Are you looking for substitutes for chili oil? Well, if you don't have any in your pantry, can't find any in the supermarket, or want a quick replacement that has a similar taste, then you're in the right place! Here, you'll find the 13 best chili oil substitutes!
Chili oil is enjoyed all over the world from Chinese chilli crisp and Vietnamese-inspired chilli oil, to fine Italian chili oil. It's a fantastic condiment that elevates any dish for those who like a bit of heat.
The best thing about chili oil is that it goes with pretty much everything. Take my tahini chilli oil spaghetti or avocado chilli oil linguine for example, chilli oil takes both pasta recipes to a whole new level. Or for something for snack-like, I absolutely adore my chilli oil spinach and feta pastries, perfect for a summer's day treat. Basically, the options are endless.
However, if you don't have any chilli oil left in your cupboards or you're unable to find some in your local supermarket, I've provided the 13 best substitutes for chilli oil down below in this blog. Let me know if you have any other great substitutions that you like to use!
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What is chili oil?
Chili oil is a spicy condiment made by infusing chili peppers in oil, typically vegetable oil. It's revered for its vibrant color, fiery heat, and nuanced flavor, adding a spicy kick to various dishes.
Varieties of chili oil abound across the globe, each reflecting the distinct culinary preferences of their respective regions:
- Chinese Chili Oil: Often made with dried chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, and ginger, Chinese chili oil is renowned for its numbing spiciness and aromatic complexity. It's a staple in Sichuan cuisine, commonly used in dishes like vermicelli noodles and honey ginger chicken. Some of my favourite brands include LaoGanMa (crunchy and sweet) and Chiu Chow chilli oil (smooth and spicy).
- Italian Chili Oil (Olio di Peperoncino): Italian chili oil, known as olio di peperoncino, is a staple in Italian cuisine, especially in regions like Calabria and Sicily. It's typically made with extra virgin olive oil infused with dried red chili peppers and sometimes garlic. Italian chili oil tends to have a fruity, slightly bitter flavor profile from the olive oil, complemented by the heat of the chili peppers. It's used to add a spicy kick to pasta dishes, pizzas, bruschetta, and various antipasti. I love Filippo Berrio's chilli oil and Belazu's. Some of my favourite dishes to drizzle this over are my baked mozzarella pasta and my creamy prawn linguine recipe.
- Korean Gochujang Oil: This variation incorporates Korean chili paste (gochujang) into the oil, lending a unique sweet-savory flavor along with the characteristic heat. It's frequently employed in Korean dishes and would go really well with my Korean-style butter beans or my Jumeokbap rice balls.
- Thai Nam Prik Pao: The flavours in this are WILD. A Thai chili oil made with roasted chilies, garlic, shallots, and shrimp paste, nam prik pao boasts a sweet, smoky flavor with a moderate level of heat. It's a versatile condiment used in Thai cuisine and would be a perfect drizzle for my Wagamama pad Thai recipe.
- Mexican Chili Oil: Mexican chili oil often features a blend of dried chili peppers, such as guajillo, arbol, or pasilla, infused in oil along with garlic and spices like cumin and oregano. It adds a fiery punch to Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and my fusion dish: chorizo carbonara.
Chili oil is typically made by heating oil and infusing it with chili peppers and other aromatics over low heat until fragrant. The mixture is then sometimes strained to remove solids, resulting in a flavorful, vibrant red oil ready to be used as a condiment or cooking ingredient.
Homemade Substitute for Chilli Oil
Homemade chilli oil is one of the easiest and most satisfying things to make. It takes no time to make and is the perfect pantry staple for when you need an extra kick to a recipe.
Every chilli oil has their own twist, and this is my favourite recipe inspired by the chilli oil we used to make at the restaurant I worked at. I'm biased, but it's the best recipe in my eyes.
Ingredients:
- 2 lemongrass top and tailer, bashed, and finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoon fine chilli powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 100 ml vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 spring onion, finely chopped
Method:
- Pour your vegetable oil into a nonstick pan on low-medium heat.
