Chili paste is a key ingredient in many Asian dishes since it is used to add flavor and heat to anything from soup to stir-fry. There are endless possibilities when it comes to recipes that include chili paste, but there are a few things to keep in mind when cooking with this flavorful condiment.
First, chili paste is typically quite spicy, so it should be used sparingly at first. Additionally, chili paste can be found in both mild and hot varieties, so be sure to select the right one for your dish. Finally, chili paste can be made at home or purchased at most Asian markets.
In this article, we’ll provide a list of 10 substitutes for chili paste that are easy to find and won’t break the bank. Whether you’re looking for a replica of chili paste or something with a little bit different flavor, we’ve got you covered.
So the next time you’re recipe calls for chili paste and you can’t find it or don’t want to spend the money, try one of these substitutes!
Substitutes For Chili Paste
- Ketchup with Ground Cayenne Pepper
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- Sriracha Hot Sauce
- Spicy Tomato Paste
- Tabasco Sauce
- Curry Paste
- Homemade Chili Paste
- Louisiana Style Hot Sauce
- Harrisa Paste
- Paprika Powder
Ketchup with Ground Cayenne Pepper
Ketchup with ground cayenne pepper is a great substitute for chili paste. The cayenne pepper provides a sweet and hot flavor similar to chili paste, while the ketchup gives it a similar consistency.
To make this substitution, simply add 2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper to 1 cup of ketchup. This will give you a milder flavor, so if you want a more intense flavor, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper.
Simply experiment until you find the right balance for your palate. Ketchup with ground cayenne pepper is a great way to enjoy the flavors of chili paste without having to leave your home.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
Crushed red pepper is the easiest and most versatile chili paste substitute. It’s available in almost every kitchen and is already crushed so you can use it directly.
If you consider them too hot to handle, then you can turn them into a paste. All you have to do is add some soya sauce to your pepper flakes along with some sugar to balance out the spiciness.
Not only do crushed red pepper flakes add spice to any dish without making it too hot, but they’re also very versatile. You can use them in soups, stews, sauces, and anything else you can think of. Just be sure to use them sparingly at first, because a little goes a long way.
Crushed red pepper flakes are the perfect chili paste substitute for anyone who wants to add a little heat to their food without going overboard.
Sriracha Hot Sauce
Sriracha hot sauce is a great chili paste substitute because it is thinner and its taste more closely resembles that of chili paste. Sriracha is also spicy, which will add heat to your dish, along with a sweet and tangy flavor.
To use sriracha as a chili paste substitute, simply add 2 tablespoons of sriracha for every 1 tablespoon of chili paste called for in your recipe. Also, you can add sriracha to just about any dish to give it a little extra kick!
Spicy Tomato Paste
Tomato paste is a thick, intensely flavored paste made by cooking tomatoes for a long time to remove the water content, and then grinding them to a smooth pulp. You can use it as a base for soups and stews or add it to sauces to deepen their flavor. It’s also a key ingredient in many spice pastes and curries.
If you’re looking for a chili paste substitute that will add both tang and spice to your dishes, try making your spicy tomato paste. To do so, simply grind tomatoes in a food processor or blender until they form a smooth pulp. Then add 1-2 tablespoons of chili flakes (or more, to taste) and blend again.
Store the spicy tomato paste in a sterilized jar in the fridge where it will keep for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy!
Tabasco Sauce
Tabasco sauce is a great chili paste substitute because it is spicy and tangy due to the addition of distilled vinegar, but lacks the sweetness. It is a hot sauce, so it has a similar spice level.
To substitute tabasco sauce for chili paste, use 1 tablespoon for every 2 tablespoons of chili paste called for in the recipe. Tabasco sauce can also be added to taste, so start with less and add more if needed.
Keep in mind that since this sauce is very spicy, use it sparingly at first. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away once it’s added. With tabasco sauce, a little goes a long way!
Tabasco sauce is also great for giving food an extra kick of flavor. Whether you’re looking for a chili paste substitute or just want to add an extra zing to your dish, tabasco sauce is a perfect choice.
