Substitutions for Chilli Paste

Chili paste is a must-have item if you enjoy spicy meals and cuisines, such as Thai cuisine. Depending on the recipe, it imparts tastes ranging from fiery to sweet. As a result, finding the perfect substitution for the meal might be difficult, and I completely understand!

Continue reading to learn more about these substitutions and how to use them instead of chili paste!

Best Chili Paste Substitutes

There are instances when you cannot obtain chile paste in your area, or you do not enjoy its basic flavor. In such cases, chili paste alternatives are a fantastic way to keep the original flavor of the recipe. The following is a list of the ten finest chili paste replacements for you.

1. Crushed red pepper flakes

Crushed red pepper flakes are the simplest and most widely accessible chili paste replacements. Many of us have them in our homes already. Crushed red pepper flakes are a fantastic chili paste alternative because, like chili paste, they can provide mild spice to any meal. Furthermore, they are versatile in their use. Crushed red pepper flakes can be used in any method and any quantity. You may sprinkle them straight on top of noodles, soups, or other food. Remember that red pepper flakes might be hotter than chili paste. As a result, you can reduce the quantity to your liking.

2. Sriracha sauce

Hot sauces, such as Sriracha sauce, lack the thick texture of pastes, however, if you’re more concerned with the flavor than the texture. The flavor of Sriracha sauce is very similar to that of chili paste. Both are fairly spicy and will spice up any dish. They also give meals a sweet and tart taste. Furthermore, Sriracha is thicker than other spicy sauces. Sriracha sauce is used instead of chili paste in soups, dips, and any Asian meal! Typically, two teaspoons of Sriracha are used with any food. However, this quantity works fine and may vary based on the recipe and your preferences.

3. Tabasco sauce

Tabasco can be used in Sriracha as a spicy sauce substitute for chili paste. It has a somewhat different flavor and texture than chile paste, yet it may combine nicely with foods. Tabasco sauce has a fiery flavor that is reminiscent of chili paste. It’s also tangy, which is a major advantage. As a result, it goes well with soups, noodles, dips, sandwiches, and salads. On the other hand, Tabasco lacks sweetness, unlike Sriracha sauce and chili paste. If you enjoy sweet undertones, you may choose to add a little ketchup or sugar to your Tabasco sauce. You should also be aware that Tabasco sauce is distilled vinegar and red pepper. This may make your foods somewhat tangier than necessary. As a result, if the recipe asks for two teaspoons of chili paste, use one tablespoon of Tabasco instead.

4. Ketchup with cayenne pepper

If you have Cayenne pepper and ketchup on hand, you’re set! This is one of the greatest chili paste alternatives. The original chili paste can be replaced with the sweet taste of ketchup and the somewhat hot and spicy flavor of cayenne pepper. Furthermore, ketchup has a texture and viscosity similar to chili paste, making it even more ideal. So, how do you substitute ketchup and cayenne pepper for chili paste? Combine two teaspoons of cayenne pepper with one cup of ketchup. Then combine them to make a paste. This ketchup paste is now ready to use as a dip, with sour cream and mayonnaise, in soups, stews, and even sandwiches! If you want to make the meal spicier, add more cayenne pepper and less ketchup.

5. Spicy tomato paste

If you don’t like tomatoes, you might want to try one of the other options. However, if you enjoy them, this is an excellent replacement! Because of its sour and spicy flavor, spicy tomato paste can be used instead of chili paste. A spicy paste may be readily made by combining one to two tablespoons of chili powder with tomato paste and some pepper flakes. Keep in mind, though, that you’ll get a feel of the primary tomato flavor here. In the case of soups and noodles, the tomato flavor may somewhat alter the taste of the original dish. As a result, it’s better suited for dips or recipes that don’t call for a lot of chili paste.

6. Curry paste

Curry paste is also an excellent chili paste replacement, particularly in Thai and other Asian dishes. You may use red curry paste, which is extremely hot and has excellent ginger and garlic taste. It also has a consistency comparable to chile paste. Moreover, curry paste is a perfect option if you want your foods to taste extremely hot! If you can’t handle spice in your meals, you may substitute curry paste for chili paste in small amounts. Chili paste can be substituted for curry paste in Asian-inspired recipes such as Asian noodles, soups, stews, seafood dishes, and many more.

7. Homemade chili paste

Homemade chili paste has a similar feel and may be customized to your desire. Then you may use it with soups, noodles, stews, sandwiches, and other foods.

Here’s how to make your chili paste

• Finely chop the chili peppers, garlic, and onion.
• Fill a pitcher or saucepan halfway with olive oil. Then, within it, put the finely cut veggies.
• Cook the saucepan at low temperature for around 20 minutes till the contents simmer gently. If extra oil is required, add it now.
• Season with more spices or sugar. Cook for another 5 minutes.
• Place the chile paste in a jar and put it aside to cool somewhat.
• You can keep your homemade chili paste in the fridge for about 15-20 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

8. Louisiana-style hot sauce

Tabasco-style hot sauce is comparable to Louisiana-style hot sauce. As a result, it may be used as a substitute for chili paste in various foods such as stir-fry dishes, noodles, dips, and so on. Louisiana-style hot sauce is spicy, although it’s milder than Tabasco. It also has a significantly thicker texture if you don’t want your food to be overly spicy. Moreover, this sauce also contains vinegar which adds a tangy flavor. Again, the vinegar flavor is somewhat overbearing here. As a result, if you’re substituting it for chili paste, use slightly less than suggested.

9. Harissa paste

Use Harissa paste instead of Asian chili paste if you prefer a more general chili paste. It’s not the same as typical chili paste. However, you may still use it in specific recipes like stews, salads, and as a dip too. It is inspired by North African cuisine and incorporates red chilies, garlic, oil, lemon juice, coriander, cilantro, and cumin. As a result, it’s fiery and tangy, like other chili pastes, but not like the sweet and spicy Asian chili pastes. As a result, you may use Harissa paste in recipes that call for chili paste. Taste it first because some are highly fiery and smokey in flavor.

10. Paprika powder (non-spicy substitute)

Try the paprika powder if you want an alternative that tastes similar to chili paste but won’t make your food excessively fiery. Paprika comes in various flavors, including sweet and spicy. To avoid too much spiciness, use a sweet one. Sweet paprika adds a modest sweetness and moderate spiciness to your recipe and can be used in place of chili paste. Paprika may be used by sprinkling it on soups, noodles, and stews. You may also add it according to your taste preferences. Just make sure you don’t use a hot or spicy paprika blend. Use any of them as needed to provide a fiery and unique flavor to your cooking.

Conclusion

Chili paste is a one-of-a-kind ingredient that lends a distinct heat and spice to recipes. It’s also a common element in Asian dishes. If you can’t locate it, you may make it at home or use any of the substitutions listed above!