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    Get Set Vegan » Substitute » 16 Exciting Chili Oil Substitutes

    Published: Oct 4, 2023 · Modified: Feb 26, 2024 by Hawwa · This post may contain affiliate links.

    16 Exciting Chili Oil Substitutes

    Explore these fantastic chili oil substitutes to keep your dishes fiery and flavorful. Discover versatile alternatives that add the perfect kick to your recipes. 

    Chili oil is a beloved condiment in many cuisines around the world, known for its fiery heat and rich flavor. Whether drizzled over noodles, used as a dipping sauce, or added to stir-fries, chili oil can elevate your dishes to a whole new level. 

    However, there are times when you might find yourself out of chili oil or need a milder alternative. In this blog post, we'll explore a variety of chili oil substitutes to help you maintain that spicy kick in your recipes.  

    Image with text saying 16 Chili oil substitutes.
    Jump to:
    • What is Chili Oil? 
    • Homemade Substitute for Chili Oil 
    • Chili Oil Substitutes in the Market
    • MORE FOOD SUBSTITUTES

    What is Chili Oil? 

    Chili oil is a flavorful condiment made by infusing oil with chili peppers and other aromatic ingredients. It's a popular and versatile ingredient in many cuisines around the world, especially in Asian cooking.

    The process of making chili oil typically involves heating vegetable oil and then adding dried chili flakes or whole dried chilies, along with other seasonings like garlic, ginger, and sometimes spices. The oil absorbs the heat and flavor of the chili peppers, resulting in a spicy, aromatic, and sometimes smoky oil. 

    Pouring chili oil with a spoon.
    Chili Oil

    Homemade Substitute for Chili Oil 

    If you're out of store-bought chili oil, making your own is a fantastic option. To create homemade chili oil, you'll need dried chili flakes or whole dried chilies, vegetable oil (like peanut or canola), and optional aromatics like garlic and ginger. Here's a simple recipe: 

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup vegetable oil 
    • 3-4 tablespoons dried chili flakes or whole dried chilies 
    • 2-3 cloves garlic (minced, optional) 
    • 1 small piece of ginger (sliced, optional) 

    Instructions

    • Heat the vegetable oil in a saucepan until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). 
    • Add the dried chili flakes or whole dried chilies and aromatics (garlic and ginger) if desired. 
    • Next, cook for a few minutes until the oil becomes fragrant and the chilies start to sizzle. 
    • Remove from heat and let it cool completely. 
    • Strain the oil to remove solids, and store it in an airtight container. 
    • You can substitute it in a 1:1 ratio and it is suitable for Asian stir-fries, noodle dishes, dipping sauces, and as a condiment for dumplings and spring rolls. 
    Homemade chili oil in a bottle and spoon.
    Homemade Chili Oil

    Chili Oil Substitutes in the Market

    1. Sriracha Sauce

    Sriracha sauce is a versatile chili condiment made from red chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and salt. It packs a good amount of heat and can be used as a chili oil substitute in many dishes. Keep in mind that Sriracha has a slightly different flavor profile due to its garlic and vinegar content, so it may alter the taste of your dish. Substitute it in a 1:1 ratio. 

    Suitable for: Stir-fries, sandwiches, burgers, hot wings, sushi, and as a dipping sauce for sushi, sushi rolls, and seafood. 

    2. Hot Sauce

    Hot sauce is another excellent alternative to chili oil. Varieties like Tabasco, Frank's Red Hot, or your favorite local hot sauce can provide the desired spiciness to your dishes. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste, as hot sauces can vary widely in heat level and flavor. 

    Suitable for: Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes, pizza, and as a table condiment for adding heat to a variety of foods. 

    3. Chili Flakes

    If you don't have any chili oil or chili sauce on hand, using dried chili flakes can work as a substitute. Sprinkle them directly onto your dish or mix them with a bit of oil to create a substitute for chili oil. 

    Suitable for: Pizza, pasta, soups, stews, roasted vegetables, and as a seasoning for marinades and rubs. 

    4. Sambal Oelek

    Sambal oelek is a spicy paste from Indonesia made with crushed red chilies, vinegar, and salt. It is a good substitute for chili oil, especially in Asian dishes. Sambal oelek has a different taste because of its ingredients, so keep this in mind while using it. As it might change the flavor of your food.

