13 Sriracha Substitutes (+ Best Alternatives)

Fire up your dishes during the Sriracha shortage with these Sriracha substitutes. 

The famous brand Huy Fong Foods Inc. condiment had its production halted earlier this year due to a failed chili pepper crop.

Production was intended to restart in early September, but you might still feel the effects of the shortage for some time afterward. 

In the meantime, there are many alternatives you can use to keep the fiery flavor in your recipes. 

Whether you’re looking for Sriracha substitutes because of the shortage or your personal tastes, you’re sure to find your favorite option here. 

13 Best Sriracha Substitutes

1. Tabasco 

Of all the Sriracha substitutes in this list, Tabasco is one of the most well-known. It has been on store shelves in the United States since 1868. 

It’s made from Tabasco peppers, vinegar, and salt. It has even been called “hipster ketchup” by some.

Although it’s definitely spicier than ketchup, it’s just as popular.

Tabasco is a thinner consistency than Sriracha, which is more of a thick sauce.

Use this as a substitute in recipes like Bloody Mary cocktails, eggs, or chicken wings. 

Use ¼ tablespoon of Tabasco for every one tablespoon of Sriracha. 

2. Sambal Oelek 

Sambal oelek is a fresh ground chili paste made with peppers, vinegar, and salt.

This spicy condiment originates in Indonesia and is most often made with Thai chili peppers. 

While the flavors aren’t quite as complex as Sriracha which has a hit of garlic, it will definitely provide the spice. 

Sambal oelek is not meant for dipping or topping, it’s an ideal substitution when you’re trying to add heat to a recipe or sauce. 

Use ¾ tablespoon for every one tablespoon of Sriracha. 

3. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is a common household spice that can make a fantastic substitute for Sriracha.

If you’re trying to find a last-minute replacement, this is a great option. 

Dried cayenne pepper has a nice amount of heat but won’t add a lot of flavor.

A trick for adding some of that tanginess that Sriracha gives is to add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice. 

Since cayenne is pretty spicy , you only need about ¼ tablespoon for every one tablespoon of the Rooster Sauce. 

4. Gochujang

Gochujang is a Korean paste made from hot peppers. It might be a little more difficult to find.

But if you have any Asian market near you, you’ll likely come across it there. 

This paste is made by combining glutinous rice (the same thing mochi is made out of), chili flakes, fermented soybeans, and salt.

They’re then ground into a spicy paste consistency. 

Gochujang is actually a pretty spot-on substitute for Sriracha. 

Use a one-to-one ratio for this swap. 

5. Ketchup

You’re probably familiar with ketchup but might not have expected it to be on this list.

Ketchup is a wonderful substitute for Sriracha when you want to stick to a recipe minus the heat. 

Ketchup is sweet without any hint of spice. The reason it’s such a good substitute for ketchup is because of the consistency.

Add it to sauces or soups, or use it for dipping and topping. 

If ketchup is all you have but you still want the spice, add some chili flakes or chili powder. 

For every tablespoon of Sriracha, use about one tablespoon of ketchup. 

6. Peri-peri Sauce

Peri-peri sauce is a Portuguese sauce made from a peri-peri pepper. 

It has a similar tang and spiciness to Sriracha, which makes it a lovely substitute. You can also find peri-peri in powdered form. 

Peri-peri sauce has a complex flavor profile. It’s made with lemon, onion, bay leaves, chili, vinegar, and garlic. 

When substituting for Sriracha, use the same quantity that the recipe calls for. 

7. Chili Garlic Sauce

Chili garlic sauce has a very similar flavor to Sriracha but a slightly thicker viscosity.

It’s simple and made with just a few ingredients: chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, salt, and sugar. 

This sauce can be used for almost any recipe. Use it as a spread, dip, or topping, or add it to your next recipe. 

I love chili garlic sauce when I don’t have any Sriracha around. It will provide a similar texture and flavor. 

Use a one-to-one ratio, but you can also start with a little less and taste as you go. 

8. Harissa

Harissa paste is often used in Moroccan dishes. It has some basic ingredients like chili peppers, oil, and garlic but also has some spices.

Usually, it includes cumin, caraway, mint, and coriander. 

Harissa is a fiery way to add flavor to soups and marinades but can be used as a Sriracha swap in almost any recipe. 

The flavor is a little bit nuttier and complex when compared to Sriracha, thanks to those added spices.

Don’t expect an exact substitution but this is a tasty one. 

Harissa is also thicker than Sriracha, but you can still use a one-to-one ratio. 

9. Tapatío

Tapatío is a Mexican-American condiment that’s very spicy and adds delicious flavor to any meal. 

You can dip foods into Tapatío, but it does have a thinner consistency. And remember, it’s much spicier than Sriracha, so beware!

If you like the heat, use a one-to-one ratio with Tapatío. I suggest starting with about half the amount and adjusting to taste. 

10.  Chili oil 

Chili oil is an oil infused with chili peppers. Sometimes other flavors like garlic, soy sauce, black pepper, or mint are added. 

Chefs around the world are using chili oil to enhance the flavors of their cuisine. Use this ingredient in marinades, soups, salads, and more. 

If you’re lucky enough to find chili garlic oil, it’s an even better substitute for Sriracha.

Since this is an oil rather than paste or sauce, start with about ½ tablespoon for every one tablespoon of Sriracha. 

11. Sweet Chili Sauce 

Sweet chili sauce is a unique condiment that works surprisingly well as a Sriracha substitute. 

It’s made with chili peppers, rice wine vinegar, and a sweetener.

What’s unique about it is that it can provide that spicy flavor your dish needs but without heat.

It’s the perfect substitute for people who don’t like spicy food.

This is a direct substitute so use one tablespoon for every one tablespoon of Sriracha. 

12. El Yucateco Habanero Hot Sauce

If you’re really committed to the spice level of a dish or sauce, El Yucateco habanero hot sauce is a great alternative. 

It’s a sauce made from green or red habanero peppers and tomatoes with added seasonings and spices. 

Since this sauce is so spicy, use one teaspoon for every one tablespoon of Sriracha. That’s a ⅓ to-one ratio. 

13. Homemade Chili Sauce

If you don’t have any of the above options available, homemade chili sauce can be a wonderful substitute for Sriracha. 

There are many recipes out there that come in sauce, paste, or powder form.

They all have different spice levels, too, so make yours according to your preference. 

The substitution ratio will vary since every recipe is different.

Use your best judgment and remember that you can always add more, but you can’t take any out.