25 Amazing Substitutes For Sriracha Sauce For Thai Food Lovers To Try

It doesn’t matter if you are obsessed with Thai food, or you simply love to try new spicy food recipes. Either way, you will probably have come across Sriracha sauce when you are looking for new foods to try out.

This is one of the spiciest condiments that you can find that also offers the perfect blends of vinegar, garlic, and spicy flavors.

There are many reasons why Sriracha sauce is quickly becoming one of the most popular condiments worldwide, but if you are creating a meal that pairs the best with Sriracha sauce and you have run out, you don’t need to worry.

Thankfully, there are some alternatives that you can try out instead. 

You will be able to substitute Sriracha sauce with various other sauces, including hot sauces, chili sauces, and more.

In this article, we are going to talk about the 6 best substitutes for Sriracha sauce, so you can find out about the alternatives that you can use if you can’t get your hands on Sriracha sauce.

Substitutes For Sriracha Sauce

We are going to share a list of some of the best Sriracha sauce substitutes with you below, so you don’t have to miss out with your next meal. You can read about them all and decide which one you think would be the best alternative for you.

As you might already know, Sriracha sauce is a type of hot sauce that has some specific flavors within it that help to make it unique. All hot sauces are basically the same, but they each have different ingredients that are added to them to make them unique.

One of the biggest differences is the type of chili that is being used. Find out more about the best Sriracha sauce substitutes below.

1. Tabasco Original Hot Sauce

Tabasco Original Hot Sauce is one of the most famous types of hot sauce that you will find on the market, and it is widely manufactured in Louisiana in America.

This hot sauce is distributed worldwide, and it is probably the most famous for its intense level of heat that can range from between 2500 and 5000 SHU, 

Tabasco Original Hot Sauce is made up of the highest quality jalapeno peppers, which are the main ingredient for this deliciously spicy sauce.

Today, there are 7 different types of this hot sauce to choose from, and they even have their own take on sriracha sauce that you can try out. 

It is one of the best substitutes for normal sriracha sauce as the taste and smell of the sauce is quite similar. Tabasco also has a mildly spiced hot sauce that you can try, which is both sweet and spicy.

How To Substitute

Tabasco Original Hot Sauce is a spicy sauce that is made from peppers, vinegar, salt, and other spices that are similar to the ingredients of Sriracha sauce. This sauce is excellent for adding flavor to food and becoming a popular substitute for Sriracha sauce.

2. Tapatio Hot Sauce

Tapatio hot sauce is another well-known Mexican-American hot sauce that can be found in the United States, but more so in Hispanic communities.

This sauce features standard red peppers, but the SHU of this sauce is around 3000, which is a little bit spicier than your standard sriracha sauce.

This sauce is most commonly used to make various Mexican dishes spicier, but it is becoming more and more popular worldwide.

This is a type of sauce that is being used to add spice and flavor to various different dishes. There are some restaurants that will use this sauce as a glaze for things like spicy chicken wings, and there are others that will simply use it as a condiment.

If you are looking to spice things up a bit, then you should definitely add some of this sauce and see if it is a good fit for your dish.

How To Substitute

Sriracha sauce has become popular due to its flavor and hot and spicy texture. However, if you want an alternative with the same taste but a lesser price, you must check out Tapatio hot sauce.

RELATED: 6 Of The Best Substitutes For Tomato Sauce

3. Louisiana Hot Sauce Original

This is a sauce that you would really only need to use sparingly, and just a few drops can completely transform your dish. This is yet another hot sauce that comes from Louisiana, and it features spicy peppers as the key ingredient.

This is a Cajun-style hot sauce that features tabasco and cayenne peppers, which are what give it its unique flavor. 

Depending on the type of Louisiana hot sauce you choose, the SHU can range from anywhere between 3500 and 10,000. So, you can definitely expect a good amount of spice from this sauce.

It is the perfect blend for those that like to push themselves to their limits when it comes to spicier foods, but that does mean that this sauce is a lot spicier than Sriracha. 

While it might not be the perfect sauce for everyone, it is definitely a great alternative to those that like a little extra spice. Interestingly, it is commonly used in Louisiana for making the classic dish of spicy buffalo wings.

How To Substitute

With a blend of red peppers, cayenne, garlic, salt, and black pepper, Louisiana Hot Sauce Original is a fiery hot sauce. Although the sauce is spicier than Sriracha sauce, it’s still not as hot. Those who love spices will enjoy it, however.

4. Korean Gochujang

If you are wanting to come away from the classic sauce formula, then you might want to give this spicy chili paste a shot.