- Prepare all of your ingredients, and then once the oil is hot (check by placing a chopstick into the pan touching the base, and if bubbles begin to form around the base of the chopstick, the oil is hot enough), add in all of the rest of your ingredients. The ingredients should be sizzling. Turn the heat off and stir the oil frequently.
- Once the oil has cooled down, transfer carefully into a glass jar or airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 1 month. Enjoy with noodles, pasta, dumplings, or soups!
Substitutes for chili oil
Now that you know how to make your own chilli oil from scratch, as well as how to use it. Let me share 13 substitutes for chilli oil that I love!
1. Chilli flakes + oil + sugar
Although there are more complex recipes for chilli oil, you can literally make it very very easily...by combining your choice of chilli flakes, vegetable oil, and sugar. There are an array of chilli flakes to choose from whether they be regular store-bought chilli flakes, Sichuan peppercorns, gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes), or chipotle pepper flakes. Whatever the style of food you're going for, you can choose whichever chilli flake you like.
I'd recommend placing a few tablespoons of oil in a pan, medium heat. Add in 1-2 tablespoon chilli flakes and ½ teaspoon sugar. When everything starts sizzling, turn off the heat and transfer to a little bowl. This chilli oil recipe is pretty simple and delicious!
2. Sriracha
Sriracha is a popular spicy sauce originating from Thailand, specifically from the coastal city of Si Racha. It's made primarily from chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt, resulting in a tangy, sweet, and spicy flavor profile.
Sriracha has gained widespread popularity worldwide due to its versatility and delicious taste. It's commonly used as a condiment or flavor enhancer in various cuisines, including Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, and American dishes. Sriracha adds a fiery kick along with a hint of sweetness and tanginess, making it a favorite among those who enjoy spicy foods.
As a substitute for chili oil, Sriracha offers a similar spicy punch and depth of flavor. While chili oil provides the heat, richness of oil, and textural difference, Sriracha delivers a different complex flavor profile with its blend of ingredients. It can be used in similar ways to chili oil, such as drizzling over noodles, adding to stir-fries, or as a dipping sauce. I love the flying goose brand or tabasco's sriracha, they're both lovely, but you can pick out any bottle you fancy from your local Asian supermarket.
3. Hot Sauce
Hot sauce is a condiment typically made from chili peppers, vinegar, salt, and sometimes additional spices or ingredients. It comes in various forms and heat levels, ranging from mild to extremely spicy, catering to a wide range of tastes. It's a staple in many cuisines around the world, including Mexican, Caribbean, American, and Asian cuisines.
As a substitute for chili oil, hot sauce offers a similar spicy kick and flavor enhancement. While chili oil provides the oily, bittiness, hot sauce delivers a concentrated burst of chili pepper flavor along with the tanginess from the vinegar and other ingredients. Like chili oil, hot sauce can be drizzled over dishes, mixed into sauces or marinades, or used as a dipping sauce.
Hot sauce comes in various heat levels and flavor profiles, so you can choose one that best suits your preferences and the dish you're preparing. Whether you prefer a smoky chipotle sauce, a tangy and vinegary Louisiana-style sauce, or a fiery habanero sauce, there's a hot sauce out there to elevate your culinary creations. I love Frank's hot sauce for a tangy yet punchy flavor.
4. Harissa Paste
Harissa paste is a fantastic North African condiment made primarily from chili peppers, garlic, olive oil, and spices such as coriander, cumin, and caraway. It originates from Tunisia but is widely used throughout North Africa and the Middle East. Harissa is known for its bold, spicy flavor with earthy undertones and a hint of smokiness. You can also get rose harissa paste or apricot harissa which are so delicious. You can go for the more available brands like Belazu or Lamira, or go to your local North African store and pick up some harissa (beware that authentic harissa is much spicier than the more commercial stuff!).