Curry Paste
Curry paste is a common ingredient in Thai and other Asian cuisines. It is typically made from a blend of spices, ginger, garlic, and chili peppers, and it can be used as a substitute for chili paste in many recipes.
Since it is available in both mild and extreme spicy varieties, be sure to choose the right one for your dish, and when substituting it for chili paste, keep in mind that the curry paste will add its unique flavor to the dish.
If you do not want the flavors of curry in your dish, consider using another type of paste, such as tomato paste.
Homemade Chili Paste
Homemade chili paste is a healthy and delicious alternative to store-bought versions. To make your own, simply chop up chili peppers, garlic, and onion. Add all these to a pan along with some olive oil and cook them until they are soft.
Then, add a little water and simmer for 10 to 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, add a thickening agent like cornstarch or flour and simmer for another 5 minutes.
Homemade chili paste can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks. You can also freeze the paste for several months. Enjoy it on sandwiches, in soups, or as a dip.
Louisiana Style Hot Sauce
Louisiana-style hot sauce is a great substitute for chili paste, but it has a mild spice to it and is thicker than most chili pastes. Also, the tanginess of the vinegar gives it a unique flavor that sets it apart from other chili pastes.
When substituting Louisiana-style hot sauce for chili paste, use less of it than you would chili paste. This will prevent the dish from becoming too spicy and tangy as it has a distinct flavor of vinegar.
Overall, Louisiana-style hot sauce is a great way to add flavor to any dish without making it too spicy.
Harrisa Paste
Harrisa paste is a great substitute for chili paste. It is a common North African condiment used in many dishes and is spicy and tangy with a smokey taste. It can be used as a marinade or condiment but is also great on grilled meats or in stews.
The key ingredients of the Harrisa paste are chili peppers, garlic, olive oil, lemon, cumin, coriander, cilantro, and spices, which make it a good choice for those who are looking for a spicy and tangy flavor.
It is a good substitute for chili paste because it has a similar taste and texture. It is also a good choice for those who are looking for a smokey flavor or a spice that is not too hot.
Paprika Powder
Paprika powder is a great substitute for chili paste. It is sweet and spicy, and it is milder than most chili pastes, so it’s a good alternative if you’re looking for something less intense.
You can sprinkle the paprika powder on top of your food or add it to your dish when you’re cooking. Doing this is a great way to add flavor to your food without adding heat since it is a versatile spice that can be used in many different dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are chili peppers good for you?
Chili peppers are a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body from various diseases. They are also a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium.
How many different types of chili peppers are there?
There are many different types of chili peppers. Some of the most common chili peppers include bell peppers, jalapeños, serranos, and chili powder. There are also many different types of chili peppers that are less common and can be harder to find.
What is the hottest chili pepper in the world?
The hottest chili pepper in the world is the Bhut Jolokia, also known as the Ghost Pepper. It is a chili pepper from India that is incredibly spicy. It is rated at 1,000,000 Scoville Heat Units, which is significantly hotter than other chili peppers.
What is the difference between chili paste and chili sauce?
Chili paste is a concentrated form of chili sauce, which is a thinner, more diluted version of chili paste. Chili sauce is made with chili peppers, vinegar, and spices. It is used to add heat and flavor to food.
Chili paste is made with chili peppers, garlic, olive oil, lemon, cumin, coriander, cilantro, and spices. It is a concentrated form of chili sauce that is thicker and has a more intense flavor than chili sauce.
How do I make chili sauce from chili paste?
If you want to make chili sauce from chili paste, you can do so by adding chili sauce to a pan and heating it until it is simmering. Then, add chili paste to the chili sauce and stir until it is well combined. You can also add additional seasonings to the chili sauce, such as salt, pepper, or sugar.
Conclusion
Finding the best chili paste alternative for your dish is now a chili breeze. All you need to do now is to choose which one to use based on the chili flavor you desire and the other ingredients in your dish.
And that’s it!
You can now go ahead and enjoy your chili-flavored meal without chili paste. P.S. If you have any other chili paste substitutes that you love to use, let us know in the comments below! chili out!