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10 Best Sriracha Substitutes
Over the past decade or so, Sriracha sauce has become a culinary sensation, cultivating a network of fans around the world. Spice lovers drizzle the concoction over everything from avocado toast to eggs, and there are even accessories and other clever inventions that allow people to show off their fandom and carry a mini bottle with them wherever they go.
The familiar bottle with the bright red sauce, delicate rooster illustration and signature green cap has become synonymous with adding flavor and heat to many dishes. The popular condiment’s manufacturer, Huy Fong Foods, sells the product in a variety of sizes, from a 9-ounce squeeze bottle for the fridge to an 8.5-pound container for true Sriracha fans who can’t get enough and go through regular-sized bottles in a week.
But Sriracha is far from the only hot sauce out there that can add a bit of heat and a little extra flavor. If you’ve run out and are panicking, or just want to mix up your condiment game and add a different twist, you’re in luck. There are plenty of Sriracha substitutes that deliver a tasty end result. As with any substitute, it’s just a matter of knowing which elements of Sriracha you want to mimic and knowing the right proportions for the recipe.
Sambal Oelek
If you’re looking for something very similar to Sriracha in both taste and consistency, a paste of ground fresh chiles called Sambal Oelek may be the perfect solution. In fact, if you want to be specific about the brand, the same company that makes Sriracha also sells a Sambal Oelek (through Huy Fong Foods).
This condiment is of Indonesian origin and has a similar heat level and chili flavor to Sriracha. It also has a thicker, paste-like consistency, making it ideal for situations where Sriracha is used as a dipping condiment or in some sort of marinade or sauce. The one thing you need to be aware of is that sambal oelek has a simpler flavor profile – it doesn’t have the garlic flavor notes that Sriracha does, so you may need to incorporate some minced garlic or even garlic powder into your recipe if you want a closer approximation.
For best results, you can swap equal amounts – so a recipe that calls for one tablespoon of Sriracha would call for one tablespoon of Sambal Oelek instead.
Gochujang
This substitute may not be familiar to everyone, but if you’re a fan of Korean cuisine and love to make homemade bibimbap, you probably have a jar of gochujang in your fridge. It’s a mixture of fermented soybeans and red chili powder that combine to make a thick paste that’s packed with flavor. Sriracha and gochujang have similar heat levels – both add a bit of heat to a dish without making it unbearably hot. And the fermentation in gochujang is a nice trade-off for the slightly vinegary tang of Sriracha.
The one thing to keep in mind is consistency. While Sriracha has a somewhat thick texture, Gochujang is a paste, so in certain dishes you may need to thin the Gochujang with some water to use it in the same way. However, if the Sriracha is just an ingredient in a sauce or stew of some kind, the gochujang should dissolve just fine.
For best results, start with about half the amount of gochujang as an appropriate substitution – so if that spicy stew calls for three tablespoons of Sriracha, add only one and a half tablespoons of gochujang. This is because the paste can have a more concentrated flavor, so you’ll want to start small and add a little more if you feel the dish needs it. This particular substitute can also be hard to find in many grocery stores, and you may need to pick it up at a specialty market.
Tabasco
Any fan of spicy cocktails probably already has a bottle of Tabasco in their kitchen. It can also be a decent substitute for Sriracha in certain cases. The good thing about Tabasco is that it’s readily available, an ingredient that can be found in most grocery stores.
The first thing to consider when switching to Tabasco is simply the heat level. While Sriracha has a bit of a kick, Tabasco packs much more of a punch on the Scoville scale, so you’ll want to be careful about adding too much – the best rule of thumb is to add only a few drops of Tabasco for every tablespoon you would have used of Sriracha.
You’ll also want to consider the flavor profile. Tabasco has a distinct vinegar tang that sets it apart from Sriracha. While it may not have the same depth of flavor, it can still add a spicy kick to your dishes. Keep in mind that Tabasco is a liquid sauce, so it may not work as well in recipes that require a thicker consistency, such as marinades or dips.
Chili Garlic Sauce
If you’re looking for a substitute that captures the garlic notes of Sriracha, Chili Garlic Sauce is a great option. As the name suggests, it combines chili peppers with garlic to create a flavorful and spicy condiment. Chili garlic sauce tends to be thicker than Sriracha, so it works well as a spread or in marinades.