As a condiment, harissa paste adds depth and complexity to dishes, along with a fiery kick. It's commonly used as a marinade for meats, a flavoring agent in stews and soups, or as a spicy spread for sandwiches and wraps.
Harissa paste serves as a good substitute for chili oil for several reasons:
- Flavor Profile: Like chili oil, harissa paste provides intense heat and flavor. However, harissa offers additional layers of complexity from the blend of spices, garlic, and olive oil, adding richness and depth to dishes.
- Versatility: Harissa paste can be used in a variety of ways, similar to chili oil. It can be stirred into sauces like in my harissa chicken and chickpea pasta, or dressings, or dips, used as a marinade for meats and vegetables, or simply spread on bread or crackers for a spicy kick.
- Texture: While chili oil is liquid, harissa paste has a thicker consistency, making it easier to control the amount added to dishes. This allows for more precise flavor adjustment without altering the dish's texture significantly.
- Availability: Harissa paste is increasingly available in many grocery stores and markets, making it a convenient alternative to chili oil for those looking to add spice and flavor to their cooking.
5. Chipotle paste
Chipotle paste is a spicy condiment crafted from smoked and dried jalapeño peppers, known as chipotles. These peppers are rehydrated, blended into a thick paste, and often combined with ingredients like vinegar, garlic, and spices. It's honestly one of my favourite chilli pastes that I always have in my fridge.
What makes chipotle paste a compelling substitute for chili oil is its unique smoky flavor, a result of the peppers being smoke-dried before processing. This distinct taste adds depth and complexity to dishes, akin to the flavor profile of chili oil. While thicker in consistency, chipotle paste remains spreadable, allowing for precise control over spice levels. Its versatility lends itself well to a variety of culinary applications, from marinades and sauces to dips and spreads. Chipotle paste's accessibility in grocery stores makes it a convenient option for those seeking to infuse their dishes with bold flavor and heat.
If you're want to drizzle it over a dish, then I'd recommend combining 1 teaspoon chipotle paste with 1 tablespoon oil. Add more oil and/or water for consistency and then get drizzling!
6. Sambal Oelek
Sambal oelek is a popular Indonesian chili paste made from fresh red chili peppers, vinegar, salt, and sometimes other ingredients like garlic or shrimp paste. It's known for its vibrant red color and bold, spicy flavor. If you're veggie or vegan, just make sure to get a plant-based version!
Sambal oelek provides a similar spicy kick to dishes as chili oil, but with a different flavor profile. Its combination of fresh chili peppers and vinegar gives it a tangy and pungent taste that can enhance various dishes.
Like chili oil, sambal oelek is versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. It can be stirred into sauces, soups, and marinades, or used as a condiment or dipping sauce for added heat and flavor.
You can get Sambal Oelek from any Asian supermarket, and it's becoming a lot more available in local supermarkets too.
7. Cayenne pepper + oil
Cayenne pepper is a mildly hot chilli pepper, which is why cayenne powder is a great substitute for chilli oil. I like to combine 1 teaspoon with 1 tablespoon oil to create a little drizzle.
You can also just add cayenne into any dish to give it a little bit of a kick.
8. Fresh chillies
Fresh chilies are excellent substitutes for chili oil for several reasons. They're readily available in grocery stores and markets, offering immediate accessibility when you need a quick solution. Using fresh chilies allows you to customize the heat level of your dish according to your preferences, whether you opt for milder varieties or hotter chilies.
Versatile in culinary applications, fresh chilies can be chopped, sliced, diced, or minced and added to sauces, stir-fries, soups, marinades, and more. Their vibrant flavor profile enhances dishes with a distinct freshness, complementing various recipes. Additionally, fresh chilies provide nutritional benefits, being rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, potentially boosting metabolism and reducing inflammation.
The only thing is, you lack that "oiliness" that chilli oil brings you. So, if you do have some vegetable oil, you could always lightly fry some finely chopped fresh chillies in oil and then make your own chili oil.
