Ingredient substitute
What can you use instead of sriracha?
Sambal oelek, Chili-garlic sauce and Gochujang (loosened) are the easiest swaps. Below: 4 options with the right amount to use, what changes in the dish and which diets they suit.
The quick answer
Sambal oelek. Use the same amount. Same chili base without sweetness or garlic.
Adjust: Add 1/4 tsp sugar and a pinch of garlic powder per tbsp.
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Sambal oelek
Drop-in swapUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Same chili base without sweetness or garlic.
- Flavor
- Cleaner, sharper heat.
- Texture
- Chunkier.
- Moisture
- Same.
- Adjust
- Add 1/4 tsp sugar and a pinch of garlic powder per tbsp.
- Best for
- Any recipe
vegan · gluten free
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Chili-garlic sauce
Drop-in swapUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Same garlicky chili heat, less sweet.
- Flavor
- Brighter garlic, less sweet.
- Texture
- Same.
- Moisture
- Same.
- Adjust
- Add a pinch of sugar if needed.
- Best for
- Any recipe
vegan
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Gochujang (loosened)
Small adjustmentUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Whisk with a little rice vinegar or water until sauce-thick.
- Flavor
- More fermented, less garlicky.
- Texture
- Paste — thin it.
- Moisture
- Add vinegar/water to loosen.
- Adjust
- Slightly less spicy; taste and adjust.
- Best for
- Stir-fries, Marinades, Mayo mixes
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Harissa
Changes flavor or textureUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Earthier and more aromatic; different but excellent heat.
- Flavor
- Cumin-caraway instead of garlic-sweet.
- Texture
- Same.
- Moisture
- Same.
- Adjust
- Start with 3/4 amount and taste.
- Best for
- Marinades, Roasted vegetables, Noodles
Common questions
What is the best substitute for sriracha?
Sambal oelek is the closest swap. Use the same amount. Same chili base without sweetness or garlic.
What is a vegan substitute for sriracha?
Good vegan options are Sambal oelek and Chili-garlic sauce.
What is a gluten-free substitute for sriracha?
Good gluten-free options are Sambal oelek.
How much should I use instead of sriracha?
It depends on the swap. Sambal oelek: Use the same amount. Chili-garlic sauce: Use the same amount. Gochujang (loosened): Use the same amount.
Recipes that use sriracha
More swaps
Scale it to your recipe
Enter the amount you need and the substitution tool works out the exact quantity. Or ask the chef how the swap will change your dish.