Sriracha Substitutes: 5 Spicy Alternatives That Work
The best substitute for sriracha is Sambal Oelek at a 1 tbsp sambal oelek = 1 tbsp sriracha ratio. It works best for stir-fries, noodles, marinades. There are 4 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Sambal Oelek
1 tbsp sambal oelek = 1 tbsp sriracha
A chili paste with similar heat but chunkier texture and no garlic or sugar. Add a pinch of sugar and garlic powder to match sriracha's flavor profile.
What are the other substitutes for sriracha?
Gochujang
1 tbsp gochujang = 1 tbsp sriracha
Korean chili paste that is thicker, sweeter, and more complex than sriracha. Contains fermented soybeans. Thin with a little water for a sauce-like consistency.
Tabasco or Louisiana Hot Sauce
1/2 tbsp Tabasco = 1 tbsp sriracha (Tabasco is thinner and hotter)
More vinegary and thinner than sriracha. Use less and add a pinch of sugar and garlic powder. Different flavor profile but provides similar heat.
Harissa Paste
1 tbsp harissa = 1 tbsp sriracha
North African chili paste with smoky, earthy heat from roasted peppers and spices. Different flavor but similar heat level and thick consistency.
Chili Garlic Sauce
1 tbsp chili garlic sauce = 1 tbsp sriracha
Made by the same manufacturer (Huy Fong). Chunkier with visible chili flakes and garlic. Very similar flavor, slightly different texture.
What should you know before substituting sriracha?
Sriracha has a unique balance of heat, sweetness, and garlic that most hot sauces lack. Sambal oelek and chili garlic sauce are the closest substitutes. When using a pure hot sauce like Tabasco, add a pinch of sugar and garlic powder to approximate sriracha's flavor.
How do you substitute sriracha in a recipe?
A bright red hot sauce made from chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt, with a balanced heat and garlicky tang. Sriracha adds spice and flavor to eggs, noodles, pizza, marinades, and virtually any savory dish.
The best substitute for sriracha depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Sambal Oelek (1 tbsp sambal oelek = 1 tbsp sriracha), which works well for stir-fries, noodles, marinades.
If you need a different option, Gochujang (1 tbsp gochujang = 1 tbsp sriracha) is another reliable choice. Korean chili paste that is thicker, sweeter, and more complex than sriracha. Contains fermented soybeans. Thin with a little water for a sauce-like consistency.
When substituting sriracha, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best substitute for sriracha?
Sambal oelek or chili garlic sauce are the closest substitutes: both are chili-based with similar heat. Add a pinch of sugar and garlic powder to sambal oelek to match sriracha's sweet-garlicky flavor.
Can I use Tabasco instead of sriracha?
Yes, but use half the amount since Tabasco is thinner and hotter. Add a pinch of sugar and garlic powder to approximate sriracha's sweet, garlicky flavor. Tabasco is more vinegar-forward.
Is gochujang the same as sriracha?
No: gochujang is a thick, fermented Korean chili paste that is sweeter and more complex than sriracha. It contains fermented soybeans and rice. They can substitute for each other in many recipes with flavor differences.