Skip to Content

The 6 Best Substitutes For Sweet Chili Sauce

Are you a fan of sweet chili sauce?

If so, you know how unique and delicious it can be.

Whether you’re using it to top off your favorite dish or as a dipping sauce for appetizers, this spicy-sweet condiment is always a hit.

Unfortunately, not everyone has access to sweet chili sauce when they need it.

That’s why having some good substitutes on hand is essential.

In this article, we will explore six of the best alternatives that you can use in place of sweet chili sauce.

From simple ingredients like honey and garlic to more complex combinations such as sriracha and lime juice – there’s something here for everyone!

What is Sweet Chili Sauce?

Sweet Chili Sauce

Sweet chili sauce is a condiment made from chilies, garlic, sugar, and vinegar.

It has a sweet-and-spicy flavor profile that makes it popular in many Asian cuisines.

The most common type of sweet chili sauce is Thai sweet chili sauce, which is used as a dipping sauce for spring rolls and other appetizers.

The main ingredients in sweet chili sauce are red chilies (which can be fresh or dried), garlic, sugar (usually white granulated sugar), and vinegar (typically rice wine vinegar).

Other ingredients may include fish sauce, lime juice, ginger root, onion powder or shallots.

The exact proportions of these ingredients vary depending on the recipe; some recipes call for more sugar than others to create a sweeter flavor profile.

When making homemade sweet chili sauce at home you can adjust the heat level by adding more or less chilies to the mix.

You can also use different types of peppers such as jalapenos or habaneros if you want an extra kick!

Sweet chili sauces are often served with fried foods like chicken wings and tempura vegetables but they’re also great when added to stir-fries or marinades for grilled meats like pork chops or beef skewers.

The 6 Best Substitutes For Sweet Chili Sauce

Sweet chili sauce is a delicious condiment, but it can be hard to find in some places.

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

1 – Hot Sauce and Honey

Hot Sauce and Honey

Hot sauce and honey is a simple combination of two ingredients that can be used to create a delicious condiment.

Hot sauce adds the heat, while honey provides sweetness and balance.

This combination is perfect for adding flavor to tacos, sandwiches, salads, wings, and more.

When using hot sauce and honey together, it’s important to find the right balance between sweet and spicy.

Start with a small amount of hot sauce (such as Sriracha or Tabasco) and add more until you reach your desired level of heat.

Then add just enough honey to take the edge off without making it too sweet.

Pro Tip: If you want an extra kick of flavor, try adding some garlic powder or fresh minced garlic when mixing up your hot sauce and honey mixture!

2 – Plum Sauce and Hot Sauce

Plum Sauce

Plum sauce and hot sauce are two great alternatives to sweet chili sauce.

Plum sauce is a thick, sweet-and-sour condiment made from plums, sugar, vinegar, garlic, ginger and other spices.

It’s often used as a dipping sauce for egg rolls or spring rolls in Chinese cuisine.

Hot Sauce is a spicy condiment made from chilies and other ingredients like vinegar and salt. It can be used to add heat to dishes or as an accompaniment to foods like tacos or burritos.

Plum Sauce has a unique flavor that combines the sweetness of plums with the tanginess of vinegar and the spiciness of garlic and ginger.

Hot Sauce adds heat without overpowering the flavors of your dish; it’s perfect for adding just enough kick without making it too spicy!

Both sauces are versatile enough to use in many different recipes – try them out today!

3 – Chili Sauce and Sweetener

Chili Sauce and Sweetener

Chili sauce and sweetener is a great alternative to traditional sweet chili sauce.

It’s made by combining chili peppers, garlic, sugar or other sweeteners, vinegar, and spices.

The result is a flavorful condiment that can be used in many dishes.

Chili sauce and sweetener has a unique flavor profile that combines the heat of the chilies with the sweetness of the sugar or other sweeteners.

This combination makes it perfect for adding an extra kick to dishes like stir-fries, tacos, burritos, nachos, and more.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for an even sweeter version of this condiment try adding honey or agave syrup instead of regular sugar! This will give your dish an extra layer of sweetness without overpowering it with too much heat from the chilies.

4 – Hoisin Sauce, Vinegar, and Red Pepper Flakes

Hoisin Sauce, Vinegar, and Red Pepper Flakes

Hoisin sauce is a thick, sweet and salty Chinese condiment made from fermented soybeans, garlic, chilies and various spices. It has a deep reddish-brown color and a slightly smoky flavor.

Hoisin sauce can be used as an ingredient in marinades or as a dipping sauce for dumplings.

Vinegar is an acidic liquid produced through the fermentation of ethanol by acetic acid bacteria. It can be used to add tanginess to dishes such as salads, sauces, pickles and marinades.

Vinegar also helps tenderize meat when used in marinades.

Red pepper flakes are dried pieces of red chili peppers that have been crushed into small flakes or powder form.

They are often added to dishes to give them heat and spice without adding too much moisture or texture.

