Are you a fan of spicy food but find yourself without your usual hot sauce? Fear not, because Sriracha sauce might just be the substitute you need.
This versatile condiment has gained popularity in recent years and can be found in many kitchens around the world. But can it really replace your go-to hot sauce?
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between Sriracha and other hot sauces, and whether or not it’s a suitable substitute.
So, grab a snack and let’s dive in!
Can You Use Sriracha Instead Of Hot Sauce?
The short answer is yes, you can use Sriracha instead of hot sauce. However, it’s important to note that Sriracha has a different flavor profile than most hot sauces.
Sriracha is a Thai hot sauce made from chili peppers, garlic, sugar, and salt. It has a slightly sweet and spicy flavor and is often used as a condiment or dipping sauce. On the other hand, most hot sauces are made with vinegar and have a tangy, acidic taste.
If you’re making buffalo wings or any recipe that calls for hot sauce, using Sriracha will give your dish a different flavor than the traditional hot sauce. The sweetness of Sriracha may also affect the overall taste of your dish.
However, if you’re in a pinch and don’t have any other hot sauce on hand, Sriracha can still work as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be different.
What Is Sriracha Sauce?
Sriracha sauce is a thick, tangy-sweet chili pepper sauce with a strong kick of garlic. It’s a versatile condiment that can be used in countless ways, from drizzling over noodles, soup, eggs, burgers, sandwiches or pizza to adding heat to crispy tofu, roasted vegetables, pad thai, and even seafood. Sriracha can also be used in various sauces, such as homemade sweet chili sauce or sriracha aioli.
The recipe for Sriracha was developed more than 80 years ago in Si Racha, a city on Thailand’s east coast. The first commercial variety, Sriraja Panich, became one of the most popular condiments in Southeast Asia but was not easy to find in America and was very expensive to import. In 1980, a Vietnamese immigrant named David Tran decided to start producing his own version of Sriracha in America, opening Huy Fong Foods in Irwindale, California. To this day it remains the most popular brand of Sriracha.
Sriracha is different from most hot sauces because it’s made with chili peppers, garlic, sugar, and salt instead of vinegar. It has a slightly sweet and spicy flavor that’s more complex than common hot sauces like Tabasco. It’s also far thicker with a consistency more similar to ketchup or tomato sauce than watery American-style hot sauces.
How Does Sriracha Compare To Other Hot Sauces?
When it comes to comparing Sriracha to other hot sauces, it’s important to consider the level of spiciness and consistency. According to the Scoville scale, which measures the level of heat in chilis, Sriracha measures only about 2,200 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). This puts it in the low range of heat compared to other hot sauces like Tabasco and Cholula, which measure 2,500 SHU and 3,600 SHU respectively.
Despite its lower spiciness level, Sriracha has a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other hot sauces. Its primary ingredients include red jalapeño peppers, garlic, sugar, and salt, giving it a slightly sweet and spicy taste. In contrast, most hot sauces are made with vinegar and have a tangy and acidic flavor.
Another difference between Sriracha and other hot sauces is their consistency. Sriracha has a thick and paste-like consistency, while most hot sauces are more liquid. This makes Sriracha better suited for spreading onto food in a light layer rather than being used as a sauce to cover the food completely.
In terms of substitutes for Sriracha, Sambal Oelek is a popular Indonesian hot sauce that can be used in its place. Other good options include Tabasco, Tapatio, el Yucateco, Louisiana hot sauce, peri-peri sauce, Jamaican jerk sauce, gochujang, or harissa. However, keep in mind that each of these substitutes has its own unique flavor profile and level of spiciness.
Can Sriracha Be Used In All The Same Ways As Hot Sauce?
While Sriracha can be used as a substitute for hot sauce, it may not work in all the same ways. Sriracha is best added right before serving food instead of used while cooking, as the flavors stay the most bright and true this way. This is because Sriracha has a lot more going on than traditional hot sauce. It’s composed of chili, garlic, sugar, salt, distilled vinegar, potassium sorbate, sodium bisulfate, and xanthan gum, which gives it a thicker consistency that more closely resembles a thin ketchup.
Sriracha has become a big deal in the foodie community in recent years and has been fused into many other ethnic cuisines including Mexican food and many American dishes. However, its unique flavor profile may not work well in all recipes that call for hot sauce. For example, if you’re making a recipe that requires a tangy or acidic hot sauce flavor, Sriracha may not be the best option.
Recipes That Use Sriracha Instead Of Hot Sauce
1. Sriracha Buffalo Wings: Toss chicken wings in a mixture of melted butter and Sriracha for a sweet and spicy twist on traditional buffalo wings.
2. Sriracha Deviled Eggs: Mix mashed egg yolks with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and Sriracha for a zesty filling for deviled eggs.
3. Sriracha Bloody Mary: Add a few dashes of Sriracha to your Bloody Mary for a spicy kick.
4. Sriracha Mayo: Mix Sriracha with mayonnaise for a flavorful spread to use on sandwiches or as a dipping sauce.
5. Sriracha Stir-Fry: Use Sriracha as a base for your stir-fry sauce instead of traditional hot sauce for a sweet and spicy flavor.
6. Sriracha Guacamole: Add a tablespoon of Sriracha to your guacamole recipe for an extra kick of flavor.
7. Sriracha Mac and Cheese: Mix Sriracha into your mac and cheese for a spicy twist on this classic comfort food.
8. Sriracha BBQ Sauce: Combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Sriracha for a sweet and spicy BBQ sauce.
9. Sriracha Tacos: Use Sriracha as a topping for your tacos instead of traditional hot sauce for a unique flavor combination.
10. Sriracha Hummus: Mix Sriracha into your homemade hummus recipe for a tangy and spicy dip.
