Substitute for Thai Chili: 4 Smart Options
The best substitute for thai chili is Thai chili powder (dried ground Thai chilies) at a Use 33% ratio. There are 3 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Thai chili powder (dried ground Thai chilies)
Use 33%
Thai chili powder (dried ground Thai chilies) works as a substitute for thai chili in many recipes. Use 33% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. This option is more concentrated than thai chili, so small adjustments make a noticeable difference.
What are the other substitutes for thai chili?
Siracha
Use 50%
Siracha is a workable stand-in for thai chili. Use 50% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. The flavor lands a bit softer than the original, so you may want a final taste adjustment. Taste near the end and fine-tune if the dish needs a little more punch.
Thai chili flakes (dried crushed Thai chilies)
Use 50%
Thai chili flakes (dried crushed Thai chilies) works as a substitute for thai chili in many recipes. Use 50% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. Taste near the end and fine-tune if the dish needs a little more punch.
Thai chili paste (ground fresh Thai chilies with salt/oil)
Same amount (1:1)
Thai chili paste (ground fresh Thai chilies with salt/oil) is a workable stand-in for thai chili. Use the same amount as the original ingredient. Taste near the end and fine-tune if the dish needs a little more punch.
What should you know before substituting thai chili?
Thai chili powder (dried ground Thai chilies) is the easiest starting point because it stays closest to thai chili in everyday cooking. Use 33% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. Potency varies a lot with dried spices and herbs, so taste as you go instead of making the full adjustment at once.
How do you substitute thai chili in a recipe?
When a recipe calls for thai chili and you need an alternative, there are 4 tested substitutes available. Thai chili powder (dried ground Thai chilies) is the best overall replacement, used at a Use 33% ratio. The right substitute depends on the role thai chili plays in your recipe: whether it provides flavor, texture, moisture, or structure.
The best substitute for thai chili depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Thai chili powder (dried ground Thai chilies) (Use 33%), which works well for most recipes.
If you need a different option, Siracha (Use 50%) is another reliable choice. Siracha is a workable stand-in for thai chili. Use 50% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. The flavor lands a bit softer than the original, so you may want a final taste adjustment. Taste near the end and fine-tune if the dish needs a little more punch.
When substituting thai chili, 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. See our testing methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best substitute for Thai Chili?
Thai chili powder (dried ground Thai chilies) is the best place to start for thai chili. Use 33% of the original amount and then adjust after tasting if the dish needs a little more intensity or balance.
How many substitutes are there for Thai Chili?
This page lists 4 substitutes for thai chili. The best pick depends on whether you want the closest flavor, similar texture, or simply the easiest pantry backup.