Out of Sriracha? Try These 4 Easy Swaps
Run out of sriracha mid-recipe? No worries. We've got 4 tried-and-tested substitutes that actually work. Whether you're making a quick weeknight dinner or baking something special, these alternatives will save your dish. The most popular swap is chili garlic sauce + sugar, which works great in cooking and savory dishes. Each substitute below includes exact measurements and tips so you know exactly what to do.
⚡ Quick Answer (30 sec read)
Use Chili garlic sauce + sugar instead. Mix 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce + ½ tsp sugar. Very similar.
✅ 4 Tested Sriracha Substitutes (With Exact Ratios)
1. Chili garlic sauce + sugar
CookingMix 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce + ½ tsp sugar. Very similar.
2. Hot sauce + ketchup + garlic
CookingMix 2 tsp hot sauce + 1 tsp ketchup + pinch garlic powder.
3. Sambal oelek + vinegar + sugar
CookingMix 1 tbsp sambal + ½ tsp vinegar + ½ tsp sugar.
4. Red chili sauce
CookingUse 1:1 ratio. Less garlic flavor.
Tips for Substituting Sriracha
When cooking without sriracha, taste as you go and adjust seasoning. Most substitutes work best when added at the same point in the recipe as the original ingredient. Don't be afraid to combine two substitutes for a closer match to the original flavor.
What NOT to Do When Substituting Sriracha
- xDon't use the same amount without checking the ratio - some substitutes are stronger or weaker than sriracha.
- xDon't substitute in recipes where sriracha is the star ingredient - the difference will be too noticeable.
- xDon't combine multiple substitutes at once - pick one and adjust from there.
Quick Substitution Ratios
| Substitute | Amount for 1 cup Sriracha | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Chili garlic sauce + sugar | Mix 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce + ½ tsp sugar | cooking |
| Hot sauce + ketchup + garlic | Mix 2 tsp hot sauce + 1 tsp ketchup + pinch garlic powder | cooking |
| Sambal oelek + vinegar + sugar | Mix 1 tbsp sambal + ½ tsp vinegar + ½ tsp sugar | cooking |
| Red chili sauce | Use 1:1 ratio | cooking |
Safety Tips
- 1.Always check for allergies - if someone is allergic to sriracha, they may also react to certain substitutes like nut-based alternatives.
- 2.When baking, substitutes can affect rising and texture. Test with a small batch first if making for an important occasion.
- 3.Check expiration dates on substitutes - using fresh ingredients ensures the best flavor and food safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best substitute for sriracha?
The best substitute for sriracha is Chili garlic sauce + sugar. Mix 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce + ½ tsp sugar. Very similar. This works well in most recipes that call for sriracha.
Can I use chili instead of sriracha?
Yes, chili garlic sauce + sugar is an excellent substitute for sriracha. Mix 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce + ½ tsp sugar. Very similar.
What can I use instead of sriracha in cooking?
For cooking, try: Chili garlic sauce + sugar, Hot sauce + ketchup + garlic, Sambal oelek + vinegar + sugar. These substitutes work well in savory dishes, sauces, and everyday cooking.
Related Ingredient Substitutes
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