🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Sriracha Substitute: Replacing Sriracha Sauce Guide

Find the best sriracha substitute for any recipe. Learn about hot sauce alternatives, chili garlic sauce, and homemade sriracha substitutes with proper ratios and cooking tips.

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Quick Answer

The best sriracha substitutes are chili garlic sauce (1:1), hot sauce like Tabasco (1:1), or a mix of ketchup + cayenne pepper (1 tbsp ketchup + 1/4 tsp cayenne). Each works well for different applications.

Best Substitutes

Chili Garlic Sauce

1:1

Thick, garlicky sauce with similar heat level and texture to sriracha. Closest match available.

Best for:

Asian dishesstir-friesmarinadesdipping sauceswhen you want closest match

Most similar to sriracha in both flavor and texture. Has the garlic component that makes sriracha unique.

Hot Sauce (Tabasco, Frank's, etc.)

1:1

Vinegary hot sauce with similar heat level but thinner consistency and different flavor profile.

Best for:

General heatwhen you need quick substituteAmerican disheswhen texture doesn't matter

Provides the heat but lacks sriracha's sweetness and garlic. May need to add garlic powder for closer match.

Ketchup + Cayenne Pepper

1 tbsp ketchup + 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Sweet and spicy combination that mimics sriracha's sweet-heat balance.

Best for:

When you want sweet heatAmerican dishesburgersfrieswhen you have basic ingredients

Mix ketchup with cayenne pepper to taste. Add garlic powder for closer match. Adjust heat level with more/less cayenne.

Gochujang

1:1

Korean fermented chili paste that's thicker and more complex than sriracha.

Best for:

Korean dishesmarinadeswhen you want complex flavorAsian fusion

Thicker and more fermented than sriracha. Has umami depth but different flavor profile. May need to thin with vinegar.

Sambal Oelek

1:1

Indonesian chili paste that's pure heat without the sweetness or garlic of sriracha.

Best for:

When you want pure heatIndonesian disheswhen you don't need sweetnessspicy applications

Pure chili heat without sriracha's sweetness or garlic. Add sugar and garlic powder for closer match.

Red Pepper Flakes + Vinegar + Sugar

1 tsp flakes + 1 tsp vinegar + 1 tsp sugar

Homemade substitute that combines heat, acidity, and sweetness.

Best for:

When you have basic ingredientsquick substitutewhen you want to control heat level

Mix red pepper flakes with white vinegar and sugar. Let sit 10 minutes to develop flavor. Adjust ratios to taste.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡For best results, taste your substitute before adding to the full recipe
  • 💡Sriracha is both sweet and spicy - most substitutes need both elements
  • 💡If using a thinner substitute, reduce other liquids in your recipe
  • 💡For closer flavor match, add garlic powder to any hot sauce substitute
  • 💡Let homemade substitutes sit for 10-15 minutes to develop flavor
  • 💡Store homemade substitutes in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
  • 💡Start with less heat and add more gradually - you can always add more spice
  • 💡For Asian dishes, chili garlic sauce is usually the best choice
  • 💡For American dishes, hot sauce or ketchup + cayenne work well
  • 💡For Korean dishes, gochujang is the most authentic choice

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best substitute for sriracha?

Chili garlic sauce is the best overall substitute for sriracha because it has similar heat, sweetness, and garlic flavor. Use a 1:1 ratio for most recipes.

Can I use hot sauce instead of sriracha?

Yes, you can use hot sauce like Tabasco or Frank's Red Hot, but it will be thinner and more vinegary. You may want to add a pinch of sugar and garlic powder for a closer match.

What can I substitute for sriracha if I don't have any hot sauce?

Mix ketchup with cayenne pepper (1 tbsp ketchup + 1/4 tsp cayenne). Add garlic powder for closer flavor. This gives you the sweet-spicy balance that makes sriracha unique.

Is gochujang a good substitute for sriracha?

Gochujang can work as a substitute, especially for Korean dishes, but it's thicker and more fermented. You may need to thin it with vinegar and add sugar for sweetness.

How do I make sriracha less spicy?

Mix sriracha with ketchup, mayonnaise, or honey to reduce heat. Start with equal parts and adjust to taste. You can also use a milder hot sauce as your base substitute.

Can I substitute sriracha for gochujang?

Yes, but sriracha is thinner and sweeter than gochujang. For Korean dishes, you might want to add some soy sauce and reduce other sweeteners in your recipe.

Summary

Find the best sriracha substitute for any recipe. Learn about chili garlic sauce, hot sauce alternatives, and homemade sriracha substitutes with proper ratios and cooking tips.