Looking for a tasty condiment to jazz up your meals? Say hello to chili sauce! This sweet and spicy tomato-based condiment is loved all around the world. Plus, depending on the brand you pick, it can be a little sweeter or a lot spicier.
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1.Regular Hot Sauce
Let’s talk about hot sauce–because let’s face it, it’s probably already chilling in your fridge. Hot sauce is a total rockstar in so many cuisines, and for good reason.
Whether you like it mild or wild, there’s a hot sauce out there for everyone. The beauty of regular hot sauce? It’s ridiculously versatile.
Sure, it’s a no-brainer for wings (hello, chain restaurants dedicated to just that), but it’s also amazing in ramen, tacos, dips, and anything else you can think of.
Bonus tip: You can swap hot sauce for chili sauce in equal amounts. It’s a flavor game-changer!
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2.Black Bean Sauce
Meet black bean sauce, a simple yet powerhouse condiment made with chili, salt, soybean oil, and water.
It packs a bold, slightly fermented flavor that adds depth to any dish, especially if you’re into Sichuan cuisine. Whether you’re cooking, marinating, or just need a flavorful kick, this sauce shines.
Use it to elevate meats, veggies, rice, or stir-fries–it’s super versatile. Plus, it’s a fantastic substitute for chili sauce if you want that extra oomph.
Give it a try and see how it transforms your meals!
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3.Ketchup and Cayenne
Looking for a sweeter twist with a kick? Try mixing ketchup and cayenne–it’s totally customizable to your taste.
This combo shines as a spicy dip, and it’s even better when blended with mayo for a killer shrimp cocktail sauce. But don’t stop there–it’s also fantastic in meatloaf.
If you’re out of chili sauce, no problem! Just substitute with an equal amount of ketchup and add cayenne to your liking. Easy, versatile, and packed with flavor.
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4.Spicy Tomato Sauce
Spicy tomato sauce is a fantastic alternative to chili sauce, and the best part? You can tailor it to your taste.
Whether you use a store-bought brand like Prego or make your own, it’s easy to add some heat. Just mix in cayenne pepper, dried chilis, or fresh chilis to your liking.
This versatile sauce is perfect for pizzas, pasta, chicken, beef, or even dipping breadsticks. Since it’s packed with strong Italian flavors, sticking to that theme will make your dish shine.
Use it as a 1:1 substitute for chili sauce, and feel free to adjust the heat to suit your taste buds.
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5.Chili Garlic Paste
Garlic lovers, rejoice! This chili garlic paste is here to take your flavor game to the next level. It’s fresh, spicy, and packed with that amazing garlic taste you can’t get enough of.
The best part? It’s a breeze to make. Just toss some chilis and garlic into a mortar and get pounding until you hit that perfect paste consistency.
Or, if you’re in a hurry, whip out your food processor for a quicker fix. Want to thin it out a bit? A splash of vinegar or olive oil does the trick.
This versatile paste isn’t just for dipping–it’s a rockstar in the kitchen. Drizzle it as a cooking oil, add it to chicken or rice bowls, or give your eggs a serious flavor boost.
Plus, it’s a great 1:1 substitute for chili sauce. Your taste buds (and your garlic cravings) will thank you!
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6.Sriracha Sauce
Sriracha sauce has taken the food world by storm, and for good reason–it’s a flavor powerhouse! Spicy, a little sweet, and tangy, it’s a fantastic alternative to chili sauce.
Made with red jalapeƱos, garlic, sugar, and vinegar, it shares similar ingredients to chili sauce but brings a bolder kick. While it’s not as fiery as harissa, it still packs a punch.
Sriracha shines on ramen, but it’s also amazing mixed with mayo for a quick dip. If you’re substituting it for chili sauce, start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
Trust us, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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7.Fresh Peppers
Looking for a healthier twist on your favorite sauce? This homemade pepper sauce is a game-changer, especially if you’re keeping an eye on your ingredients.
By making it yourself, you get to call the shots on every component, which means endless ways to customize it to your taste.
Just chop up your go-to peppers, blend them into a puree, and season however you like. You might need to add a splash of vinegar or water to get the texture just right.
This sauce is perfect for tossing into dishes or using as a dip. Plus, you can use it as a direct substitute for chili sauce in equal amounts.
It’s a fresh, flavorful way to add some zing to your meals!
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8.Harissa Sauce
Harissa, a vibrant North African condiment, brings a bold, fiery flavor to your dishes. Made with red chilies, vinegar, garlic, cumin, and caraway seeds, it’s the perfect addition for those who love a little heat.
Whether you’re making spicy dips, dressings, or marinades, harissa is your go-to.
Try it on chicken with a drizzle of honey for a sweet and spicy combo, or mix it into a yogurt sauce for a cooler contrast.
If you’re substituting harissa for chili sauce, start with half the amount to test the heat level–it packs a punch!
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9.Spicy Ketchup
This recipe is all about blending the classic taste of ketchup with a spicy kick.
You can mix in some heat using cayenne pepper, but feel free to experiment with red chili flakes or even fresh chilis for a different vibe.
If you’re short on time, Heinz offers a spicy ketchup that you can just grab off the shelf.
Plus, you can easily swap out an equal amount of spicy ketchup for chili sauce in a pinch. It’s all about finding that perfect balance of flavor and heat!
9 Chili Sauce Substitutes (+ Best Alternatives to Use)
Course: Sauces u0026amp; DipsCuisine: AsianDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalLooking for a tasty condiment to jazz up your meals? Say hello to chili sauce! This sweet and spicy tomato-based condiment is loved all around the world. Plus, depending on the brand you pick, it can be a little sweeter or a lot spicier.
Ingredients
Regular Hot Sauce
Black Bean Sauce
Ketchup and Cayenne
Spicy Tomato Sauce
Chili Garlic Paste
Sriracha Sauce
Fresh Peppers
Harissa Sauce
Spicy Ketchup
Directions
- Select your favorite recipe.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep a delicious recipe in 30 minutes or less!