Korean cuisine is responsible for this spicy gochujang, and it is one of the most traditional condiments that are on offer for those that are looking for a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors. 

Korean Gochujang can be used as a condiment, seasoning, or even a topping, depending on what dish you are trying to create. This delicious paste is made up of cooked glutinous rice, as well as chili powder and salt.

The mixture is then fermented. If you are searching for something that is both sweet and spicy, then this is one of the best sriracha substitutes that you will find. 

It is not like any of the other hot sauces that we have talked about already, as there is no sourness present in the mix. This is because it does not use any vinegar among its ingredients.

So, if you are looking for a milder alternative to sriracha, then this could be a great option for you. It only has 1000 SHU, so it won’t burn your mouth as you enjoy your dinner.

How To Substitute

Depending on the recipe you are preparing, Korean gochujang is an excellent option with a spicy flavor. However, it doesn’t contain any sourness and doesn’t contain any vinegar. In simple words, we can call it a milder version of Sriracha sauce.

5. Jamaican Scotch Bonnet Sauce

This sauce is considered to be one of the spiciest sauces in the world, and it has even made the list of the top 10. It is also sometimes called Caribbean red peppers, and it is definitely something that you should try if you like foods that are really spicy.

Although, before you do go ahead and get your hands on some, we should warn you that this is not a sauce for the faint-hearted.

The Jamaican Scotch Bonnet sauce is not on the list of the top 10 spiciest hot sauces in the world for no reason. This sauce is extremely spicy, and it is actually more than 10 times spicier than your standard sriracha sauce.

If you didn’t already know, a raw scotch bonnet pepper has more than 445,000 SHU, which is very spicy.

This is a sauce that is reserved for those that love a spicy challenge and that enjoy eating the spiciest of foods. The overall taste is a mixture of both savory and spice, but it certainly isn’t for everyone.

You will also need to consider any medical issues that you may have before you try this sauce. Yes, it is that spicy. But if you are feeling brave and are up for a challenge, this is an excellent fiery substitute for sriracha sauce.

How To Substitute

Jamaican scotch bonnet sauce has a delicious blend of Jamaican hot peppers, Scotch Bonnet peppers, onion, garlic, lime juice, salt, and other spices, and it provides a thick, rich, and flavorful sauce with a bit of a kick to it. It is an excellent choice if you want to use something other than Sriracha sauce.

6. Homemade Chili Sauce

If all of the above hot sauces and sriracha substitutes are not up to your tastes, then you might want to consider making your own sriracha sauce at home. This way, you can add or remove ingredients that better suit your taste preferences. 

There is almost nothing that is more satisfying than creating your own excellent alternative to sriracha sauce at home, and when it is done correctly, you will never want to buy store-bought sauce again.

It doesn’t matter if you want to create a paste, sauce, or powder, there are plenty of online recipes for you to choose from.

You can even play around with the level of spice that you want to include, depending on whether you prefer a milder or spicier mixture.

It doesn’t even require too much to make this at home, and it is pretty easy to do as long as you have the right recipe. Thankfully, we are going to share an excellent recipe with you below that will help you to create the perfect sriracha sauce at home.

How To Substitute

Homemade chili sauce is one of the great choices; one can opt to replace Sriracha sauce as all its ingredients are easily available. Apart from that, you may choose to have the spicy flavor as per your comfort and preference.

7. Sambal Oelek

If you are looking for a spicy addition in your recipe to replace Sriracha sauce, here is your option, Sambal Oelek.

The Indonesian-originated spicy sauce is a sugar-free substitute with a thicker and more hot and spicy flavor.

If you are looking for a spicy alternative, you may use it, or if your dish requires less spice, you may add some sugar to balance the flavor and taste of your recipe.

How To Substitute

To get the best results, add ¾ teaspoon of sambal oelek to replace the one teaspoon of Sriracha sauce.

8. Peri-Peri Sauce

While the sriracha sauce is famous and has a distinct flavor, it can be pretty spicy. That is why you should substitute it with the Peri-Peri Sauce.

Peri-Peri is a spicy yet tangy sauce made from garlic, vinegar, and chili peppers. It is widely used in South African cuisine and other African countries.

It is an excellent substitute for sriracha sauce. The heat of the sriracha sauce is achieved by the red chili peppers, while the sun-dried red chili peppers achieve the heat of the Peri-Peri sauce.

How To Substitute

Use one tablespoon of Sriracha with one tablespoon of peri-peri sauce for a tangy and spicy addition to your recipe.

