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Best Substitutes for Hot Sauce — What to Use Instead

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Cayenne Pepper + Vinegar: 1/4 tsp cayenne + 1 tsp vinegar per 1 tsp hot sauce — Recreates the basic hot sauce formula of chili and vinegar.

Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 tsp flakes per 1 tsp hot sauce — Dry heat without the vinegar tang. Crush finer for more even distribution.

Overview

Top substitute for hot sauce: Cayenne Pepper + Vinegar (1/4 tsp cayenne + 1 tsp vinegar per 1 tsp hot sauce). Recreates the basic hot sauce formula of chili and vinegar. Plus 3 more alternatives.

Key Details

  • Cayenne Pepper + Vinegar: 1/4 tsp cayenne + 1 tsp vinegar per 1 tsp hot sauce — Recreates the basic hot sauce formula of chili and vinegar.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 tsp flakes per 1 tsp hot sauce — Dry heat without the vinegar tang. Crush finer for more even distribution.
  • Sriracha: 1:1 — Thicker, garlicky, slightly sweet hot sauce. Works as a direct swap in most uses.
  • Chili Paste (sambal oelek): 1/2 tsp sambal per 1 tsp hot sauce — Pure chili paste without vinegar. Stronger — use less. Common in Asian cooking.

Why This Matters

  • Hot Sauce may need substituting due to dietary restrictions
  • Running out of an ingredient mid-recipe is common
  • Allergies or preferences may require alternatives

How To

  1. 1Best overall substitute: Cayenne Pepper + Vinegar at 1/4 tsp cayenne + 1 tsp vinegar per 1 tsp hot sauce
  2. 2Consider what role the ingredient plays in the recipe
  3. 3Test substitutes in small batches first
  4. 4Adjust other ingredients as noted for best results

Tags

substitutesveganhot-sauceingredient-swapcooking-tips

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Frequently Asked Questions

The best substitute is Cayenne Pepper + Vinegar at 1/4 tsp cayenne + 1 tsp vinegar per 1 tsp hot sauce. Recreates the basic hot sauce formula of chili and vinegar.