What Does Sriracha Taste Like?

Have you seen that distinctive bottle of Sriracha at the store or on the restaurant table? Not sure whether to reach for it or buy some as you are not sure you’ll like it? I understand, I’ve been there. So I decided to pull together this Sriracha taste guide so you know exactly what to expect before you even have to try it. This is what you’ll want to know.

So, what does Sriracha taste like? Sriracha sauce is a hot, rich, and relatively sweet, tangy sauce. While recipes and brands do differ, most also provide a hint of garlic too. All Sriracha is known for commonly being quite peppery and thick in consistency.

Does that help?

I hope so – otherwise you should certainly keep on reading because I’ll be delving deeper into the flavor and making some comparisons to other popular sauces too

But for now, what you need to know is that this sauce is very versatile.

It goes with so many different foods and it’s the type of sauce you can use with almost anything!

And it is a type of sauce. Not a brand.

In fact, there are many different manufacturers of this sauce.

Each with their own take and twist on the recipe and therefore flavor.

As we will now see, and continue with, below.

What Is The Flavor Of Sriracha?

Sriracha sauce is chili flavored, as this is the primary ingredient of the sauce, regardless of recipe or brand after all. It is therefore hot and peppery too. Although, different brands can taste a little different depending on the exact ingredients they use.

Perhaps the best thing you can do is check the ingredients of the brand you are considering.

Huy Fong is perhaps the most recognized brand.

It is perhaps the most popular and most widely enjoyed too.

Below, you’ll find the full ingredients list for reference:

Ingredients: Chilli Sugar, Salt, Garlic, Distilled Vinegar, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Bisulfite as Preservatives, and Xanthan Gum.

So you can see the sugar, salt, and garlic there.

That makes it a little sweet, with a salty garlicy kick too.

The Xanthan Gum is what gives this sauce its extra thickness. It is a little thicker in consistency to sauces without this additive.

But if we take a look at two other popular brands from Amazon, we can soon see the variance between brands.

Here is the ingredient list for Yellowbird Hot Sriracha:

Organic Jalapeno Peppers, Organic Dates, Organic Raisins, Organic Distilled Vinegar, Organic Garlic, Sea Salt, Organic Tangerine Juice Concentrate, Organic Lime Juice Concentrate

Note the specific type of peppers, and the inclusions of dates and raisins too.

Comparatively, here is the ingredient list for Sky Valley Sriracha:

Cayenne Pepper Puree, Water, Organic Cane Sugar, Red Jalapeno Peppers, Organic Distilled Vinegar, Organic Dried Garlic, Cayenne Powder, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid.

Cayenne peppers this time.

So as you can see, there is quite some variance with Sriracha.

I hope comparing the brands has helped somewhat.

At least in understanding that not all Sriracha sauce tastes the same.

You will need to buy some and see for yourself.

You may even find you prefer one a little spicier, or sweeter than another.

Or certain Sriracha goes better with different foods.

Either way, I personally like to order from Amazon for the best price.

You can check out their extensive range of Sriracha brands here.

Does Sriracha Taste Like Ketchup?

Sriracha does not taste much like ketchup – the chillis making it hot, spicy, and peppery as opposed to the tomato flavor of ketchup. The only real similarity is the color and the consistency of the sauce.

That being said, it is quite similar to ketchup in sweetness – it does actually have similar sugar content.

And at the same time, it is also quite similar to ketchup in its versatility and how it can be used.

But on taste alone – you’re going to notice quite a difference.

Put it this way, the heat from the chillis will make it instantly recognizable.

You won’t get away with this one!

What Does Sriracha Go Well With?

Sriracha sauce can be used in many different recipes and dishes and often pairs well with various different types of food.

Below, you can see some of my personal favorites and one to try this sauce with:

• Omelette,
• Ramen noodles,
• Pizza,
• Burgers,
• Fries/Chips,
• Stir-Fries,
• Rice
• Garlic Bread,
• Sandwiches,
• Chicken Skewers,
• Hot Dogs,
• Bacon,
• Lobster Tails,
• Tacos,
• Mac’N’Cheese.

And many more.

In fact, back in Thailand where the sauce originates, it is often used in seafood dishes and combined with other sauces for pad Thai.

I’ve even seen it paired with Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, and popcorn too. That’s right Popcorn.

Or it can be mixed in with other sauces, such as is the case with Sriracha Aioli.

So, perhaps the best thing to do here is to get a bottle and try it with your favorite foods.

See for yourself.

Just make use of the convenient squeeze bottle top that allows you to use a small amount at a time.

And put it on the side, not all over at first.

Besides, this sauce does give a kick!

Read more: What To Put Sriracha On – The Best Combinations!

Finally

Sriracha has been gaining in popularity over the years and for very good reason.

Spicey, sweet and tangy sauce with a hint of garlic – it’s not really that much of a surprise that is the case.

In fact, a lot of people I know feel almost addicted to it.

It’s certainly one of those sauces you can start putting on, or have with, everything.

But it can be quite hot, depending on the brand.

So, do use a small amount, to begin with.

But definitely try it.

Siracha is so good. Believe me.

That is if you do not have any allergies to the ingredients.

Start with Huy Fong.

That appears to be the leading, widely available, and most recognized brand of Sriracha, after all.

Just look for the Rooster on the packaging and the green lid!

Or consider seasoning, that’s always a good option too!