What Can Replace Sriracha Sauce? (Complete Substitute Guide)

Sriracha sauce has become a staple in kitchens worldwide. But what do you do when you run out, when it's out of stock, or you simply want to try something different? Good news: there are several alternatives that can do the job, sometimes even better depending on the dish you're making.

What Does Sriracha Taste Like?

Before replacing it, you need to understand what makes Sriracha so special. It's a Thai-origin sauce (popularized by the American brand Huy Fong Foods with the rooster logo) that combines:

• Red chili peppers: moderate but present heat (about 2,200 on the Scoville scale)
• Garlic: a pronounced garlic flavor that's its signature
• Sugar: a slight sweetness that balances the heat
• Vinegar: a subtle acidity that lifts everything
• Salt: to bind the flavors

The texture is thick and slightly grainy, perfect for spreading or mixing. The result? A unique balance of spicy, sweet, garlicky, and slightly tangy.

Best Sriracha Substitutes

1. Sambal Oelek - The Closest Match

Sambal oelek is probably the most faithful substitute. It's an Indonesian chili paste made from crushed red peppers, vinegar, and salt. No added sugar, no garlic (unlike Sriracha), so the taste is more "raw" and direct.

How to use it: Use the same amount as the Sriracha called for. If you want to get even closer to the original taste, add a pinch of sugar and some minced garlic or garlic powder.

2. Gochujang - The Korean Alternative

Korean chili paste gochujang is fermented, which gives it an umami depth that Sriracha doesn't have. It's also sweeter and less acidic. Thicker, almost pasty texture.

Ideal for: dishes that can handle a more complex, sweeter taste - BBQ marinades, rice sauces, bibimbap, chicken wings.

Ratio: Start with half the amount called for and adjust. Gochujang is more concentrated in flavor.

3. Harissa - The North African Option

Harissa is a Tunisian chili paste with smoky notes, cumin, and coriander. The profile is very different (more "Mediterranean"), but the heat level can be similar.

Ideal for: dishes where a smoky, earthy taste would work well - couscous, merguez, grilled vegetables, tagines, spicy vinaigrettes.

Note: Harissa doesn't replace Sriracha in pho or pad Thai - the profiles are too different.

4. Tabasco or Hot Sauce + Honey/Sugar

In a pinch, you can create an imitation with what you have on hand:

• 2 tbsp Tabasco (or other hot sauce)
• 1 tsp honey or sugar
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• A pinch of salt

Mix well. It won't be identical (Tabasco is more vinegary and liquid), but it does the job in the meantime.

5. Thai Sweet Chili Sauce

Thai "sweet chili" sauces are sweeter and less spicy than Sriracha, but share that sweet-spicy profile. Brands like Mae Ploy or Thai Kitchen.

Ideal for: dipping sauces, spring rolls, chicken wings, anything that can handle more sweetness.

6. Chili Garlic Sauce

Often sold next to Sriracha (same Huy Fong brand), this sauce is coarser, more garlicky, and less smooth. It's essentially un-blended Sriracha.

Ratio: 1:1, this is the most direct replacement if you can find it.

Make Your Own Homemade Sriracha

If you really want the authentic taste and have some time, here's a simplified recipe:

• 1 lb fresh red chilies (jalapeño, fresno, or serrano)
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1/2 cup white vinegar

Blend everything roughly, let it ferment for 3-5 days at room temperature (stirring each day), then blend finely and strain if you want a smooth texture. Storage: several months in the fridge.

Which Substitute to Choose for Your Recipe?

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sriracha very spicy?

No, Sriracha has moderate heat (about 2,200 Scoville). It's less hot than a fresh jalapeño and much less than a habanero. The sweet-garlicky balance also softens the heat sensation.

Why is Sriracha sometimes out of stock?

The Huy Fong brand (the one with the rooster) has experienced shortages due to chili supply issues. Other brands like Tabasco Sriracha, Flying Goose, or Lee Kum Kee also make good versions.

Can you replace Sriracha with Tabasco?

In a pinch, yes, but the taste will be different. Tabasco is more vinegary, more liquid, and lacks the sweetness and garlic of Sriracha. Add honey and garlic to get closer.

Does sambal oelek taste the same as Sriracha?

Almost. Sambal oelek is the raw chili base without the added sugar or garlic. The heat is similar, but the taste is more "simple" and direct.