Substitute for Chili Garlic Sauce

Are you tired of using the same old chili garlic sauce in your dishes? Well, it’s time to spice things up! 

Substitutes for chili garlic sauce include Sriracha sauce, sambal oelek, gochujang, harissa paste, Tabasco sauce, cayenne pepper and garlic powder blend, and homemade chili garlic sauce. Each offers a unique flavor profile and heat intensity, allowing for versatile culinary experimentation.

Whether you’re looking for a milder flavor or a fiery kick, these alternatives will satisfy your taste buds. From tangy sriracha sauce to smoky chipotle paste, there’s something for everyone.

In this guide, we’ll also explore how these substitutes can complement various cuisines, from Mexican to Asian. Not only will these substitutes add a burst of flavor to your dishes, but they also come with additional health benefits. 

So, let’s dive in and discover the perfect substitute for your next recipe.

Why Look for a Substitute for Chili Garlic Sauce

Chili garlic sauce is a popular condiment that adds spice, tang, and flavor to many dishes. However, some people may look for a substitute for chili garlic sauce for various reasons, such as:

• They have run out of chili garlic sauce and need a quick replacement.
• They are allergic or intolerant to garlic or chili peppers.
• They prefer a different level of spiciness or sweetness in their sauce.
• They want to try a new or different flavor in their dish.

What Are The Substitutes for Chili Garlic Sauce

Chili garlic sauce is a spicy and tangy condiment that is made with chili peppers, garlic, and vinegar. It is widely used in Asian cuisines, but also in other dishes that need some extra flavor and heat. If you don’t have chili garlic sauce, you can use one of these substitutes instead:

Substitute #1: Sriracha Sauce

Sriracha sauce is a popular Thai hot sauce that is made with similar ingredients as chili garlic sauce, such as chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and salt.

It has a smooth texture and a slightly milder flavor than chili garlic sauce. You can use sriracha sauce as a dipping sauce, a marinade, or a cooking ingredient for various dishes1.

Substitute #2: Sambal Oelek

Sambal oelek is an Indonesian chili paste that is made with chopped chili peppers and vinegar. It has a chunky texture and a bright and fiery flavor. Unlike chili garlic sauce, it does not contain garlic, but you can add some if you like.

Sambal oelek is a versatile condiment that can be used as a topping, a stir-fry sauce, or a base for other sauces2.

Substitute #3: Gochujang

Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste that is made with chili peppers, rice, soybeans, and salt.

It has a thick texture and a complex flavor that is sweet, savory, and spicy. Gochujang is a staple ingredient in Korean cuisine, and it can be used to make sauces, soups, stews, and marinades.

Gochujang is less tangy and more sweet than chili garlic sauce, so you may want to add some vinegar or lime juice to balance it out.

Substitute #4: Harissa Paste

Harissa paste is a North African chili paste that is made with roasted chili peppers, garlic, spices, and oil. It has a smooth texture and a rich and smoky flavor.

Harissa paste is commonly used as a condiment, a spread, or a cooking ingredient for dishes like couscous, tagine, and shakshuka.

Harissa paste is more aromatic and less sour than chili garlic sauce, so you may want to add some vinegar or lemon juice to enhance it.

Substitute #5: Tabasco Sauce

Tabasco sauce is a Louisiana-style hot sauce that is made with aged chili peppers, vinegar, and salt. It has a thin texture and a sharp and vinegary flavor.

Tabasco sauce is a classic condiment that can be used to add some heat and tang to any dish, such as eggs, pizza, sandwiches, and salads.

It is more liquid and less garlicky than chili garlic sauce, so you may want to use more of it or add some garlic powder to it.

Substitute #6: Cayenne Pepper and Garlic Powder Blend

If you don’t have any chili sauce or paste, you can make your own substitute by mixing some cayenne pepper and garlic powder. Cayenne pepper is a ground spice that is made from dried and crushed chili peppers. It has a bright red color and a fiery flavor.

Garlic powder is a dehydrated and powdered form of garlic. It has a mild and savory flavor. You can adjust the ratio of cayenne pepper and garlic powder according to your taste and preference. You can also add some vinegar, salt, and sugar to make it more like chili garlic sauce.

