What's the Best Substitute for Sweet Chili Sauce?
Whether you're out of Sweet Chili Sauce or looking for a healthier alternative, finding the right substitute can save your recipe. Sweet and spicy sauce made from chili peppers, sugar, and vinegar, used as a condiment and in cooking In this guide, we'll explore the best substitutes that work in most recipes and help you achieve similar results.
Quick Answer
The best substitutes for sweet chili sauce are sriracha with sugar, hot sauce with honey, or a homemade blend of chili peppers, sugar, and vinegar, depending on the use.
Best Substitutes for Sweet Chili Sauce
Sriracha + Sugar
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- cooking
- marinades
- dips
- when you want similar heat level
Description
Hot sauce with added sweetness to mimic sweet chili sauce
Most similar substitute, adjust sugar to taste
Hot Sauce + Honey
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- cooking
- marinades
- dips
- when you want natural sweetness
Description
Hot sauce with natural sweetness from honey
Natural sweetness from honey, adjust ratio to taste
Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- all uses
- when you want to customize flavor
- fresh ingredients
- controlling heat level
Description
Custom blend of chili peppers, sugar, and vinegar
Most authentic substitute, can customize heat and sweetness
Chili Garlic Sauce + Sugar
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- cooking
- marinades
- dips
- when you want garlic flavor
Description
Chili sauce with added sweetness and garlic flavor
Adds garlic flavor, adjust sugar to taste
Barbecue Sauce
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- cooking
- marinades
- dips
- when you want different flavor
Description
Sweet and tangy sauce with different flavor profile
Different flavor profile, similar sweetness
Hoisin Sauce
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- cooking
- marinades
- dips
- when you want Asian flavor
Description
Sweet and savory sauce with similar consistency
Different flavor profile, similar sweetness and consistency
How to Choose the Right Substitute
When choosing a substitute for Sweet Chili Sauce, consider the recipe's requirements for taste, texture, and cooking method. Think about whether you need something that mimics the original exactly or if a different but complementary flavor would work. Also consider dietary restrictions and availability of ingredients.
Cooking Tips
Sweet chili sauce adds sweet and spicy flavor to dishes
Sweet chili sauce can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
Sweet chili sauce pairs well with Asian and fusion dishes
Sweet chili sauce works well in marinades and glazes
Sweet chili sauce can be used to make dipping sauces
Store sweet chili sauce in the refrigerator
Always taste and adjust seasonings when using substitutes
Consider the cooking method - some substitutes work better in certain applications