Cooking with a delicious chili sauce is a great way to add a spicy kick to your favorite homemade sauces and dishes. However, if you’re out of it or can’t find any, then you need a chili sauce substitute. You can substitute chili sauce with some Asian sauces like sriracha, harissa, gochujang, and sweet chili sauce. Though these aren’t the substitutes for chili sauce available, as I’ve got several more lined up just for you.
What is a Chili Sauce?
Chili sauce is a condiment that’s loved by many for its fiery flavor and convenience in cooking. This sauce typically contains a blend of chili peppers, vinegar, sugar, and salt, with some variations having garlic, onion, or other spices to enhance their flavor profile. The ingredients are blended together to create a smooth, thick sauce that can be used as a dip, marinade, or glaze.
Why is Chili Sauce Used in Cooking?
Chili sauce is the perfect, low-cost ingredient to add a spicy kick and richness of flavor to various dishes. It can be used as a dipping sauce for appetizers or as a marinade for meats, making it a go-to choice for many cooks. These cooks use them as an ingredient in stir-fries, soups, and noodle dishes, adding a burst of flavor and a hint of spice to them.
Chili sauce is not just a tasty condiment but a healthy one at that, with it being a rich source of capsaicin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. This also means it can help boost metabolism and aid in weight loss.
Best Chili Sauce Substitute
Sriracha Sauce
1 tablespoon of chili sauce = 1/2 tablespoon of sriracha sauce
Sriracha sauce is a popular condiment from Thailand and has become a staple in many home cook kitchens. It’s made from chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt, giving it a similar flavor to harissa in that it’s both spicy and slightly sweet.
This sauce has a similar taste profile and consistency that can add heat to dishes like stir-fries, marinades, and dressings. You can even use it as a dipping sauce for appetizers like spring rolls or dumplings. Though it can prove to be quite spicy. So adjust the heat level to your preference by using less sauce or diluting it with other ingredients like honey or lime juice.
Harissa Sauce
1 tablespoon of chili sauce = 1 tablespoon of harissa sauce
Harissa sauce, a condiment from North Africa, is a great substitute for chili sauce in marinades, dips, and soups. Its complex flavor, which is a blend of roasted peppers, herbs, and spices, is both spicy and slightly sweet. Though this sauce can get quite spicy, you can customize the heat level to your liking by using less sauce or by diluting it with other ingredients such as olive oil or yogurt.
Ketchup and Cayenne
1 tablespoon of chili sauce = 1 tablespoon of ketchup and cayenne
Ketchup and cayenne pepper have proved to be a superb alternative for chili sauce. Ketchup is a common ingredient found in most kitchens, while cayenne pepper is available in most grocery stores.
To make this substitute, mix ketchup and cayenne pepper in a bowl until you achieve the desired flavor and heat level. The final product can be used as a dipping sauce for appetizers, a glaze for meats, or a condiment for burgers and sandwiches.
Spicy Ketchup
1 tablespoon of chili sauce = 1 tablespoon of spicy ketchup
Spicy ketchup can be a tasty and convenient swap, as it’s found in most retailers and online stores. This version of ketchup can provide a similar level of heat but with a slightly sweeter taste. It’s particularly useful when making dishes like meatloaf, sloppy joes, or even as a dipping sauce for chicken or fries.
Spicy ketchup can also prove to be a healthier alternative to chili sauce. This is cause it’s often made with natural ingredients like tomatoes and vinegar and contains lower levels of sodium compared to many brands of chili sauce.
Spicy Tomato Sauce
1 tablespoon of chili sauce = 1 tablespoon of spicy tomato sauce
Spicy tomato sauce is a fantastic substitute as unlike chili sauce, which is known for its tangy and spicy flavor, tomato sauce offers a milder yet still flavorful option. With this sauce, you can add a touch of heat to your dishes without overpowering the other flavors present. This substitution is especially good when making dishes like chili, tacos, or enchiladas, where chili sauce plays a vital role.