Red pepper flakes can be used in stir-fries, soups, stews and other savory dishes for extra flavor and heat!

5 – Red Chiles, Honey, and Vinegar

Red Chiles, Honey, and Vinegar

Red chiles, honey, and vinegar make a great substitute for sweet chili sauce.

This combination of ingredients is easy to make at home and can be used as a condiment or marinade.

  1. To make the sauce, start by combining equal parts red chiles (dried or fresh), honey, and white vinegar in a blender or food processor.
  2. Blend until smooth then season with salt and pepper to taste.

The resulting sauce will have a slightly sweet flavor with just enough heat from the chiles to give it some kick!

This homemade version of sweet chili sauce can be used on everything from grilled meats to stir-fries and salads.

It’s also great as an accompaniment for spring rolls or dumplings!

6 – Sriracha

Sriracha hot sauce

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

It originated in Thailand and has become popular around the world for its spicy flavor.

Sriracha is often used as a condiment or added to dishes to give them an extra kick.

Sriracha has a unique flavor that combines sweetness with heat.

The sweetness comes from the sugar while the heat comes from the chili peppers.

The combination of these two flavors makes it perfect for adding to dishes like stir-fries, noodles, soups and more!

Pro Tip: To make your own sriracha at home, combine equal parts red chili paste (such as sambal oelek) and ketchup with some garlic powder and lime juice. Adjust the amount of each ingredient until you get your desired level of spiciness!

FAQ

Can I use sriracha instead of sweet chili sauce?

Yes, you can use sriracha instead of sweet chili sauce. Sriracha has a similar flavor to sweet chili sauce, but it is spicier.

It can be used as a dipping sauce, marinade, or added to soups, stews, and beverages to give them a kick of flavor. It is a great substitute for sweet chili sauce and can be adjusted to your desired level of spiciness.

Can you use chili sauce instead of sweet chili sauce?

Yes, you can use chili sauce instead of sweet chili sauce. To do this, you can combine chili sauce with a sweetener such as honey or sugar. This will give you a dish that is just as flavorful as sweet chili sauce, but with fewer calories.

Additionally, you can add other ingredients to the chili sauce to give it a unique flavor, such as garlic, ginger, or lime juice. Experimenting with different ingredients can help you create a dish that is tailored to your own tastes.

What is the difference between chili sauce and sweet chili sauce?

Chili sauce and sweet chili sauce are two different condiments that are often confused.

Chili sauce is a tomato-based condiment, similar to ketchup, that is usually made with chili peppers, vinegar, and spices.

Sweet chili sauce, on the other hand, is made with chili peppers, sugar, and other ingredients such as garlic, ginger, and vinegar.

This combination gives it a sweet and spicy flavor. Sweet chili sauce is often used as a dipping sauce for appetizers, while chili sauce is more commonly used as a topping for burgers and other dishes.

Is hoisin sauce the same as sweet chili sauce?

No, hoisin sauce and sweet chili sauce are not the same.

Hoisin sauce is a thick, dark sauce made from soybeans, vinegar, sugar, and spices. It has a sweet and salty flavor and is often used as a dipping sauce, a marinade, or a stir-fry sauce.

Sweet chili sauce, on the other hand, is a sweet and spicy sauce made from chili peppers, sugar, and vinegar. It has a sweet and spicy flavor and is often used as a condiment or a dipping sauce.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sweet chili sauce is a delicious condiment that can add a unique flavor to many dishes.

However, if you don’t have any on hand, there are several other ingredients that can be used as a good substitute.

The best substitutes for sweet chili sauce are hot sauce and honey, plum sauce and hot sauce, chili sauce and sweetener, hoisin sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes, red chiles, honey, and vinegar, and sriracha. Each of these ingredients has its own unique flavor and can be used to create a delicious and flavorful sauce.

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

You may be surprised at how delicious your dish turns out!

Sweet Chili Sauce

The 6 Best Substitutes For Sweet Chili Sauce

What do you do when you're out of sweet chili sauce? Don't worry – I've got you covered! In this article, I'm sharing my top 6 substitutes for sweet chili sauce. From honey and sriracha to teriyaki sauce and more, I'll provide a brief overview of each one and how to use them in your cooking. Whether you're looking for a healthier alternative or just want to mix things up, you'll find something here that'll do the trick!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Substitutes
Cuisine American, Asian
Servings 4 people
Calories 311 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Hot Sauce and Honey
  • Plum Sauce and Hot Sauce
  • Chili Sauce and Sweetener
  • Hoisin Sauce, Vinegar, and Red Pepper Flakes
  • Red Chiles, Honey, and Vinegar
  • Sriracha

Instructions
 

  • Pick your favorite substitute from the list above.
  • Follow cooking directions for your selected substitute with the proper ratio of ingredients.
CEO at Happy Muncher | benjamin@happymuncher.com | Website | + posts

Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.