Tasty Tweaks: 5 BEST Substitutes for Chili Paste

Ever found yourself ready to whip up your favorite spicy dish, only to realize you’re out of chili paste?

We’ve all been there.

And it’s not just about bringing the heat; chili paste adds depth and zest that’s hard to replicate.

Lucky for us, there are some pretty awesome stand-ins that can save our dishes without a last-minute grocery run.

We’re talking everyday ingredients that might just be hanging out in your pantry right now.

No more pausing your cooking show or ditching your apron in despair.

From tomato paste combos to DIY spice mixes, we’ve got the lowdown on the best swaps.

These alternatives aren’t just fill-ins; they could bring a whole new flavor game to your kitchen.

Stick around as we dive into five top-notch substitutes that’ll keep your meals on point and your palate excited.

What’s Chili Paste?

First of all, chili paste is a condiment made from chili peppers.

It’s a great way to add spice and flavor to dishes.

Chili paste comes in many different varieties.

Some are made with many chili peppers, while others have a more subtle flavor.

It all depends on your preference.

One of the great things about chili paste is that it can be used in many dishes.

You can add it to soups, stews, and curries.

Or you can use it as a marinade for meat or fish. Chili paste is also very healthy.

It’s high in antioxidants, which can help protect your body from disease.

So next time you’re looking for a way to add flavor to your food, give chili paste a try.

You won’t be disappointed.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Chili Paste

Chili paste is a versatile ingredient that adds heat and flavor to various dishes.

However, if you find yourself without chili paste or want to explore alternative options, there are several substitutes available.

In this guide, we will compare the top 5 substitutes for chili paste, discussing their key characteristics and suggesting proper ratios to help you achieve similar spice levels and flavors in your recipes.

Substitute	Key Characteristics	Proper Ratio
Crushed Pepper Flakes	Dried chili peppers crushed into flakes; provides heat and texture to dishes	Use an equal amount of crushed pepper flakes as a substitute for chili paste
Sriracha Hot Sauce	A popular Thai hot sauce made from chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, and sugar; adds heat, tanginess, and slight sweetness	Adjust the ratio based on desired spice level; start with half the amount of sriracha and add more to taste
Spicy Tomato Sauce	Tomato-based sauce with added chili peppers or chili powder; delivers heat and a tangy tomato flavor	Use an equal amount of spicy tomato sauce as a substitute for chili paste
Tabasco Sauce	A spicy sauce made from tabasco peppers, vinegar, and salt; intense heat and tangy flavor	Adjust the ratio based on desired spice level; start with half the amount of Tabasco sauce and add more to taste
Hot Curry Paste	A blend of ground spices, including chili powder, that adds heat and complex flavors; common in Indian and Thai cuisine	Use an equal amount of hot curry paste as a substitute for chili paste

Now let’s delve into each substitute in more detail:

1 – Crushed Pepper Flakes

If you don’t have chili paste and are looking for milder heat, crushed pepper flakes may be a better substitute.

Crushed pepper flakes are made from grinding whole peppers.

This produces a more intense flavor than using pre-ground pepper.

You can find them at most grocery stores, and they come in different intensities.

This alternative can add some spice to your food without being overwhelming.

You can use crushed pepper flakes in many dishes, such as pasta sauces, pizza, and salad dressings.

• Key Characteristics: Crushed pepper flakes are dried chili peppers that have been crushed into small flakes. They provide heat and texture to dishes and can be used as a straightforward substitute for chili paste.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of crushed pepper flakes as a substitute for chili paste. Adjust the quantity based on your desired level of spiciness.

2 – Sriracha Hot Sauce

Sriracha sauce is a great substitute for chili paste for a hotter option.

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

It has a unique flavor that is a little sweet and a little spicy.

It’s often used in Thai cuisine, but it can be used in any dish that needs a bit of heat.

When looking for sriracha sauce, be sure to read the label.

Some brands add additional ingredients such as corn syrup or MSG.

In addition, some brands are hotter than others.

Be sure to adjust the amount of sriracha sauce that you use, depending on the heat level you desire.

• Key Characteristics: Sriracha is a popular Thai hot sauce made from chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, and sugar. It adds heat, tanginess, and a slight sweetness to dishes.
• Proper Ratio: Start with half the amount of sriracha compared to the suggested quantity of chili paste in your recipe. Taste and adjust accordingly, adding more sriracha if additional heat is desired.

3 – Spicy Tomato Sauce

Another good option for adding heat to your food is spicy tomato sauce.

Spicy tomato sauce is made from tomatoes, onions, and red peppers.

It has a slightly sweet flavor and a lot of heat.

If you’re looking for a sauce that will add some spice to your meals, this is a great option.

It’s perfect for pasta dishes, pizza, and dips.

And it’s also low in calories and can be used as part of a healthy diet.

Tomato sauce is also high in antioxidants, which can help protect your body from disease.

• Key Characteristics: Spicy tomato sauce is a tomato-based sauce that incorporates chili peppers or chili powder. It provides both heat and a tangy tomato flavor to dishes.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of spicy tomato sauce as a substitute for chili paste. Adjust the other seasonings in your recipe to accommodate the additional tomato flavor.

4 – Tabasco Sauce

If you’re looking for an extremely hot option, tabasco sauce is the perfect substitute for chili paste.

When it comes to ingredients, Tabasco sauce is pretty simple.

It’s made from tabasco peppers, vinegar, and salt.

And it contains about 5,000 Scoville heat units.

For comparison, a jalapeno pepper has about 2,500 to 5,000 Scoville heat units.

This spicy hot sauce has been around since 1868 and has become one of America’s favorite condiments.

It goes well with everything from eggs to tacos or even just eaten straight out of the bottle.

With its fiery heat, tabasco sauce is perfect for those who love dishes with a lot of spice.

• Key Characteristics: Tabasco sauce is a spicy condiment made from tabasco peppers, vinegar, and salt. It offers intense heat and a tangy flavor profile.
• Proper Ratio: Start with half the amount of Tabasco sauce compared to the suggested quantity of chili paste. Taste and add more as needed to achieve the desired level of spiciness.

5 – Hot Curry Paste

There are also many different types of curry pastes that can substitute for chili paste.

Curry paste is made from various spices, such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric.

It can be used in chicken, beef, or vegetable dishes.

There are many different brands and varieties of curry paste available.

Be sure to read the ingredients list to ensure that there are no added sugars or preservatives.

While curry does not have an intense heat rating but still offers some spice, it can be used in many dishes.

It’s perfect for those who want the flavor of chili paste but don’t want the heat that comes with it.

• Key Characteristics: Hot curry paste is a blend of ground spices, including chili powder, that adds heat and complex flavors to dishes. It is commonly used in Indian and Thai cuisine.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of hot curry paste as a substitute for chili paste. Adjust the other seasonings in your recipe to accommodate the additional flavors from the curry paste.

Conclusion

Chili paste is a great condiment to have on hand, but if you’re running low or don’t have any on hand, there are plenty of substitutes that you can use.

These include crushed pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, spicy tomato sauce, tabasco sauce, and hot curry paste.

Each one offers its unique flavor and heat level.

So no matter what you’re in the mood for, there’s a substitute for chili paste that will fit your needs.