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Home - Cooking - Substitutes

Latest Updated: Feb 28, 2026 by Andrew Gray

5 BEST Substitutes for Sweet Chili Sauce

The closest alternatives to Sweet Chili Sauce are Hot Sauce and Honey, Plum Sauce and Hot Sauce, Chili Sauce and Sweetener, Hoisin Sauce, Vinegar, and Red Pepper Flakes, and Red Chiles, Honey, and Vinegar.

Whether you like it mild or wild, there's a hot sauce for everyone.

Plum Sauce and Hot Sauce

Move over, sweet chili sauce.

Sweet Chili Sauce is like the cool cousin at a family BBQ. You can't imagine your spring rolls without it.

Yet, sometimes, it disappears from your pantry like socks in a dryer.

Sweet, spicy, and everything nice, finding a sub shouldn't be a wild goose chase.

Think of us as your GPS to Flavor Town, minus the annoying rerouting.

Missed your stop at the grocery store? Crafting a dip with what you've got is our jam.

After reading this, you'll look at your kitchen staples in a whole new light.

Table of Contents

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  • 5 Sweet Chili Sauce Substitutes to Try
    • 1 - Hot Sauce and Honey
    • 2 - Plum Sauce and Hot Sauce
    • 3 - Chili Sauce and Sweetener
    • 4 - Hoisin Sauce, Vinegar, and Red Pepper Flakes
    • 5 - Red Chiles, Honey, and Vinegar
  • Frequently Asked Questions

5 Sweet Chili Sauce Substitutes to Try

In most cases, you can substitute sweet chili sauce for other chili sauces.

Here are the five best substitutes for sweet chili sauce:

1 - Hot Sauce and Honey

hot sauce and honey Save for Later!

There are endless possibilities.

Whether you like it mild or wild, there's a hot sauce for everyone.

But what happens when you run out of your favorite hot sauce? Never fear because there are plenty of substitutes that can give your food the same fiery kick.

For example, try substituting hot sauce for sweet chili sauce.

Sweet chili sauce is a common condiment in Asian cuisine, and it has a similar balance of sweetness and heat as many hot sauces.

Swap out the hot sauce for an equal amount of sweet chili sauce, and you'll be in for a delicious surprise.

And who knows? You might even prefer the new flavor combination.

So don't be afraid to experiment with your food because you never know what delicious combinations you might discover.

2 - Plum Sauce and Hot Sauce

plum sauce and hot sauce Save for Later!

Move over, sweet chili sauce.

There's a new condiment in town, and it's about to take your place as the ultimate flavor enhancer.

Plum sauce is a delicious, versatile sauce that can be used on everything from chicken wings to spring rolls.

And when it comes to giving your food a little extra kick, hot sauce is the way to go.

So why not combine these two flavors and create the perfect dipping sauce for your next party? Mix equal parts plum sauce and hot sauce, add a little rice vinegar for acidity, and you're good to go.

Your guests will be thanking you for this delicious innovation.

3 - Chili Sauce and Sweetener

chili sauce and sweetener Save for Later!

In a world of ever-changing trends, it can be hard to keep up with the latest food fad.

So when you find a dish you love, it's only natural to want to hold on to it.

However, that doesn't mean you must be content with the same old recipe.

With a few simple substitutions, you can give your favorite dish a new twist.

For example, instead of using sweet chili sauce, try combining chili sauce and sweetener.

The result is a dish that is just as flavorful but with a fraction of the calories.

So next time you're in the mood for something different, don't be afraid to experiment with your favorite recipes.

You might be surprised at what you come up with.

4 - Hoisin Sauce, Vinegar, and Red Pepper Flakes

hoisin sauce vinegar and red pepper flakes Save for Later!

If you're looking for a flavorful way to spice up your meals, hoisin sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes are great.

This combination of ingredients is commonly used in Asian cooking and can be used as a substitute for sweet chili sauce.

Hoisin sauce is a thick, dark brown sauce made from soybeans, garlic, chilies, and spices.

It has a sweet and salty flavor that pairs well with meat, poultry, and fish.

Vinegar is a sour-tasting liquid that is made from fermented fruits or vegetables.

It adds a tangy flavor to dishes, and it can also help to tenderize meat.

Red pepper flakes are made from dried and crushed red peppers.

They add a spicy kick to dishes, and they can also be used to make homemade chili powder.

When combined, these three ingredients create a delicious sauce that can be used on a variety of foods.

5 - Red Chiles, Honey, and Vinegar

red chiles honey and vinegar Save for Later!

For those who prefer a more savory flavor, red chiles, honey, and vinegar make an excellent substitute.

The combination of these three ingredients creates a sauce that is both spicy and tangy, with just a hint of sweetness.

Also, the vinegar helps cut through the richness of the honey, creating a balanced sauce that can be used on various dishes.

Whether you use it as a marinade or a dipping sauce, this flexible condiment is sure to please even the most discerning palate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for Sweet Chili Sauce?

Whether you like it mild or wild, there's a hot sauce for everyone. Use it at a 1:1 ratio in any recipe that calls for Sweet Chili Sauce.

What can I use if I run out?

Yes, and the results are often hard to tell apart. Hot Sauce is the go-to replacement.

For variety, Honey and Plum Sauce and Hot Sauce adds its own twist to the dish.

Can you combine two substitutes for a closer match?

Sometimes. Blending two partial substitutes - one for flavor and one for texture - gets closer to the original.

This works best when neither alone fully replicates what you need.

Can the substitute be used raw as well as cooked?

Not always. Some substitutes are processed or have a strong raw flavor that disappears with heat.

Check whether the original is typically used raw before assuming the substitute will work the same way.

Explore more: This post is part of our Ingredient Substitutes Guide.
Andrew Gray

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Andrew Gray - GustoMeadow founder

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Food Writer & Recipe Developer

Restaurant industry veteran sharing real recipes, honest substitutes, and tips that actually work in a home kitchen.

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