9. Chipotle Ketchup

If you’re out of sriracha sauce and need a substitution, you can use Chipotle Ketchup. Add a bit of ketchup to your dish and get the same spicy, savory flavor.

The ketchup will also add a bit of sweetness and depth of flavor, so keep that in mind when using it as a substitution. The flavorful condiment is perfect for adding heat to your favorite dishes.

Add it to your favorite recipe in place of sriracha sauce and enjoy the flavor. You can also use chipotle ketchup as a dipping sauce or spread it on your favorite sandwich or wrap.

How To Substitute

Replace one teaspoon of Sriracha sauce with one teaspoon of chipotle ketchup to make a perfect addition to your recipe.

10. Korean Hot Pepper Paste

Korean hot pepper paste differs from Sriracha in its adventurous flavor. You will find Korean hot pepper paste mostly in Asian supermarkets.

Korean hot pepper paste grins red chili pepper flakes, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt.

Sriracha has a slightly different flavor without vinegar. In either case, swapping one for the other won’t alter the heat profile.

How To Substitute

It is possible to substitute one teaspoon of Sriracha with one teaspoon of Korean hot pepper paste.

11. Dried Cayenne Pepper

Dried cayenne pepper is a good option if you’re looking for a sriracha sauce substitute. This fiery spice can add heat and flavor to any dish.

To use cayenne pepper as a sriracha sauce substitute, add it to taste. Start with a small amount and add more until you reach the desired heat level.

The dried cayenne pepper is scorching; if you are uncomfortable with it, you may add a little sugar to compensate for the heat.

How To Substitute

Since the cayenne pepper is very spicy, it would be best to use it in a lower quantity. For example, use ¼ of cayenne pepper for one teaspoon of sriracha sauce.

12. Ketchup

When nothing is in your hand, ketchup could become your savior for your dish. The number one condiment in the kitchen is perfect for replacing Sriracha in your dish.

Although it won’t deliver more heat and spiciness to your recipe than it calls for, you can easily make it work by adding chili flakes or dry chili powder.

The best thing about ketchup is that it goes exceptionally well with all the recipes and can enhance its flavor.

How To Substitute

Using ketchup in a 1:1 ratio would be great to substitute Sriracha. However, you may increase or decrease the quantity per your need and requirement.

13. Harissa Paste

If you are making your favorite Thai recipe and suddenly realize you are short of Sriracha sauce. Well, you can’t rush to market immediately, and in that case, Harissa paste will save you.

With Harissa Paste, you can make spicy, tasty pasta, meat, and more sauces. Harissa Paste is a paste of red chili peppers, roasted cumin, coriander, garlic, and salt.

It has a robust flavor and mild heat. Harissa Paste can be used as a substitute for sriracha sauce.

How To Substitute

Use a 1:1 ratio for a perfect flavor. Since it has a distinctive flavor, you may add some other spices to get a similar taste.

14. Chili Oil

Chili oil is a hot sauce made from various spices, peppers, and chili peppers, most commonly from ají Amarillo. It is a common condiment in Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese cuisines.

Chili oil would be a great addition to various dishes such as soups, stews, marinades, salads, noodles, stir-fries, etc. The oil is prepared explicitly by using multiple oils along with chili flakes.

If you want a similar taste profile closer to Sriracha, infusing garlic with it would make it perfect.

How To Substitute

Use it in the same quantity your recipe calls for sriracha sauce. However, depending on your recipe, you may add to it.

15. Chili-Garlic Sauce

Chili-Garlic Sauce is made of chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, and salt. The sauce is often used as a condiment in Asian dishes, but it can be used as a substitute for sriracha sauce.

To substitute the chili-garlic sauce for the sriracha sauce, mix the two sauces to get a sriracha sauce with a milder flavor.

You may prepare this sauce home and adjust the taste per your recipe. The chili garlic sauce will be a great alternative if you prepare soups, stir-fries, sauce, dumplings, and pasta.

How To Substitute

Use chili garlic sauce in a 1:1 ratio to substitute Sriracha, and you will get excellent results.

16. Cholula Hot Sauce

A brand of hot sauce prepared with Piquin peppers, chile de Arbol peppers, garlic, vinegar, salt, and spices is called Cholula.

There are countless uses for this Mexican sauce, including fajitas, marinades, burritos, tacos, pizza, dips, dressings, soups, rice dishes, and stews.

You may spice up many dishes with Cholula hot sauce, which has a flavor similar to sriracha sauce.

How To Substitute

The best ratio to substitute Sriracha with Cholula hot sauce is 1:1.

