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Sauces, pastes & condiments · Condiments

Chilli sauce (sriracha-style)

Bottled chilli sauce, from garlicky sriracha to vinegary Tabasco-style sauces and chunky sambal oelek.

Also called: sriracha, hot sauce, chilli sauce, sambal oelek, piri piri sauce, tabasco

36 recipes with it

What it is

A broad family of ready-made chilli sauces. Sriracha is a smooth red purée of chilli, garlic, sugar and vinegar; Louisiana and Tabasco styles are thin, very vinegary and fermented; sambal oelek is a coarse paste of ground chilli. Heat varies hugely between brands, so add a little at a time.

How it’s used

  • Spicing noodles, eggs, rice bowls and pho
  • Mixing into mayo for dipping sauces
  • Buffalo wings and marinades
  • Seasoning soups, chilli and stews

Characteristics

Taste
Hot, with sweet, garlicky or sharp vinegar notes depending on style.
Texture
Smooth and pourable (sriracha, Tabasco) or coarse and seedy (sambal).
Appearance
Bright red to orange.
When cooked
Heat can intensify as a dish reduces; vinegar-based sauces lose some sharpness when cooked.
Sold as
liquid, paste, fermented
Cooking uses
Mainly a seasoning, Usually eaten raw, Commonly cooked

Varieties

  • Sriracha
  • Louisiana/Tabasco-style
  • Sambal oelek
  • Piri piri sauce
  • Mexican table hot sauce

Storage

Refrigerated. Refrigerate after opening to keep colour and flavour; vinegary sauces are stable in a cupboard but fade over time.

Diet, allergens and safety

No major allergens in typical versions.

  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Dairy-free
  • Egg-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Nut-free
  • Soy-free
  • Caffeine-free
  • Some brands contain fish sauce, shrimp or garlic; check labels if allergic. Wash hands after handling spilled sauce near eyes.

Nutrition per 100 g

Energy
93 kcal
Protein
1.93 g
Carbohydrate
19.16 g
Fat
0.93 g
Fibre
2.2 g
Sugars
15.11 g

USDA FoodData Central: Sauce, hot chile, sriracha.

Substitutes

Optional — what works if you don’t have it, and how it changes the dish.

  • Red chilli flakes — Adds heat without the vinegar or garlic; add a dash of vinegar.
  • Harissa — Thicker and spiced with caraway and cumin; use less.

Related ingredients

Recipes with chilli sauce (sriracha-style)

See all 36

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