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Home » Tips » Substitutions

Best Sriracha Substitutes

Published: Mar 14, 2022 · Modified: Apr 25, 2024 by Ginny · This post may contain affiliate links.

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Whether you’ve run out of sriracha, or would just like to experiment with a new hot sauce, then you’re in the right place as we explore the Best Sriracha Sauce Substitutes.

nine photos of different hot sauces and chili flakes that can replace sriracha.
The Best Sriracha Substitutes
Contents hide
1 🌶️ What Is Sriracha Sauce?
2 🔪 The 10 Best Sriracha Sauce Substitutes
3 🥘 How to Make Homemade Sriracha
4 🍴Frequently Asked Questions
5 🍽️ Concluding Thoughts
6 Homemade Sriracha Sauce

As spice lovers, we keep our bottles of hot sauce ready at the table for every meal. 

This stands to reason why sriracha is the most popular hot sauce brand in America today. It has the right amount of kick that everyone appreciates. 

We’re going to show you how you’ll be able to choose any sriracha sauce substitute with our top picks.  

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🌶️ What Is Sriracha Sauce?

Sriracha originated from a village in Thailand named Si Racha at the hands of a local housewife back in the 1930s. Afterward, a Thai immigrant brought the sauce to America during the 1980s, and with it, he introduced us to the sauce formally known as Sriraja Panich.

The ingredients of sriracha sauce mix together to create a well-balanced taste of sweet and spicy flavors. It’s typically made from red chili flakes, crushed garlic cloves, vinegar, along with salt and sugar. Pulling from your spice cabinet, cayenne pepper and chili powder will work as a last resort as they lack the liquid of a sauce.

Nowadays, sriracha is used to add a taste of southeast Asia to any dish. Not only does it spice the meal up, but it also throws in a tangy flavor with mild garlicky notes.

🔪 The 10 Best Sriracha Sauce Substitutes

Assuming you’re a foodie and would like to take your taste buds on a new, spicy adventure, you’re probably wondering what else the market has to offer as a sriracha alternative. You don’t have to settle for ketchup and hope for the best anymore.

Lucky for you, there are dozens of alternatives that are likely to add a similar flavor profile to your favorite meals like the Grilled Honey Sriracha Chicken or the Grilled Orange and Honey Sriracha Chicken. Below, we take you through our favorite substitutes.

Tabasco

jar of tabasco sauce on a table with herbs.
Classic Tabasco Sauce is Easy to Find

Tabasco is the second most popular hot sauce in America after sriracha. Although there are a few differences between, tabasco is a pretty decent alternative. A few drops can easily substitute for a tablespoon of sriracha.

This Mexican sauce is made from three kinds of jalapeños that boost the heat level. Additionally, its consistency is more watery than sriracha and the flavor is less tangy. 

We used tabasco in our Air Fryer Pickles and Air Fryer Steak Tips.

Harissa

jar of harissa with a white serving dish.
Spicy or Mild Harissa

Harissa is the Middle Eastern substitute. It originates from Tunisia and uses very similar ingredients. Plus, the harissa recipe is highly adaptable if you make it at home.

The main differences between either sauce are that harissa is both thicker and spicier. We’d recommend thinning it with some water or olive oil before using.


Korean Gochujang

gochujang korean red pepper paste in a wooden bowl with chopsticks.
Korean Red Pepper Paste – Gochujang

Less of a sauce and more of a thick paste, Gochujang is an excellent substitute. Korea is known for amping up the spice and flavor in all its dishes, so it’s no surprise that their chili paste is whooping hot. I think I even like it better than Sriracha!

Not only that, but Gochujang has the same sweetness that sriracha offers minus the bitterness of the vinegar. That may be due to the fact that it is fermented. It’s significantly stronger than sriracha though, so use it sparingly when adding it to recipes.

I keep a bottle of this in my house as I love to toss it in sauces when I want just a little bit more kick.


Sambal Oelek

sambal oelek in a white serving dish on a wooden table.
Ground Fresh Chili Paste – Sambal Oelek

Similar to both harissa and gochujang, sambal oelek is another chili paste that can be used as a replacement. Originating from Indonesia, sambal oelek’s flavor profile isn’t far off from sriracha.

That said, sambal oelek contains fewer ingredients and is made from a much simpler recipe. It’s straight-up red pepper and salt along with other Indonesian spices. You can boost up the flavors by squeezing a lime and adding two or three processed garlic cloves.


Cholula Hot Sauce

cholula hot sauce in a blue serving dish.
You’ll Love the Flavor of Cholula Hot Sauce

Cholula is a blend of Chile de Arbol and Piquin peppers, in addition to strong tangy flavors. That’s what makes Cholula the closest to sriracha in terms of taste, consistency, and even price. A small difference would be that Cholula’s heat levels are slightly more mild.

Since Cholula has a similar texture, it’s perfect to use in marinades and dipping sauce recipes. It mixes well with other condiments and is readily available in most stores.