17. El Yucateco Habanero Hot Sauce

If you’re out of sriracha sauce and need a substitute, El Yucateco Habanero Hot Sauce is a good option.

It has a similar heat and flavor profile, with a bit of sweetness and acidity.

The main difference is that El Yucateco Habanero Hot Sauce is much thinner in consistency, so it may only be ideal for some recipes.

But if you’re in a pinch, it’s a good substitute for sriracha sauce.

How To Substitute

Use it in a 1:1 ratio for your recipe; however, its thin consistency might be better for all the dishes.

18. Sweet Chili Sauce

Sweet chili sauce is an everyday kitchen staple in various Asian cuisines. It is prepared with rice vinegar, a thickening agent, and chili peppers.

Sweet chili sauce is the complete opposite substitute for Sriracha. Sriracha is a hot and spicy condiment, whereas sweet chili sauce is less spicy with a sweet and garlic-based flavor.

You may use the sweet chili sauce in every recipe that calls for sriracha sauce, but the spicy heat flavor is not a crucial factor to achieve.

How To Substitute

1 teaspoon of Sriracha sauce for one teaspoon of sweet chili sauce in your recipe for a similar taste profile would be great.

19. Mustard

Mustard is a condiment from ground mustard seeds, water, vinegar, and salt.

Many types of mustard are used in different cuisines, including spicy brown and Dijon. Try using Dijon mustard for those looking for a substitute for sriracha sauce.

As far as heat is concerned, it is similar, and you may prepare many dishes with it.

To substitute Sriracha with mustard, use an equal amount of mustard in its place. You may need to adjust the other ingredients in the dish to account for the different flavors, but overall, mustard is an excellent sriracha sauce substitute.

How To Substitute

Use the same quantity of mustard in your recipe that your recipe calls for Sriracha. Adding so,e other herbs and spices to it would work great for you.

20. Wasabi

With its distinctive spicy taste, wasabi has gained immense popularity as a substitute for Sriracha sauce.

With a secret ingredient, dried peas, the wasabi brings out your recipe’s spicy and fiery hotness.

Japanese dishes such as sushi and sashimi are best combined with wasabi to get an extraordinary and delicious flavor. Besides, wasabi is famous for its distinct and hot spicy taste.

How To Substitute

Substitute wasabi for Sriracha sauce for a delicious taste profile in a 1:1 ratio.

21. Marmite

Marmite is a yeast extract from the yeast and bacteria in brewer’s yeast.

It’s a savory, salty, and sometimes slightly smoky flavor that you can use in place of sriracha sauce, and it also has a complex, nutty taste.

Marmite is a fantastic condiment for toast or as a spread. Although it doesn’t contain a smoky and spicy flavor similar to Sriracha, it is one of the best options.

If you are making cocktails, you must add Marmite instead of Sriracha sauce.

How To Substitute

Since Marmite is not similar to Sriracha in spicy and smoky flavor, you must add it in a small quantity to see how it would work and affect the taste. Using it in half amounts, then Sriracha would be a great choice.

22. Balsamic Vinegar Mixed With Pepper

The ultimate Italian condiment prepared with grapes is one of the best substitutes for Sriracha sauce. 

Although it’s not that spicier like Sriracha, you can easily adjust by adding some pepper to get a similar taste profile for your recipe.

It is an excellent choice for people trying to lose weight since it surpasses the appetite and provides minerals to your body.

Use the Balsamic vinegar in your salad and some seasoning for a flavorful taste adventure.

How To Substitute

1 teaspoon of Sriracha sauce for one teaspoon of balsamic vinegar in your recipe would be great. However, if you start by adding a small amount to your recipe, you will ensure the taste is good.

23. Yuzu Kosho

If you’re craving the taste of sriracha sauce but don’t want to make it, try substituting Yuzu Kosho for it in your favorite dishes.

The Japanese condiment is made from fermented citrus fruit and perfectly substitutes for the iconic Thai hot sauce.

You can substitute Yuzu Kosho with Sriracha sauce to create a more authentic, Asian-style hot sauce.

How To Substitute

You will need 1/4 cup of Yuzu Kosho sauce and two tablespoons of sriracha sauce.

24. Dave’s Crazy Caribbean

If you’re looking for a sriracha sauce substitute, try Dave’s Crazy Caribbean. This hot sauce is made with habanero xanthan gum, citric acid, lime juice, and Scotch bonnet peppers, so it has a similar heat level.

Dave’s Crazy Caribbean is a hot sauce that is slightly sweet with a hint of heat that will take your taste buds to the Caribbean.

