Knowing the available substitutes for sriracha sauce when cooking can help you with experimenting and trying new things.
Some might think that all hot sauce options taste the same, but this isn’t true. There are distinctions, and some hot sauces can substitute for each other.
So, what is the best substitute for sriracha sauce? Tapatio hot sauce is the most ideal substitute for sriracha sauce available, as it does a lot to replicate the taste and flavor while being a bit spicier than sriracha sauce.
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An Overview of Sriracha Sauce
Sriracha sauce is a pretty famous hot sauce variant that is prominent in Thai cuisines. It is one of the spiciest condiments available, providing a nice mix of the spicy, garlicky, and vinegary tastes.
While it originated in Thailand, sriracha sauce has grown in popularity. It is especially popular in the United States, where the love of hot sauce knows no bounds. Thanks to its strong flavor, sriracha sauce works as a condiment. A dash of the sauce here and there will provide that exotic taste that your dish needs.
You can also use the sauce as a spice. Watch as it dominates your dish and brings out that spice that you love.
Why Substitute Sriracha Sauce?
- Not spicy enough: For some people, sriracha sauce isn’t spicy enough. Thankfully, you can find a lot of other options that will give your taste buds a proper jostling.
- Availability: Sriracha sauce isn’t the most available out there. If you need something to spice up your food and you can’t get it, you can find something else to help out.
Options for Sriracha Sauce Substitutes
Best Overall Substitute for Sriracha Sauce: Tapatio Hot Sauce
Tapatio hot sauce is a famous type of hot sauce that originates from North America. It is especially famous in the United States and Mexico, although some other Latin American countries have been known to consume it as well.
Tapatio hot sauce is made with regular red peppers. It is very spicy, even more so than the typical sriracha. Most people who use Tapatio hot sauce use it to spice up their dishes. While it is especially famous in Mexican cuisine, its popularity is spreading and it has become more of a staple in other countries too.
You can even find some restaurants using Tapatio hot sauce as a glaze for their ribs and spicy chicken wings. Or, some could use it as a regular condiment too. If you think you have a high tolerance for spicy dishes, then Tapatio hot sauce is something you should consider.
There’s no doubt that Tapatio hot sauce works as the best substitute for sriracha sauce. In general, Tapatio hot sauce provides simple and reliable ingredients that work well for your taste buds. You won’t get any surprises here, and the hot sauce delivers just what you need for an everyday hot sauce – a lovely peppery taste with hints of spices and garlic.
Best Available Substitute: Tabasco Hot Sauce
When it comes to availability, nothing beats tabasco hot sauce. It is famous in the United States and distributed across the world.
Tabasco hot sauce is famous for its very high heat and spiciness levels. This is actually one of the hottest things you can eat. Most tabasco hot sauces will use high-grade jalapeño peppers as their main ingredients. So, it’s pretty easy to see how they can be so hot.
You can use the peppers to season your food, providing a more intense flavor and giving your taste buds a nice challenge. It also works as a substitute for sriracha sauce because it has a similar smell to the latter.
You’ll also love the fact that there are 7 variants of the tabasco hot sauce. So, whichever one you choose, you will definitely get your money’s worth. From the mildly spiced to the sweet and spicy variants, you have a lot to enjoy from this one.
Best Sweet and Spicy Substitute: Gochujang Sauce
Time to switch it up and check out some options that originate from outside North America. The first on our list is Gochujang sauce – a sauce variant that comes from Korea.
Gochujang sauce is famous in Korean cuisine. It is made out of cooked glutinous rice, salt, and chilli powder. The combination is then fermented and processed to make the sauce.
Gochujang sauce is spicy in taste. It is also one of the country’s most traditional condiment options – with a sweet and hot taste. Beyond Korea, Gochujang is actually famous across Asia. Many use it as a rice topping, while others try it as a seasoning or a condiment.
If you’re looking for something with a spicy and sweet taste, then gochujang sauce is definitely the right substitute for sriracha sauce. Unlike the options above, it doesn’t come with that hint of sourness since it doesn’t have any content of vinegar.
However, note that gochujang sauce isn’t as spicy as sriracha sauce. So, if you’re looking to capture that same level of heat intensity, you’ll need to use more of the sauce.
Best Spicy Substitute: Scotch Bonnet Sauce
People who have vast spicy experience will definitely know about scotch bonnet sauce. Originating from Jamaica, this is hailed as one of the spiciest hot sauces in the world.
Also known as Caribbean red pepper, the scotch bonnet sauce is definitely a must-try. However, you should remember before trying it that this sauce is incredibly spicy. It’s at least ten times spicier than sriracha sauce. So, if you’re not really into hot and intense sauces, you might want to pass on this one.
Scotch bonnet is the right option for anyone looking to give their taste buds a challenge. However, while the satisfying savory taste is a delight, this sauce isn’t for everyone. People with heartburn or other respiratory issues will need to take precautions or see a doctor before they can try it out. If you think you have the mind for it, however, feel free to give it a try.