Tapatio

tapatio hot sauce in a wooden container with tomatoes in the background.
Tapatio Hot Sauce

Much the same as Cholula hot sauce, Mexican American Tapatio is a hotter version of sriracha. The sauce also has a similar seasonings which helps with the flavor profile of your dish. In other words, Tapatio can easily replace sriracha.

Tapatio has a thick consistency which adds to the reasons why it’s a good substitute. Some chefs recommend glazing your meat or vegetables with Tapatio to give them a smoky smell and taste.


Peri-Peri Sauce

peri peri sauce in a jar with people cooking in the background.
Classic Peri Peri Sauce

The Peri-peri sauce uses Portuguese Peri-peri chili peppers that pack a lot of sweet and spice. The sauce contains similar amounts of lemon, garlic, vinegar, and sugar as sriracha. As an added zing, peri-peri sauce also has onions, bay leaves, and smoked paprika. 

You can get peri-peri sauce in either powdered or paste form. It doesn’t pack as much heat, but it’s quite rich and boosts the flavors of any dish. 

Dried Cayenne Pepper or Chili Flakes

dried red pepper flakes with a wooden spoon and a fresh pepper.
Always Keep a Large Container of Dried Red Pepper Flakes on Hand

A simple solution when you’re out of sriracha would be to substitute it with a few tablespoons of dried cayenne pepper or chili flakes. It’ll give you the boost of spiciness you need but none of the citrus or garlic tones.

Be careful not to use too much of it otherwise you’ll overpower the meal with spice. Adjust the dish according to taste by adding the flakes in small amounts.  

Chili Garlic Sauce

chili garlic sauce in three small bowls with hot peppers on the table.
You Can’t Go Wrong with Chili Garlic Sauce

Chili garlic sauce is made from similar peppers and is a pretty close replacement to sriracha. What separates this from sriracha is that it contains pulps and has a thicker consistency.

However, it can be processed and smoothed out to make a spicy, garlicky paste. You can easily make it at home too. Add one or two teaspoons to replace a tablespoon of sriracha in any recipe. 

Sweet Chili Sauce

bowl of sweet chili sauce with egg rolls on a wooden serving tray.
Sweet Chili Sauce

A popular Thai condiment is sweet chili sauce. It’s similar to sriracha, but the heat levels are considerably less. 

If you simply want the tangy, sweet taste of sriracha without the extra heat, then use sweet chili sauce in your recipes. It goes well with chicken, meat, noodles, and most Asian dishes. 

We love this sauce and use it all the time! Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Meatballs, Air Fryer Asian Chili Chicken Wings.

🥘 How to Make Homemade Sriracha

America’s commercialized sriracha sauce has deviated somewhat from Thailand’s original recipe. At this point, getting a variety that’ll give you an authentic taste of Thai culture might only be purchased from the local oriental market.

But, what if you don’t have access to such a market? Well, you can make your own. With just a few ingredients, you’ll be able to whip up a delicious bottle of homemade sriracha.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Your preferred amount of red chili peppers or flakes
  • 3 tbsps of salt
  • 3 tbsps of granulated brown or white sugar
  • 1 cup of rice white, apple cider, or distilled vinegar
  • 5 cloves of garlic

Instructions

  1. Chop up the red peppers and garlic 
  2. Grind the chopped ingredients in a food processor
  3. Add the processed peppers and garlic to 4 cups of water
  4. Bring to a boil
  5. Add vinegar, salt, and sugar to taste
  6. Simmer the mixture on low heat for 15 minutes
  7. Once the sauce cools down, pour it back into the processor
  8. Process until smooth
  9. Strain the sauce from any chunks or solids 
  10. Use an airtight bottle or container for storage
  11. Leave about an inch from the top empty to allow the sauce to ferment
  12. Store at room temperature and away from direct sunlight

Your sauce will start to naturally ferment and should be ready in about two weeks or so. You should check on the sauce daily to observe its fermentation progress. After it is finished, store it in the fridge. 

This recipe could work with or without fermenting. If you want an extra kick from the red peppers you used then you should ferment the mixture. This method mellows the peppers and boosts up the sauce’s spice factor. 

🍴Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sriracha a Sauce or a Condiment?

The answer to this question is purely subjective. The borderline is that it depends on how you use sriracha. If you add it to meals, as you would with hot sauce, then it’s a sauce. On the other hand, sriracha is a condiment if you use it as a dip.

What’s the Best Alternative to Sriracha Sauce?

Arguably, the best alternative to sriracha sauce is its Middle Eastern equivalent, the harissa. The Tunisian sauce uses similar ingredients to those found in sriracha. Not only that, but, it can also be adapted to have the same flavor profile as sriracha. 

All of your substitutes needs all in one handy reference spot! Comprehensive list substitutes here or to print off for your own menu binder. You to find an ingredient option that will allow you to not run out to the store or you may find a flavor combination you love even better than the original. Garlic Powder Substitute, Cojita Cheese Substitute, Parsley Substitute, Green Chilis Substitute, Italian Seasoning Substitute, Mustard Seed Substitute, Cilantro Substitute, Sriracha Substitute, White Pepper Substitute, Onion Powder Substitute, Five Spice Substitute, Turmeric Substitutes, White Wine Vinegar, Cardamon Substitute, Parsley Substitute, Cremini Mushroom Substitute, Egg Yolk, Leeks, Egg Wash, Coconut Cream, Tomato, Stewed Tomatoes, Coconut Sugar, Palm Sugar, Hoisin, Adobo, Chili Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Escarole, Watercress, Rice Wine Vinegar, Ketchup, Tomato Puree, Tomato Paste, Lemongrass, Chervil, Cheesecloth, Worcestershire Sauce, Fennel, Dark Soy Sauce.