When using chili garlic sauce as a substitute, start with the same amount you would use for Sriracha. However, keep in mind that chili garlic sauce can vary in heat level, so adjust accordingly based on your spice tolerance.
Frank’s RedHot Sauce
Frank’s RedHot Sauce is another popular hot sauce that can be used as a substitute for Sriracha. It has a tangy and slightly sweet flavor with a moderate level of heat. While it doesn’t have the same garlicky notes as Sriracha, it can still add a kick to your dishes.
When replacing with Frank’s RedHot Sauce, start with the same amount and adjust to taste. Keep in mind that the flavor profile is different, so it may not provide the exact same taste as Sriracha, but it can still enhance the heat of your dishes.
Harissa
Harissa is a North African chili paste that can be a flavorful substitute for Sriracha. It is made from a blend of roasted chili peppers, spices, garlic and olive oil. Harissa has a complex and smoky flavor with moderate heat.
When using harissa as a substitute, start with a smaller amount than you would use for Sriracha, as it can be quite potent. Adjust according to your preference for heat. Harissa works well in marinades, sauces, and as a seasoning for grilled meats and vegetables.
Peri-Peri Sauce
Peri-Peri sauce is a spicy sauce that originated in Portuguese and African cuisine. It is made from African bird’s eye chili peppers, along with other ingredients such as vinegar, garlic and herbs. Peri-Peri sauce has a tangy and fiery flavor with a high level of heat.
When substituting peri-peri sauce, start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste. It can be quite hot, so use caution if you have a low tolerance for heat. Peri-Peri Sauce works well as a marinade for grilled or roasted meats, as a dipping sauce, or as a condiment for sandwiches and burgers.
Cayenne Pepper Sauce
If you’re in a pinch and don’t have any of the above substitutes on hand, cayenne pepper sauce can work as a last-minute substitute for Sriracha. Cayenne pepper sauce is made from cayenne peppers, vinegar, and other spices. It has a hot and spicy flavor.
When using cayenne pepper sauce as a substitute, start with a small amount and adjust to taste. It can be quite hot, so use sparingly if you prefer a milder heat. Cayenne pepper sauce works well in recipes that call for a liquid hot sauce, such as buffalo wings or spicy soups.
Chili Powder and Vinegar
If you don’t have hot sauce or chili paste on hand, you can make an easy substitute for Sriracha using chili powder and vinegar. Mix equal parts chili powder and vinegar to a paste-like consistency.
When using this substitute, keep in mind that the flavor profile will be different than Sriracha because it doesn’t have the same complexity of ingredients. However, it can still add a spicy kick to your dishes. Adjust the ratio of chili powder to vinegar to achieve the desired level of heat.
Homemade Sriracha
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to recreate the flavor of Sriracha from scratch, try making your own homemade version. There are several recipes available online that use a combination of chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, sugar and salt to make a homemade Sriracha.
FAQS
Can I replace Sriracha with Sambal Oelek?
Yes, you can. Sambal Oelek is a paste made from ground fresh chiles and has a similar level of heat and chili flavor to Sriracha. However, it lacks the garlic notes, so you may need to add minced garlic or garlic powder to get a closer approximation.
What is a good substitute for Sriracha in Korean cooking?
Gochujang is an excellent substitute for Sriracha in Korean cooking. It is a thick paste made from fermented soybeans and red chili powder that provides a similar level of heat and flavor. However, you may need to adjust the amount used and consider the difference in consistency between Sriracha and Gochujang.
Can Tabasco be used as a substitute for Sriracha?
Yes, Tabasco can be used as a substitute for Sriracha, but it is important to note the differences in heat level and flavor profile. Tabasco is significantly hotter and has a distinct vinegar flavor. Start with a few drops of Tabasco for each tablespoon of Sriracha and adjust to taste.
Is chili garlic sauce a good alternative to Sriracha?
Yes, Chili Garlic Sauce can be an excellent substitute for Sriracha, especially if you want to capture the garlic notes. It combines chili peppers with garlic for a flavorful and spicy condiment. Keep in mind that chili garlic sauce can vary in heat, so adjust the amount used accordingly.
What other hot sauce can I use instead of Sriracha?
Frank’s RedHot Sauce is a popular hot sauce that can be used as a substitute for Sriracha. It has a tangy and slightly sweet flavor with moderate heat. While it lacks the garlicky notes of Sriracha, it can still add a kick to your dishes. Adjust the amount used to taste.