    Suitable for: Indonesian and Southeast Asian dishes, such as nasi goreng, satay, and rendang, as well as a condiment for noodles and rice. 

    5. Harissa Paste

    Harissa is a North African chili paste made from roasted red peppers, chili peppers, garlic, spices, and olive oil. It has a smoky and spicy flavor profile. 

    Suitable for: North African cuisine, grilling, couscous, tagines, and as a flavorful addition to roasted vegetables. 

    6. Hot Pepper Sauce

    Hot pepper sauces like Louisiana-style hot sauce, habanero sauce, or even habanero-based fruit hot sauces can be used as a substitute for chili oil. They bring a fiery punch and can be adjusted to your preferred heat level. 

    Suitable for: tacos, sandwiches, and as a condiment for various cuisines. 

    7. Cayenne Pepper

    Cayenne pepper powder can provide a fiery kick similar to chili oil. Sprinkle it sparingly into your dishes to add heat. Be cautious, as cayenne pepper is quite hot. 

    Suitable for: Chili, curries, Cajun and Creole dishes, and as a seasoning for fried foods and popcorn. 

    Cayenne pepper in a white plate.

    8. Crushed Red Pepper

    Crushed red pepper flakes, often found in pizza parlors, can be sprinkled directly onto your dishes to add heat.  

    Suitable for: Pizza, pasta, ramen, Italian and Mediterranean dishes, as well as seasoning for marinades and sauces. 

    9. Chili Paste

    Asian chili paste, such as gochujang (Korean) or doubanjiang (Chinese), can be used as a chili oil substitute. These pastes have a complex flavor profile and can add depth to your dishes in addition to spiciness. 

    Suitable for: Thai, Chinese, and Korean dishes, as a base for curries, stir-fries, and marinades. 

    10. Chili Powder Blend

    Many chili powder blends include a mix of chili peppers, spices, and herbs. Depending on the blend, you can use it as a flavorful and spicy alternative to chili oil. 

    Suitable for: Tex-Mex dishes, and as a seasoning for Mexican-inspired recipes. 

    11. Wasabi

    While wasabi is primarily known as a Japanese condiment, it can provide a pungent heat when used in small amounts. It's an interesting option for adding heat to sushi or Asian-inspired dishes. 

    Suitable for: Sushi, sashimi, Japanese dishes, and as a spicy condiment for dipping sauces. 

    12. Chili Vinegar 

    Infuse white or rice vinegar with dried chili flakes or whole dried chilies to create chili vinegar. It offers a tangy and spicy kick to your dishes and works well in dressings, marinades, and as a condiment. 

    Suitable for: Adding spiciness and tang to Asian and Mexican dishes, salad dressings, and pickling vegetables. 

    13. Chili Garlic Paste

    Some chili paste variations, like chili paste with garlic, combine chili peppers and garlic. These pastes can be a flavorsome substitute for chili oil in recipes that benefit from both heat and garlic. 

    Suitable for: Adding heat and garlic flavor to stir-fries, marinades, and dipping sauces. 

    14. Peri-Peri Sauce

    Originating from Africa, peri-peri sauce is made with bird's eye chili peppers, herbs, and spices. It has a fiery heat and can be used as a chili oil alternative to add a zesty kick to grilled meats and seafood. 

    • Suitable for: African dishes, and perfact as a spicy marinade. 

    15. Crushed Sichuan Peppercorns 

    Sichuan peppercorns have a unique numbing heat. While they have a different flavor profile than chili oil, they can still provide a tingling spiciness to your dishes when used sparingly. 

    Suitable for: Sichuan cuisine, noodle dishes, and as a unique numbing spice element in stir-fries. 

    Sichuan Peppercorns in a black plate.

    16. Szechuan Sauce

    Szechuan sauce, often used in Szechuan cuisine, has a spicy and umami-rich profile. It's a versatile alternative for adding heat and depth to stir-fries and noodle dishes. 

    Suitable for: Szechuan stir-fries, noodles, and as a dipping sauce for dumplings and spring rolls. 

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    These chili oil substitutes can help you maintain the desired level of spiciness and flavor in a wide range of dishes from different cuisines. Depending on your culinary preferences and the specific recipes you're preparing, you can choose the most suitable substitute to achieve the desired taste and heat. 

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