Substitute #7: Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce

Homemade chili garlic sauce is a piquant condiment crafted from chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and salt.

Its customizable heat levels and vibrant flavor profile make it a versatile addition to various dishes, including stir-fries, marinades, and dipping sauces. Reflecting culinary creativity, it offers a personalized touch to gastronomic experiences.

How to Use the Substitutes in Recipes

Chili garlic sauce is a spicy and tangy condiment that can add flavor to various dishes. However, if you don’t have it or want to try something different, there are many substitutes that you can use instead. Some of the most common substitutes are:

• Sriracha: A smooth and slightly milder sauce made with chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and salt. It can be used as a dipping sauce, a topping, or a cooking ingredient.
• Sambal Oelek: A chunky and fiery sauce made with chili peppers and vinegar. It has a brighter flavor than chili garlic sauce and can be enhanced with extra garlic if desired.
• Garlic Paste: A simple and non-spicy substitute that can be used to add garlic flavor to any dish. It can be mixed with chili flakes or fresh peppers for some heat.
• Hot Sauce: A versatile and easy-to-find substitute that can vary in spiciness, flavor, and consistency. You can choose your favorite hot sauce or experiment with different types.
• Chili Crisp: A crunchy and savory sauce made with chili oil, fried garlic, onion, and soybean. It can add texture and umami to your dish, but it may be less sour than chili garlic sauce.
• Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: A sweet and sticky sauce made with chili peppers, sugar, vinegar, and garlic. It can be used for a milder and sweeter flavor, but you may need to add some vinegar for acidity.

To use these substitutes in recipes, you can simply replace chili garlic sauce with an equal amount of your chosen substitute.

Recipes That Can Be Enhanced with Chili Garlic Sauce Substitutes

Chili garlic sauce is a versatile ingredient that can add a spicy and tangy flavor to many dishes. However, if you don’t have it or want to try something different, you can use one of the substitutes that I mentioned before. Here are some examples of recipes that can be enhanced with chili garlic sauce substitutes:

Stir-fried Noodles

You can use sriracha, sambal oelek, or chili crisp to spice up your noodles with vegetables and protein of your choice. Just add a few teaspoons of the sauce to the wok while stir-frying and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Dumplings

Use harissa sauce, hot sauce, or Thai sweet chili sauce to make a delicious dipping sauce for your dumplings. Simply mix the sauce with some soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil, and enjoy.

Chicken Wings

You can use gochujang, chili paste, or Tabasco sauce to make a sticky and flavorful glaze for your chicken wings. Combine the sauce with some honey, garlic, and butter, and coat the wings before baking or frying.

These are just some of the recipes that can be enhanced with chili garlic sauce substitutes. You can also experiment with other dishes and sauces and create your own combinations.

Where to Buy Chili Garlic Sauce Substitutes

Chili garlic sauce substitutes are available at various retail outlets such as grocery stores, supermarkets, and specialty food stores.

Popular options include hot sauces like sriracha, sambal oelek, and other chili-based condiments. Online retailers also offer a wide selection of substitutes, allowing customers to explore different brands and flavors.

It’s advisable to read product descriptions and reviews to ensure the chosen substitute matches desired taste preferences and heat levels.

Making Your Own Chili Garlic Sauce Substitute

Making your own chili garlic sauce substitute is easy! First, gather fresh chili peppers, minced garlic, vinegar, sugar, and salt.

Choose peppers based on how spicy you want them. Garlic adds flavor, vinegar preserves it, sugar balances and salt enhances the taste. Cook ingredients until they blend well, then blend until smooth.

Adjust spice, sweetness, and saltiness to your liking. Use it in marinades, stir-fries, or dips. Homemade sauce is fresh and customizable!

Conclusion

Chili garlic sauce is a versatile and flavorful condiment that can enhance many dishes. However, if you do not have it or cannot find it, you can use other sauces or ingredients that have similar qualities.

Sriracha, sambal oelek, hot sauce, and chili flakes are some of the common substitutes that can provide the heat, tang, and garlic flavor of chili garlic sauce. You can experiment with different ratios and combinations to suit your taste and preference.