Sriracha, a type of hot sauce or chili sauce made from a paste of chili peppers, distilled vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt, is a popular addition to many dishes.
However, not everyone can handle the heat of this fiery condiment.
If you’re someone who loves the flavor of Sriracha but can’t handle the spice, or if you’re cooking for someone with a sensitive palate, you might be wondering if there’s a milder version of Sriracha or what non-spicy substitutes exist.
In this article, we will explore the options for a less spicy Sriracha experience and provide you with ten non-spicy substitutes for Sriracha. We will also guide you on how to make Sriracha less spicy. Let’s dive in and turn down the heat!
Is There A Mild Version Of Sriracha?
Yes, there is a mild version of Sriracha available for those who prefer less heat.
A popular brand, Flying goose, offers a milder version of their traditional Sriracha sauce. This version is made with the same ingredients but has fewer chili peppers, resulting in a less spicy but still flavorful sauce.
Another option is Yellowbird’s Blue Agave Sriracha. It’s a milder, sweeter version of the traditional Sriracha sauce and is made with organic blue agave nectar instead of sugar, which adds a unique flavor profile.
You can also find other brands offering mild versions of Sriracha sauce in most supermarkets or online. These sauces are typically labeled as “mild” or “less spicy” and can be a great alternative for those who want the flavor of Sriracha without the intense heat.
What Are Sriracha Replacements That Are Non-Spicy?
If you’re looking for non-spicy alternatives to Sriracha, there are several options available. Here are ten substitutes that you can consider:
Ketchup: Ketchup is a condiment made from tomatoes, sugar, and vinegar, with seasonings and spices. The sugar gives it a sweet flavor, while the vinegar gives it a tangy taste. This combination of sweetness and tanginess can mimic the tangy flavor of Sriracha, making ketchup a simple and readily available substitute. However, it lacks the heat and complexity of Sriracha.
BBQ Sauce: BBQ sauce is a flavorful condiment used primarily for grilling or barbecuing meats. It’s made from tomatoes, vinegar, and spices, along with sweeteners like sugar or molasses. The smoky flavor in BBQ sauce comes from the grilling process or from liquid smoke, an ingredient often added to give it a smoky taste. This smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor can mimic some of the flavors in Sriracha, but without the spiciness.
Sweet Chili Sauce: Sweet chili sauce is a popular condiment in Asian cuisine. It’s made from red chili peppers, rice wine vinegar, sometimes garlic, and a sweetening ingredient like sugar or honey. While it does contain chili peppers, the heat is usually mild and balanced by the sweetness of the sauce. This makes it less spicy than Sriracha but still offers a bit of heat.
Tomato Sauce: Tomato sauce is a sauce made primarily from tomatoes, often used as a base for other sauces and dishes. It’s not spicy at all and has a more neutral flavor compared to Sriracha. While it won’t have the same complexity of flavor as Sriracha, it can provide a similar texture and color in dishes.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is a liquid condiment made from fermented soybeans and wheat. It has a salty and savory flavor that can replace the umami flavor in Sriracha. Umami is one of the five basic tastes (along with sweetness, sourness, bitterness, and saltiness) and is described as a savory taste. While soy sauce isn’t spicy, it can add depth of flavor to dishes similar to Sriracha.
Hoisin Sauce: Hoisin sauce is a thick, fragrant sauce commonly used in Chinese cuisine as a glaze for meat, an addition to stir fries, or as dipping sauce. It’s dark in color and has a sweet and salty taste. The main ingredients are soybeans, fennel seeds, red chillies, and garlic. While it does contain chillies, the heat is very mild and is often overshadowed by its sweetness. Its complex flavor profile makes it a good substitute for Sriracha, especially in Asian dishes.
Teriyaki Sauce: Teriyaki sauce originates from Japan and is made from soy sauce, sake or mirin, and sugar or honey. The sauce is boiled and reduced to a syrupy consistency and is often used to glaze grilled or broiled meats. It has a sweet and tangy flavor with a hint of smokiness that can mimic some of the flavors in Sriracha. It’s not spicy, making it a good alternative for those who can’t handle heat.
Tamarind Chutney: Tamarind chutney is a popular Indian condiment made from tamarind pulp, sugar, and various spices. The tamarind gives the chutney a sweet and sour flavor with a fruity undertone. Some versions might contain chilli powder, but it’s usually not very spicy. This chutney can be an interesting substitute for Sriracha in dishes that could benefit from a sweet and sour element.
Mango Salsa: Mango salsa is a fresh condiment made from ripe mangoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. It’s not spicy unless jalapenos or other hot peppers are added. The mango gives the salsa a sweet and fruity flavor while the lime juice adds a tangy element. This vibrant salsa can liven up any dish and can be used as a refreshing alternative to Sriracha.
Pesto Sauce: Pesto sauce is an Italian sauce made from fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It’s blended into a smooth paste and has a rich and savory flavor with no heat at all. If you’re looking for something completely different from Sriracha but still want to add depth of flavor to your dishes, pesto sauce could be an interesting option to consider.
Each of these substitutes offers its own unique flavor profile, so you might want to experiment to find which one works best for your palate and the specific dish you’re preparing.
How Do You Make Sriracha Less Spicy?
If you love the flavor of Sriracha but find the heat too intense, there are a few ways you can make it less spicy. Here are some methods you can try:
- Mix it with a milder sauce: You can mix Sriracha with a milder sauce like ketchup, mayonnaise, or yogurt to dilute the spiciness. This will also create a new flavor profile that might be more to your liking.
- Add sugar or honey: Sweetness can help counteract spiciness. Try adding a bit of sugar or honey to your Sriracha to tone down the heat.
- Use less: This might seem obvious, but simply using less Sriracha can reduce the spiciness of your dish. You can gradually add more until you reach your desired level of heat.
- Add dairy: Dairy products like milk, cream, or cheese can help neutralize the capsaicin in chili peppers, which is what makes them spicy. Try adding some dairy to your dish if it’s compatible with the other ingredients.
- Cook it: Heat can break down capsaicin, so cooking your Sriracha for a bit before adding it to your dish can help reduce its spiciness.
Remember, everyone’s tolerance for spice is different, so feel free to experiment with these methods until you find what works best for you.
