18 Best Sriracha Sauce Substitutes To Heat to Your Dishes

Regarding hot sauces, Sriracha has undoubtedly become a beloved favorite. Its unique blend of spice and flavor adds a fiery excitement to various dishes. However, what should you do if you find yourself in need of a substitute for Sriracha sauce?

Whether you’re facing a shortage or looking to try something new, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore some fantastic alternatives that will add the perfect amount of heat and flavor to your culinary creations.

Best Substitutes For Sriracha Sauce

Tabasco: A Classic Choice

Tabasco sauce is undoubtedly one of the most well-known substitutes for Sriracha. It’s peppery flavor and moderate heat make it a versatile option. Whether you’re adding it to your favorite Mexican dishes or drizzling it on pizza, Tabasco can deliver a satisfying kick.

Sambal Oelek: Indonesian Heat

For those who prefer a more authentic Asian flavor, Sambal Oelek is an excellent choice. Originating from Indonesia, this chili paste brings the perfect level of heat to your dishes. Sambal Oelek adds a spicy punch to stir-fries, marinades, and dipping sauces made with fresh red chilies, vinegar, and salt.

Frank’s RedHot: Tangy and Spicy

If you’re a fan of tangy and spicy flavors, Frank’s RedHot sauce is worth a try. With its perfect balance of heat and tanginess, this sauce works well on chicken wings, burgers, and even as a dip for vegetables. It’s a versatile substitute that can be used in various recipes.

Gochujang: Fermented Korean Spice

Gochujang is a traditional Korean chili paste known for its complex and savory flavor. This paste adds depth and richness to fermented soybeans, chili peppers, and rice dishes. In Korean-inspired recipes, Gochujang’s moderate heat and umami taste make it an excellent substitute for Sriracha.

Harissa: North African Zest

If you want to add a North African twist to your dishes, harissa is the perfect choice. Harissa is a vibrant and aromatic chili paste originating from North Africa.

It typically contains a blend of roasted red peppers, chili peppers, garlic, spices, and olive oil. With its smoky, spicy, and slightly tangy flavor, harissa can elevate many dishes, including stews, couscous, roasted vegetables, and grilled meats.

Its unique flavor profile makes it a fantastic substitute for Sriracha, especially if you’re craving a touch of North African zest in your culinary creations.

Chili Garlic Sauce: The Garlic Twist

For those who enjoy the combination of spicy heat and garlic, chili garlic sauce is an excellent substitute for Sriracha. This sauce is made from a mixture of chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, and sometimes sugar. It offers a flavorful kick with a garlic twist, making it a versatile condiment for stir-fries, noodles, and marinades.

Also Read: 10 Best Chili Garlic Sauce Substitutes

Cayenne Pepper Sauce: Simple and Spicy

If you’re searching for a straightforward and fiery substitute for Sriracha, look no further than cayenne pepper sauce. This sauce delivers a concentrated dose of heat and is made from cayenne peppers, vinegar, and salt. It’s perfect for adding a spicy kick to soups, sauces, and even cocktails.

Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: Smoky and Spicy

Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce offer a unique combination of smokiness and spiciness that can be an excellent alternative to Sriracha. These peppers are smoked and then simmered in a tangy adobo sauce, resulting in a rich flavor. Use chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce sparingly to add a smoky and mildly spicy element to dishes like chili, barbecue sauces, and marinades.

Also Read: 12 Best Adobo Sauce Substitutes

Wasabi: The Fiery Kick

If you’re a fan of intense heat and a distinctive flavor, wasabi is a great substitute for Sriracha. This Japanese condiment is made from the grated root of the Wasabia japonica plant. It delivers a sharp, spicy flavor that quickly clears the sinuses. Wasabi works well in sushi, sashimi, noodle dishes, and dipping sauces, adding a fiery kick that is quite different from Sriracha but equally enjoyable.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Versatile Heat

If you prefer a more accessible and widely available substitute, look no further than crushed red pepper flakes. These flakes are made from dried and crushed chili peppers, typically cayenne or red jalapenos. They offer a versatile heat level that can be adjusted to your liking. Sprinkle them into sauces, sprinkle them over pizza, or add them to pasta dishes for an instant boost of heat and flavor.

Cayenne Pepper: Pure Heat

For those who crave pure heat without the complexity of other flavors, cayenne pepper is a straightforward substitute. It is made from ground cayenne chili peppers and packs a fiery punch. Use it sparingly in recipes that require heat, such as spicy marinades, chili, and hot wings.

Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Sweet and Spicy Combination

Thai sweet chili sauce can be a delightful substitute if you enjoy the balance of sweet and spicy flavors in Sriracha. This sauce is made from chili peppers, garlic, sugar, vinegar, and sometimes fish sauce. It offers a milder heat than Sriracha but compensates with a pleasant sweetness. Thai sweet chili sauce works well as a dipping sauce, glaze for grilled meats, or salad dressing.

Piri Piri Sauce: The African-Portuguese Delight

Piri Piri sauce, also known as peri-peri sauce, is a fiery blend of chili peppers, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. This sauce is rooted in African and Portuguese cuisine and delivers a tangy, spicy, and complex flavor profile. It pairs well with grilled chicken, seafood, and roasted vegetables, adding a vibrant and zesty kick.

Gochujang: Korean Heat and Umami

Gochujang is a popular Korean chili paste that offers a unique combination of heat and umami flavors. It is made from fermented soybeans, chili peppers, rice, and salt. This thick, sticky paste has a deep, complex taste and moderate spiciness. Gochujang works wonderfully in Korean dishes like bibimbap, tteokbokki, and bulgogi, adding a rich and savory kick.

Tabasco Sauce: Classic and Tangy

Tabasco sauce is a well-known and widely available hot sauce that can substitute for Sriracha. This sauce is made from Tabasco peppers, vinegar, and salt and has a distinct tangy and vinegary flavor. It provides moderate heat and pairs well with various dishes, including eggs, seafood, and Bloody Mary cocktails.

Green Sriracha: Fresh and Zesty

If you’re missing the vibrant green color of Sriracha, consider trying green Sriracha sauce. It follows a similar recipe as traditional Sriracha but incorporates green chili peppers instead of red ones. Green Sriracha offers a slightly milder heat and a fresh, zesty flavor. Use it as a condiment for tacos, grilled meats, or a unique twist to your guacamole.

Habanero Hot Sauce: Intense and Fruity

For those who crave a higher heat level and enjoy fruity undertones, habanero hot sauce is an excellent choice. Made from fiery habanero peppers, vinegar, and sometimes fruits like mango or pineapple, this sauce delivers intense spiciness with a hint of sweetness. It can be a great substitute for Sriracha when you desire a more potent kick. Use it sparingly in sauces, marinades, and dips for a fiery burst of flavor.

Homemade Chili Paste: Customized Heat

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to create your own chili paste, making a homemade version can be a rewarding and customizable substitute for Sriracha. By blending your preferred chili peppers, garlic, spices, and vinegar, you can tailor the heat level and flavor to your liking. Experiment with different chili pepper varieties, such as jalapenos, serranos, or even ghost peppers, to create a chili paste that suits your desired level of spiciness.

FAQs

Summing Things Up

With these seventeen alternatives to Sriracha, you can explore and enhance your meals with spicy flavors. From various regional hot sauces to homemade creations, you can find a substitute that matches your taste preferences and culinary experiments. So embrace the heat and let your taste buds embark on a flavorful journey!