Szechuan paste substitutes
Szechuan paste substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Szechuan peppercorns
Same amount as the Szechuan paste
Similar spice with different texture.
The best substitutes for szechuan paste are szechuan peppercorns, chili paste, or other spicy pastes like gochujang or harissa, depending on the use.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- similar taste, different texture
- Best for —
- cooking
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Szechuan paste | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Szechuan peppercornscooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Chili pastecooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Gochujangcooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Harissacooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Srirachacooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Chili garlic saucecooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Szechuan peppercorns
similar taste, different texture
Similar spice with different texture.
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, rubs, spice blends
Different texture, similar flavor.
Chili paste
different taste, similar texture
Similar spicy paste with different flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, rubs, spice blends
Different flavor, similar texture.
Gochujang
different taste, similar texture
Similar spicy paste with different flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, rubs, spice blends
Different flavor, similar texture.
Harissa
different taste, similar texture
Similar spicy paste with different flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, rubs, spice blends
Different flavor, similar texture.
Sriracha
different taste, similar texture
Similar spicy sauce with different flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, rubs, spice blends
Different flavor, similar texture.
Chili garlic sauce
different taste, similar texture
Similar spicy sauce with different flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, rubs, spice blends
Different flavor, similar texture.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use szechuan peppercorns instead of szechuan paste?
Yes, szechuan peppercorns are a good substitute for szechuan paste. They have similar flavor and can be used in most recipes that call for szechuan paste.
What's the difference between szechuan paste and szechuan peppercorns?
Szechuan paste is a paste made from szechuan peppercorns and chili peppers, while szechuan peppercorns are the whole spice. Both have similar flavor but with different textures.
Can I use chili paste instead of szechuan paste?
Yes, chili paste can work as a substitute, though it may have a different flavor. It has similar texture and can be used in most recipes.
Why is szechuan paste so popular in Chinese cooking?
Szechuan paste is popular in Chinese cooking because it adds spicy, numbing flavor that complements the ingredients and cooking styles of Chinese cuisine.
Tips for substituting Szechuan paste
6 tips- Szechuan paste adds spicy, numbing flavor to dishes
- Szechuan paste can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
- Szechuan paste pairs well with herbs, spices, and vegetables
- Szechuan paste works well in marinades and rubs
- Szechuan paste can be used to make spice blends
- Store szechuan paste in the refrigerator