The 11 Best Substitutes For Chili Sauce

Are you looking for a way to add flavor and spice to your dishes without using chili sauce?

Chili sauce is an incredibly versatile condiment that can be used in many different ways, but sometimes it’s not available or isn’t the right fit.

Luckily, there are plenty of substitutes for chili sauce that can help you get the same level of flavor and heat.

From ketchup and hot sauces to salsas and even Worcestershire sauce, here are 11 of the best alternatives for chili sauce.

What is Chili Sauce?

Chili sauce is a condiment made from chili peppers, vinegar, sugar, and other ingredients.

It can range in flavor from sweet to spicy and is used as an accompaniment to many dishes.

Chili sauces are popular around the world and come in many varieties depending on the region they are produced in.

In Asia, chili sauces often contain garlic or ginger for added flavor.nIn Thailand, for example, sriracha sauce is a popular type of chili sauce that contains garlic and sugar along with red jalapeno peppers.

In India, chutneys are a type of chili sauce that usually contain spices such as cumin or coriander along with tamarind paste or mango pulp for sweetness.

In Mexico and Central America, salsa roja (red salsa) is a common type of chili sauce made with tomatoes and various types of dried chilies such as guajillo or ancho peppers.

This type of salsa can be served either cooked or raw depending on preference.

Salsa verde (green salsa) is another popular Mexican variety made with tomatillos instead of tomatoes and green chilies like jalapenos or serranos instead of dried ones.

Chili sauces are also widely used in the United States where they typically have more vinegar than their international counterparts due to American tastes favoring tangy flavors over sweet ones.

Hot sauces like Tabasco are very popular here while ketchup-based barbecue sauces containing chipotle peppers have become increasingly common over recent years as well.

The 11 Best Substitutes For Chili Sauce

Chili sauce is a great way to spice up dishes, but it can be hard to find in some places.

If you’re looking for an alternative, here are eleven substitutes that will still give you the same flavor:

1 – Sriracha

Sriracha is a type of hot sauce made from chili peppers, garlic, sugar, salt and vinegar.

It originated in Thailand but has become popular around the world.

Sriracha has a unique flavor that is both spicy and sweet with a hint of garlic.

It’s great for adding heat to dishes like tacos, burritos or nachos.

It can also be used as a condiment on sandwiches or burgers.

Sriracha also makes an excellent addition to marinades and sauces for grilled meats or vegetables.

Pro Tip: If you want to add some extra kick to your food without making it too spicy, try mixing equal parts sriracha and ketchup!

The sweetness of the ketchup will balance out the spiciness of the sriracha for an amazing flavor combination!

2 – Sambal oelek

Sambal oelek is a spicy Indonesian condiment made from ground red chilies, vinegar and salt.

It has a bright, fresh flavor with a hint of sweetness that pairs well with many dishes.

Sambal oelek can be used as an ingredient in marinades, sauces, dressings or as a condiment for grilled meats and vegetables.

Sambal oelek is often used to add heat to dishes without adding too much complexity.

It’s also great for adding depth of flavor to soups and stews.

The chili peppers give the sauce its signature heat while the vinegar adds tanginess and the salt helps bring out all of the flavors.

3 – Gochujang

Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste made from red chili peppers, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans and salt.

It has a spicy, sweet and savory flavor with a hint of umami.

Gochujang is an essential ingredient in many Korean dishes such as bibimbap and tteokbokki.

Gochujang can be used as a condiment or marinade for meats, vegetables, noodles and more. It adds depth of flavor to any dish without being too overpowering.

The sweetness of the gochujang balances out the spiciness so that it’s not too hot but still packs plenty of flavor!

4 – Harissa

Harissa is a spicy chili pepper paste that originated in Tunisia.

It is made from a blend of hot chilies, garlic, olive oil and spices such as cumin, coriander and caraway.

Harissa has become popular in many parts of the world due to its unique flavor profile and versatility.

Harissa can be used as a condiment or an ingredient for dishes like stews, soups, marinades or sauces.

Its heat level varies depending on the type of peppers used but it generally has a medium-hot kick with smoky undertones.

The addition of harissa will add depth and complexity to any dish!

5 – Ketchup and Cayenne

Ketchup and cayenne pepper are a great substitute for chili sauce.

Ketchup is made from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices.

It has a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs well with the spicy kick of cayenne pepper.

The combination of these two ingredients makes an excellent alternative to chili sauce.

1. To make your own ketchup-cayenne sauce, simply mix together equal parts ketchup and water in a bowl.
2. Then add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper for every cup of ketchup used.
3. Stir until everything is combined and you have a delicious condiment that can be used on burgers, fries, or anything else you’d normally use chili sauce on!

6 – Fresh Peppers

Fresh peppers are a great substitute for chili sauce.

They come in many varieties, from mild to hot, and can be used to add flavor and heat to any dish.

Fresh peppers can be chopped or sliced into thin strips and added to salads, sandwiches, tacos, burritos, soups, stews, stir-fries or casseroles.

Fresh peppers have a bright flavor that is slightly sweet with a hint of spice.

The spiciness of the pepper will depend on the variety you choose; jalapenos tend to be the hottest while bell peppers are milder.