One of the benefits of using spicy tomato sauce is that it’s often less expensive and easier to find. Many grocery stores also carry a variety of tomato sauces, including those with added spices or flavors.
Chili Powder or Flakes
1 tablespoon of chili sauce = 1 tablespoon of chili powder or flakes
Chili powder or flakes is a unique substitute made from dried and ground chili peppers, with a concentrated and intense flavor that can add a delicious spice to your recipes. They do, however, provide a dry and powdery texture that can be used in certain ways. It can be used to season roasted nuts. But better yet, used to spice up your morning eggs or breakfast burritos.
Regular Hot Sauce
1 tablespoon of chili sauce = 1 tablespoon of regular hot sauce
Regular hot sauce is a popular condiment typically made with chili peppers, vinegar, and spices and can vary in heat level depending on the brand and type.
The flavor profile may be slightly different. This is because chili sauce is often made with additional ingredients such as sugar and garlic. However, by adjusting the amount of hot sauce used and tasting as you go, you can still achieve a similar level of spiciness in your dish.
Black Bean Sauce
1 tablespoon of chili sauce = 1 tablespoon of black bean sauce
Black bean sauce is an excellent substitute that offers a different taste as it’s savory and slightly sweet. Made from fermented black beans, garlic, and other seasonings, it’s a popular ingredient in Chinese, Korean, and other Asian cuisines and is available in grocery stores and Asian markets all over.
You’ll need to adjust the other seasonings in your recipe accordingly since it’s less spicy and salty. However, it’s still a great option for those who want to add a rich, umami flavor to their dishes without the intense heat of chili sauce. It’s also perfect for stir-fries, marinades, and dipping sauces, and it pairs well with meats, seafood, and vegetable dishes.
Gochujang
1 tablespoon of chili sauce = 1/2 tablespoon of gochujang
Gochujang is a Korean chili paste made from fermented chili peppers, glutinous rice, and soybeans. It has an equally unique and complex flavor that can add a range of flavors to your recipes. One of the great things about using gochujang as a substitute for chili sauce is that it can be used in lots of ways beyond stir-fries and marinades.
For example, it can be used to add a spicy kick to soups and stews. This includes classics like Korean-style kimchi jjigae or spicy tofu soup. It can even be used as a condiment for sandwiches and burgers.
Sweet Chili Sauce
1 tablespoon of chili sauce = 1/2 tablespoon of sweet chili sauce
Sweet chili sauce is a very popular condiment made from chili peppers, vinegar, sugar, and other seasonings. It has a similar sweet and tangy content paired with a mild and fruity taste that can add a burst of flavor to any dish.
This sauce can also be used in various ways other than its traditional Asian dishes. It can be used as a glaze for roasted vegetables or grilled meats. You can even use it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or fried chicken.
Chili Garlic Paste
1 tablespoon of chili sauce = 1 tablespoon of chili garlic paste
Chili garlic paste is a very similar variation of chili garlic sauce but a thicker consistency. It’s made from a combination of chili peppers, garlic, and other spices. You can also easily control the level of spiciness in this paste. Adding more or less paste allows you to customize the heat to your liking.
Though it does have a thicker consistency, so keep this in mind when cooking for bulk and texture. This paste is also available in most grocery stores and Asian markets, making it a convenient ingredient to buy when out shopping.
FAQs
Is chili sauce similar to ketchup?
While both chili sauce and ketchup share a tomato base, they differ significantly in flavor profiles. Chili sauce typically has a spicier and more complex taste compared to the sweeter and tangier flavor of traditional ketchup.
What can I use instead of chili powder sauce?
If you don’t have chili powder sauce, you can substitute it with a combination of ground cayenne pepper, paprika, cumin, and garlic powder to achieve a similar heat and flavor profile.
Can I substitute tomato sauce in chili?
Yes, you can substitute tomato sauce in chili with diced tomatoes or a combination of tomato paste and broth to maintain the tomato flavor while adjusting the consistency.