Dave’s Crazy Caribbean is an easy way to create delicious meals without adding extra ingredients.

However, it also has a fruity flavor that distinguishes it from Sriracha. Try it in your next dish for a unique twist.

How To Substitute

Add a similar quantity of Sriracha to Dave’s crazy Caribbean to your dish with a smoky hot, and flavorful taste.

25. Chiu Chow Chili Oil

Chinese cuisine uses Chiu chow chili oil as a condiment for stir-fries and other dishes. The sauce’s flavor will be similar to sriracha sauce, but the ingredients will differ.

Due to its similar flavor, it has become a popular choice to replace Sriracha in various recipes.

The sauce is made with dried red chili peppers, sugar, salt, and spices. It is often used as a dipping sauce for dumplings and wontons.

Chiu Chow Chili Oil is a quick and easy substitute for sriracha sauce.

How To Substitute

Substitute Sriracha sauce with Chiu chow chili oil in a 1:1 ratio for the delicious outcome of your recipe.

How To Make Your Own Sriracha Sauce At Home

If you want to make your own sriracha sauce at home instead of buying a store-bought alternative, then you should check out this recipe below and try it out for yourself.

Ingredients List:

• 900 grams of either red Thai peppers or chili peppers
• 1 liter of water
• 3 tbsps of rock salt
• 3 tbsps of brown sugar
• 1 tsp of granulated sugar
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 5 cloves of chopped garlic

Instructions:

1. You should make sure that you have washed all of your peppers and removed the stems. You can also remove the seeds if you want to make them milder. Although, if you like a spicier finish, then you should leave the seeds where they are.
2. Next, you need to put the chilis into a food processor. Don’t worry if you don’t have one of these at home, you could use a mortar and pestle instead to mush this all together manually.
3. Once you have done this, you can store all of the now-processed chilis in an airtight container. Make sure that you leave at least an inch of a hap at the top, as this will ensure that you have space during the fermentation process. 
4. You will then need to add the rest of the ingredients and mix them well. Now, cover the jar and store it away from any sunlight and at room temperature.
5. You will need to keep checking on the sauce every day to see what its progress is like. Once around 2 weeks have passed, your sauce should be ready to use. You can store it in the fridge for around a month. 

You will now have the perfect sriracha sauce that you can use for various different dishes. It is up to you to decide what you want to use this sauce for, but be sure to use it wisely before it expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Main Ingredient In Sriracha?

As per the printing on the bottle of Sriracha, it contains chili, salt, sugar, distilled vinegar, xanthan gum, sodium bisulfite, and potassium sorbate. The color, texture, and flavor the sauce provides make it popular.

Is Sriracha Hotter Than Tabasco?

There is no difference between Sriracha and tabasco in terms of spice. However, Tabasco has a lot more kick than Sriracha because it contains a much hotter pepper.

Are There Two Types Of Sriracha?

Several Sriacha sauces are found in Thailand with different names, each of which claims to be original. However, according to Bon appetit, the Sriracha Panich is the original.

25 Best Substitutes For Sriracha Sauce

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Total time

20

minutes

Sriracha sauce is a spicy, tangy condiment that is a must-have in any kitchen. Here are 6 alternatives to Sriracha sauce.

Ingredients

• Tabasco Original Hot Sauce

• Tapatio Hot Sauce

• Louisiana Hot Sauce Original

• Korean Gochujang

• Jamaican Scotch Bonnet Sauce

• Homemade Chili Sauce

• Sambal Oelek

• Peri-Peri Sauce

• Chipotle Ketchup

• Korean Hot Pepper Paste

• Dried Cayenne Pepper

• Ketchup

• Harissa Paste

• Chili Oil

• Chili-Garlic Sauce

• Cholula Hot Sauce

• El Yucateco Habanero Hot Sauce

• Sweet Chili Sauce

• Mustard

• Wasabi

• Marmite

• Balsamic Vinegar Mixed With Pepper

• Yuzu Kosho

• Dave’s Crazy Caribbean

• Chiu Chow Chili Oil

Directions

• Choose your favorite substitute from the list given above
• Follow the directions given in the recipe after having substituted the ingredient in the correct ratio

Recipe Video

• Author
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Jess Smith

Hi, my name is Jess Smith, and I love cooking in my spare time. Around three years ago, I decided to give up my day job as a teacher to pursue my passion for food. While I have enjoyed sharing tips and tricks on Social Media, I have decided to expand my horizons through this blog.

Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.

I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!

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