9. Peri Peri Sauce
Peri peri sauce, also known as piri piri sauce, is a spicy and flavorful condiment originating from Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Mozambique and Angola. It's made from African bird's eye chili peppers, also known as peri peri peppers, along with ingredients like garlic, vinegar, oil, and spices such as paprika, oregano, and lemon juice.
Peri peri sauce offers a similar spicy kick to dishes as chili oil, but with a different flavor profile. Its blend of peri peri peppers, garlic, and spices provides a complex and vibrant taste that can enhance a wide range of dishes. It's kind of like a thicker, more flavourful version of hot sauce.
Like chili oil, peri peri sauce is versatile and can be used in various culinary applications. It can be used as a marinade for meats, poultry, or seafood, stirred into sauces, soups, or dips, or simply used as a condiment for added heat and flavor.
It's readily available in many grocery stores and markets, especially in regions where it's popular, making it a convenient option for those looking to add spice and flavor to their cooking without having to make chili oil from scratch. My personal favourite is Nando's peri peri sauce.
10. Sweet Chili Sauce
Sweet chili sauce, originating from Thai cuisine, is a popular condiment known for its sweet, tangy, and moderately spicy flavor profile. Made from a blend of chili peppers, sugar, vinegar, garlic, and occasionally other ingredients like ginger or lime juice, it offers a distinctive taste that complements dishes differently from chili oil.
Despite its stickier consistency compared to chili oil, sweet chili sauce is versatile, serving as a dipping sauce for appetizers such as spring rolls or sweet chilli turkey quesadillas, a flavorful drizzle over stir-fries or grilled meats, or as an ingredient in marinades and dressings. Its widespread availability in grocery stores and markets makes it a convenient option for enhancing the flavor and spice of various dishes without the need for homemade preparations or specialty ingredients. Overall, sweet chili sauce provides a delicious and accessible substitute for chili oil, adding depth and excitement to recipes with its unique combination of sweetness and spice.
11. Gochugaru + oil + sugar
Gochugaru are Korean red pepper flakes and offer a smoky, mild chilli kick to any dish. To make a really simple chilli oil to pair with any Korean-inspired dishes, simply combine 1 tablespoon gochugaru flakes with 3 tablespoon vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon sugar. Give it a good mix and then drizzle over anything you fancy!
12. Gochujang
Gochujang is a traditional Korean fermented chili paste made from chili peppers, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. It's known for its complex flavor profile, combining sweetness, saltiness, and umami along with a moderate level of spiciness.
When combined with a bit of light soy sauce, grated garlic, grated ginger, a pinch of sugar, and vegetable oil, it will give you the most delicious glaze that pairs with any kind of meat, vegetable, or carb dish.
13. Spicy Ketchup
Spicy ketchup...as the name suggests, is a variation of traditional ketchup that includes added chili peppers or chili powder to give it a spicy kick. It retains the familiar sweet and tangy flavor of regular ketchup but with an added level of heat.
It's much sweeter and tangier than chilli oil, but is great to drizzle over noodles, pasta, meats, or veggies that want a bit of an extra kick of flavour.
You can easily make it from scratch if you have regular ketchup. Simply add 1 teaspoon chilli flakes or some hot sauce into your ketchup and enjoy!
FAQs
Several options can be used as a substitute for Korean chilli oil. You could use gochugaru flakes, gochujang, ssamjang, or a regular homemade chilli oil but with extra Korean red pepper flakes added.
Yes, if you're looking for a flavoured oil that has no spice, then some of my favourites are garlic oil, herb-infused oil, sesame oil, peanut oil, and truffle oil for that depth of umami.
A quick recipe for chilli oil, simply add 50ml vegetable oil into a pan on medium heat. Add in 3 tablespoon crushed chilli flakes with ¼ teaspoon sugar and ¼ teaspoon salt. Once sizzling, turn off the heat and store in a jar.
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