Finding a substitute for sweet chili sauce can seem like an impossible task – after all, this beloved condiment adds complexity to meals in a deliciously unique way!
But there are plenty of alternatives that offer just as much flavor and sweetness.
In this comprehensive article, you’ll find seven delicious options that each bring unique elements to your dishes.
Whether you need them due to dietary restrictions or simply want something new, it can be done without compromising on taste.
If you’re ready to explore the world of sweet chile sauces outside of the traditional variety we all know and love, read on for our best suggestions!
What’s Sweet Chili Sauce?
Sweet chili sauce is a condiment that originated in Thailand.
It is made from a blend of sweeteners, chili peppers, vinegar, and other spices.
The sauce has a sweet and spicy taste with a thick consistency.
Sweet chili sauce can be used as a dipping sauce, marinade, or stir-fry ingredient.
It is commonly used in Asian cuisine but can also be added to Western dishes for a unique flavor.
The sauce is available in most supermarkets or can be made at home using fresh or jarred chili peppers.
If you’re looking for a way to add some heat to your next meal, try using sweet chili sauce.
This versatile condiment can be used in a variety of dishes to give them a sweet and spicy kick.
7 Best Sweet Chili Sauce Substitutes
1. Sriracha Sauce
Sriracha sauce is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes.
While it’s not technically a sweet chili sauce, it can be used as a substitute in a pinch.
The main difference between sriracha and sweet chili sauce is the level of sweetness.
Sriracha is significantly less sweet than sweet chili sauce, so it’s important to take that into account when making substitutions.
In terms of taste, sriracha is much spicier than sweet chili sauce.
It also has a distinct garlic flavor that you won’t find in sweet chili sauce.
If you’re looking for a sweeter substitute for sweet chili sauce, you might want to try another option.
But if you don’t mind the extra spice and you’re looking for something with a bit more kick, sriracha is a great substitute.
To substitute sriracha for sweet chili sauce, simply use it in equal proportions.
So if a recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sweet chili sauce, you would use 1/2 cup of sriracha instead.
Keep in mind that the dish will be spicier with sriracha, so adjust the amount accordingly to suit your taste buds.
2. Hot Sauce and Honey
If you’re looking for a sweet chili sauce substitute that has a little bit of a kick, then hot sauce and honey are great options.
The taste of hot sauce and honey together is actually quite delicious – the sweetness of the honey offsets the spiciness of the hot sauce perfectly.
Plus, it’s super easy to make at home.
Simply combine equal parts hot sauce and honey, and voila – you’ve got yourself a sweet chili sauce substitute that will add some serious flavor to your dishes.
Hot sauce and honey is a great sweet chili sauce substitute because it has a similar consistency and can be used in all the same ways.
Whether you’re using it as a dipping sauce, marinade, or stir-fry seasoning, hot sauce and honey will give your dish that perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavor.
So if you’re out of sweet chili sauce and need a quick substitute, reach for the hot sauce and honey – you won’t be disappointed.
3. Spicy Ketchup
If you’re a fan of ketchup, then you’ll love this sweet chili sauce substitute.
Spicy ketchup is the perfect way to add a little bit of heat to your favorite dishes.
It’s also great for those who are looking for a sweet chili sauce alternative that is lower in sugar.
The taste of spicy ketchup is similar to regular ketchup but with a kick of heat.
This heat comes from the addition of chili peppers, which give the ketchup its red color.
Spicy ketchup is also sweeter than regular ketchup due to the addition of sugar.
To use spicy ketchup as a substitute for sweet chili sauce, simply add it to your dish in place of the sweet chili sauce.
You may need to adjust the amount depending on how much heat you want.
4. Chili-Garlic Sauce and Honey
If you’re looking for a sweet chili sauce substitute that has a little bit of a kick, try the chili-garlic sauce.
This sauce is made from chili peppers, garlic, and other spices, and it’s usually pretty thick.
The taste is savory with a hint of sweetness, and it can be used as a dipping sauce, marinade, or even stirred into soups or rice dishes.
If you want to use the chili-garlic sauce as a sweet chili sauce substitute, the best way to do it is to thin it out with a little bit of water or chicken broth.
You may also want to add a touch of sugar or honey to balance out the heat from the chili peppers.
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning until it’s just right.
5. Tomato Chili Sauce
Tomato chili sauce is a type of chili sauce that is made from tomatoes.
It is usually red or orange in color and has a slightly sweet taste.
Tomato chili sauce can be used as a substitute for sweet chili sauce.
Tomato chili sauce has a slightly sweet taste, so it can be used as a substitute for sweet chili sauce.
The flavor of tomato chili sauce is not as strong as the flavor of sweet chili sauce, so it may not be suitable for some dishes.
To substitute tomato chili sauce for sweet chili sauce, use an equal amount of tomato chili sauce in the recipe.
If the recipe calls for 1 cup (240 ml) of sweet chili sauce, use 1 cup (240 ml) of tomato chili sauce.
6. Chili Garlic Sauce
If you’re looking for a sweet chili sauce substitute that has a similar taste, then chili garlic sauce is a good option.
This sauce is made from a combination of chili peppers and garlic, and it has a slightly sweet taste with a kick of heat.
Chili garlic sauce can be used as a dipping sauce or as an ingredient in recipes.
If you’re substituting chili garlic sauce for sweet chili sauce, keep in mind that it will have a more savory flavor.
You may want to add a little bit of sugar or honey to balance out the flavors.
Chili garlic sauce can be used as a dipping sauce or added to recipes.
It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different dishes.
7. Plum Sauce and Hot Sauce
If you’re looking for a sweet chili sauce substitute that has a similar taste, then the plum sauce is a good option.
Plum sauce is made from plums, sugar, and vinegar, and it has a slightly sweet and tangy flavor.
It’s also relatively thick, so it can be used as a dipping sauce or as a glaze for meats.
If you want a substitute that has more of a kick, then hot sauce is a good option.
Hot sauce is made from peppers, vinegar, and spices, and it has a very fiery flavor.
It’s also thin, like sweet chili sauce, so it can be used in the same way.
Just keep in mind that hot sauce is much spicier than sweet chili sauce, so you may want to start with less and add more to taste.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed reading about the seven best substitutes for sweet chili sauce.
Each of these substitutes will bring a different flavor to your dish, so be sure to choose the one that best suits your taste buds.
Sriracha sauce is a great substitute if you’re looking for a hot and spicy flavor, while hot sauce and honey are great options if you’re looking for a sweet and spicy flavor.
If you’re looking for a more savory flavor, then chili garlic sauce is a great option.
Whichever substitute you choose, we hope you enjoy your dish.
7 Best Sweet Chili Sauce Substitutes
Ingredients
- 1. Sriracha Sauce
- 2. Hot Sauce and Honey
- 3. Spicy Ketchup
- 4. Chili-Garlic Sauce and Honey
- 5. Tomato Chili Sauce
- 6. Chili Garlic Sauce
- 7. Plum Sauce and Hot Sauce
Instructions
- Select your favorite ingredient from the list above to use as a substitute.
- Follow the instructions and use the exact ratio of ingredients as directed.
- This will help to ensure that your dish turns out just as delicious as it would have with the original ingredient.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!