavorwhen you want complex flavor

Mix red pepper flakes, garlic powder, vinegar, and sugar, then let sit 10 minutes before mixing with mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce. This creates a complex flavor similar to sriracha.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡For authentic bang bang sauce, use a 1:2:1 ratio (sriracha substitute:mayonnaise:sweet chili sauce)
  • 💡Let bang bang sauce 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 shrimp or chicken applications, chili garlic sauce works best as a sriracha substitute
  • 💡For dipping sauces, hot sauce + garlic powder is a good choice
  • 💡Store bang bang sauce in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
  • 💡If your bang bang sauce 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-inspired bang bang sauce, gochujang-based substitute is most authentic

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best substitute for sriracha in bang bang sauce?

Chili garlic sauce is the best substitute for sriracha in bang bang sauce. It has similar heat, sweetness, and garlic flavor. Mix 1 part chili garlic sauce with 2 parts mayonnaise and 1 part sweet chili sauce.

How do I make bang bang sauce without sriracha?

Mix chili garlic sauce, hot sauce + garlic powder, or gochujang + vinegar with mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce. Use a 1:2:1 ratio (hot sauce:mayo:sweet chili sauce) for balanced flavor.

Can I use hot sauce instead of sriracha for bang bang sauce?

Yes, but add garlic powder to mimic sriracha's garlic flavor. Mix 1 part hot sauce with 1/4 tsp garlic powder, then combine with mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce in a 1:2:1 ratio.

What's a good sriracha substitute for bang bang sauce?

Chili garlic sauce works best for bang bang sauce because it has similar thickness and flavor. You can also use hot sauce + garlic powder or gochujang + vinegar as alternatives.

Can I use gochujang for bang bang sauce?

Yes, but thin it with vinegar first. Mix 1 part gochujang with 1 tsp vinegar, then combine with mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce in a 1:2:1 ratio. This works especially well for Korean-inspired bang bang sauce.

How spicy should my bang bang sauce be?

Start mild and add more heat gradually. A good starting ratio is 1 part hot sauce to 2 parts mayonnaise to 1 part sweet chili sauce. You can always add more spice but can't take it away.

Summary

Find the best sriracha substitutes for bang bang sauce recipes. Learn about hot sauce alternatives, chili garlic sauce, and how to make perfect bang bang sauce without sriracha.