You can also find specialty varieties such as habanero or ghost pepper if you’re looking for something extra spicy!

7 – Chili Garlic Paste

Chili garlic paste is a spicy condiment made from chili peppers, garlic, and other ingredients.

It has a thick consistency and can be used as a spread or dip.

It is often used in Asian cooking to add flavor to dishes such as stir-fries, curries, soups, and sauces.

Chili garlic paste has a strong flavor that can range from mild to very hot depending on the type of chili pepper used.

The addition of garlic adds depth and complexity to the heat of the chilies.

This paste is also great for adding an extra kick to marinades or dressings for salads or sandwiches.

Pro Tip: If you find that your chili garlic paste is too spicy for your taste, try adding some honey or sugar to balance out the heat!

8 – Regular Hot Sauce

Hot sauce, also known as chili sauce or pepper sauce, is a condiment made from chili peppers and other ingredients such as vinegar, salt, garlic, and sometimes sugar.

It is used to add flavor and spice to dishes.

Regular hot sauces are typically made with cayenne peppers which give them their signature heat.

They can range in spiciness from mild to very hot depending on the type of pepper used and the amount added.

Hot sauces are great for adding a kick of flavor to tacos, burritos, nachos, eggs, sandwiches and more!

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for an extra spicy kick try adding some habanero or ghost pepper hot sauce!

9 – Black Bean Sauce

Black Bean Sauce is a savory, salty condiment made from fermented black beans.

It has a deep umami flavor and is often used in Chinese cuisine as an ingredient or condiment.

Black bean sauce can be used to add depth of flavor to stir-fries, soups, marinades, and sauces.

It’s also great for dipping dumplings or spring rolls.

The sauce pairs well with pork, beef, chicken, seafood and vegetables alike!

Pro Tip: To make the most out of your black bean sauce experience try adding some garlic and ginger to it before using it in your dishes! This will give the dish an extra kick of flavor that you won’t regret trying!

10 – Spicy Tomato Sauce

Spicy Tomato Sauce is a great alternative to chili sauce.

It is made from tomatoes, garlic, and spices such as cumin, oregano, and chili powder.

The combination of these ingredients creates a rich and flavorful sauce that can be used in many dishes.

Spicy Tomato Sauce has a mild heat level that can be adjusted by adding more or less chili powder.

It’s perfect for adding flavor to tacos, burritos, enchiladas, pasta dishes, pizza toppings, and more!

Plus it’s easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients.

Pro Tip: For an extra kick of flavor try adding some fresh herbs like basil or oregano when making your own Spicy Tomato Sauce!

11 – Spicy Ketchup

Spicy ketchup is a condiment made from ketchup and spices.

It is often used as a dipping sauce for French fries, but can also be used in other dishes such as tacos or sandwiches.

The spiciness of the ketchup varies depending on the recipe, but it typically contains chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika.

Spicy ketchup has a sweet-and-spicy flavor that adds an extra kick to any dish.

It’s great for adding some heat to burgers or hot dogs without overpowering them with too much spice.

Plus, it’s easy to make at home with just a few ingredients!

FAQ

How do you make chili sauce?

Chili sauce is a delicious condiment that can be made with a few simple ingredients.

1. To make chili sauce, start by combining puréed or chopped chili peppers, vinegar, sugar, and salt in a saucepan.
2. Cook the mixture over medium heat until it thickens.
3. You can also add water, garlic, other foodstuffs, corn syrup, spices, and seasonings to the sauce to give it more flavor. For a sweeter sauce, you can use ripe red puréed tomato as the primary ingredient.
4. Once all the ingredients are combined, simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool before serving.

What’s the difference between ketchup and chili sauce?

Ketchup and chili sauce are both tomato-based condiments, but they differ in several ways. Ketchup is typically made from red tomatoes and is sweeter and milder in flavor than chili sauce.

Chili sauce is usually made from green tomatoes and has a higher acidity, giving it a sharper, spicier flavor.

Additionally, chili sauce often contains additional ingredients such as garlic, onion, peppers, and spices, which give it a more complex flavor profile than ketchup.

Can I use tomato sauce instead of chili sauce?

Yes, you can use tomato sauce instead of chili sauce in a recipe. The tomato sauce will add more liquid to the dish, so you may want to use a bit less than the recipe calls for to avoid making the dish too thin. The flavor will be slightly different, but the dish will still be delicious.

Tomato sauce is slightly sweeter than chili sauce, so you may want to add a bit more seasoning to the dish to make up for the difference in flavor. Additionally, you can add some chili powder or other spices to the tomato sauce to give it a more chili-like flavor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, chili sauce is a great way to add a kick of flavor to your dishes.

However, if you don’t have chili sauce on hand, there are plenty of other options that can be used as a substitute.

The best substitutes for chili sauce are Sriracha, Sambal oelek, Gochujang, Harissa, Ketchup and Cayenne, Fresh Peppers, Chili Garlic Paste, Regular Hot Sauce, Black Bean Sauce, Spicy Tomato Sauce, and Spicy Ketchup.

Each of these sauces has its own unique flavor and can be used to add a delicious kick to your dishes.

So, the next time you’re in a pinch, reach for one of these substitutes and give it a try.