🍽️ Concluding Thoughts

Sriracha sauce is a popular pick with spicy lovers, but there’s nothing wrong with trying out new things. In other words, why don’t you try picking out a sriracha sauce substitute from our list? If you’re up for it, try making your own sriracha.

As an added challenge, go ahead and fix up a couple of recipes using your favorite sriracha bottle or any of its substitutes. Hand them out at your next party and watch your guests thank you!

  • top down view of bunches of fresh parsley with text overlay on the best substitutes.
    The Best Parsley Substitutes
  • Sliced chicken and veggies on the sheet pan after roasting in the oven.
    Honey Balsamic Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies
  • Honey Dijon Baked Salmon Recipe | Salmon Recipes Baked | Healthy Dinner Recipes | 30 Minute Meals | Quick Healthy Dinner
    Honey Dijon Mustard Baked Salmon Recipe
  • fork holding bbq meatloaf bite over the crockpot.
    Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Meatloaf
top down view of basket of hot peppers with text reading the best sriracha sauce substitutes.

Homemade Sriracha Sauce

Make this quick and easy homemade sriracha sauce to spice up your favorite recipes.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: Asian
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Fermenting: 14 days days
Total Time: 14 days days 25 minutes minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 51kcal
Author: Ginny

Equipment

  • Food Processor
  • Small Saucepan
  • Jar for Fermenting

Ingredients

  • Red Chili Peppers or Flakes your desired amount
  • 3 tbsp Salt
  • 3 tbsp Brown or White Sugar
  • 1 cup Rice Wine, Apple Cider or Distilled Vinegar
  • 5 cloves Garlic

Instructions

  • Chop up the red peppers and garlic.
  • Grind the chopped ingredients in a food processor.
  • Add the processed peppers and garlic to 4 cups of water to a small sauce pan and bring to a boil.
  • Add vinegar, salt, and sugar to taste.
  • Simmer the mixture on low heat for 15 minutes.
  • Once the sauce cools down, pour it back into the processor and pulse until it is smooth.
  • Strain the sauce from any chunks or solids.
  • Use an airtight bottle or container for storageLeave about an inch from the top empty to allow the sauce to ferment. Store at room temperature and away from direct sunlight.
  • Your homemade sriracha sauce will start to naturally ferment and should be ready in about two weeks or so. You should check on the sauce daily to observe its fermentation progress. Once it’s ready to consume, start storing the sriracha in the fridge. 

Nutrition

Calories: 51kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.02g | Saturated Fat: 0.003g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 5237mg | Potassium: 29mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 0.3IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 0.2mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @savorandsavvy or tag #savorandsavvy!
Ginny
Ginny

Hi!

Ginny Collins is a passionate foodie and recipe creator of Savor and Savvy and Kitchenlaughter. Indoors she focuses on easy, quick recipes for busy families and kitchen basics. Outdoors, she focuses on backyard grilling and smoking to bring family and friends together. She is a lifelong learner who is always taking cooking classes on her travels overseas and stateside. Her work has been featured on MSN, Parade, Fox News, Yahoo, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and many local news outlets. She lives in Florida where you will find her outside on the water in her kayak, riding her bike on trails, and planning her next overseas adventure.

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About Ginny

Hi!

Ginny Collins is a passionate foodie and recipe creator of Savor and Savvy and Kitchenlaughter. Indoors she focuses on easy, quick recipes for busy families and kitchen basics. Outdoors, she focuses on backyard grilling and smoking to bring family and friends together. She is a lifelong learner who is always taking cooking classes on her travels overseas and stateside. Her work has been featured on MSN, Parade, Fox News, Yahoo, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and many local news outlets. She lives in Florida where you will find her outside on the water in her kayak, riding her bike on trails, and planning her next overseas adventure.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Melissa Thomas says

    February 05, 2023 at 11:50 am

    I know the recipe says desired amount of chillin peppers or flakes. What is a range or ratio you would recommend? I am trying to mimic the green bottle cap Sriracha that we cannot find anymore near us. My husband doesn’t mind heat and I would be using Thai chili dried whole peppers. It comes in a 2oz bag.

    Reply
    • Ginny says

      February 07, 2023 at 2:12 pm

      The best recommendation is to take a small pinch and and squish it in between your fingers to release the oils and put it in your recipe. If you want it hotter, add more. I wouldn’t go crazy and add ¼ tsp off the bat until you know what your family’s tolerance is. I hope that helps!!

      Reply
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Family Photo Hi! I'm Ginny and for over 30 years, I've been creating simple and easy recipes without sacrificing on taste for our family on the go. I can't wait to show you how to do the same for your family. Read More...

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