What Is Sriracha Seasoning?

Have you stumbled across Sriracha seasoning? Not sure what it is or how it differs from Sriracha sauce? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Today, I’ll be walking you through all you need to know so that you can decide whether or not to use it.

So, what is Sriracha seasoning? Sriracha seasoning is a blend of select spices that you can use and cook with to provide the spicy, sweet Sriracha flavor to your food. Sriracha seasoning is mostly made up of red chili peppers and garlic, although different brands may include other ingredients, like Paprika, that will influence the taste.

There are actually dozens of different brands and blends on the market.

So much so that you will likely find some variance between them.

Nevertheless, let us now take a closer look at what is generally in this spice blend before turning to some other questions you will likely have.

So do keep reading – it could result in a new way of cooking with Sriracha, improved flavors, and delicious new recipes for you to try.

What Is In Sriracha Seasoning?

Sriracha seasoning is a dry mix and blend of different spices. It usually consists of dried crushed chillis, dried red bell peppers, paprika, garlic, sugar, and salt.

Although, the exact ingredients will depend on the brand or the recipe you use to create your own.

For instance, one of the most popular Sriracha seasonings you can buy is manufactured by Schwartz.

The ingredients for their particular blend is the following:

Sugar, Salt, Garlic Granules (16%), Dried Red Bell Peppers (12%), Paprika, Acid (Citric Acid), Dried Crushed Chillies (5%), Cayenne Pepper

Notice the percentages or ratios there.

Another popular brand is McCormick. Here is their own blend:

Spices (Including Paprika), Sugar, Salt, Garlic, Citric Acid, Corn Maltodextrin, Cayenne Peppersauce (Salt, Aged Cayenne Red Peppers, Vinegar, Garlic), Extractives of Paprika, Calcium Silicate & Silicon Dioxide (to Make Free Flowing), Natural Flavor, & Vinegar Solids.

As you can see, very similar yet very different.

Besides, the quantity of each ingredient is not actually specified. But chances are, it is different.

And if you head over to Amazon, you’ll notice that there are dozens of other brands too.

Each has its own recipe, and each seasoning will therefore taste a little different.

Nevertheless, you will notice the same spices being used time and time again.

Dried chillis, Cayenne, Paprika, Garlic, Sugar, and Salt being the main ones.

This gives this particular seasoning a spicy, sweet, and salty flavor. But how much of each will differ by brand.

Sriracha Seasoning vs Sriracha Sauce

Sriracha seasoning is a dry mix of spices, whereas Sriracha sauce is a runny condiment.

And while both tend to use the same ingredients, and are relatively similar in taste, they are used very differently.

So, imagine it this way.

Sriracha seasoning is a means of flavoring food before you cook.

Sriracha sauce is primarily used after the food has been cooked.

So, with seasoning, you can rub it into meat before placing it in the oven.

Sriracha sauce you can then use on the cooked meat when it’s finished.

In fact, you could probably use both seasoning and sauce if your taste buds can take the heat.

Or use one or the other.

It’s up to you, your style of cooking, preferences, and dish.

How Spicy Is Sriracha Seasoning?

Sriracha seasoning is relatively spicy, although it does depend on the brand and the concentration of spices. Some seasoning also uses Cayenne and other spices which can make it hotter.

Nevertheless, Sriracha is not known for being the spiciest of condiments.

While it definitely packs a punch, it is known for being less spicy than Tabasco sauce and Habanero pepper (if you have ever tasted those).

If you want a point of reference, Sriracha generally scores around 2,200 points on the Scoville scale – a popular measurement of the pungency (spiciness or “heat”) of chili peppers, as recorded in Scoville Heat Units (SHU).

Tabasco can reach up to 5,000 on the same scale.

Of course, this does differ somewhat by recipe.

And it does differ depending on whether it is seasoning or sauce.

So, what you can and perhaps should do is investigate the ingredients in the seasoning you are considering.

Look for the inclusion of Cayenne, and other hot peppers.

And use a little bit at first.

Even the spicier of seasonings can be less pungent if less is used.

How To Use Sriracha Seasoning

Sriracha seasoning is best used before or during cooking. Sprinkling it over, or rubbing it into meat, fish, or mixing it into stir-fries or sauces like Mayonnaise is known to work well.

When it comes to using your seasoning, it is best to read the manufacturer’s instructions.

Besides, they will give you new ideas and potentially some new recipes.

And while you could always sprinkle over fries or chips, it is generally best to use it before you start cooking.

Just be mindful of the temperature.

You do not want the seasoning to burn.

And depending on your cooking apparatus, you may even find it sticks to the pan.

So, you may need to use a little oil/butter to prevent this from happening.

What Can I Substitute For Sriracha Seasoning?

Chilli, Paprika, or Pepper seasoning are some of the best substitutes for Sriracha Seasoning. Or you can mix individual spices together to boost individual flavors or take away/add heat.

Although it does depend on your preferences and desire for spiciness/heat.

You could even blend your own spices together.

For instance, you could blend some garlic granules and paprika together.

That would give you a sweet, peppery flavor without the spice.

Garlic and onion seasoning can also work quite well.

You could even add a little hot chili powder or cayenne and this will give you the spice.

It’s ultimately up to you.

Either way, it’s very easy to do.

Just be mindful of your proportions or otherwise, it may not be very appetizing!

Finally

A pre-formulated blend of spices that provides a hot, sweet flavor to recipes and dishes.

That’s what Sriracha seasoning is, in a nutshell.

And it’s cheap, lasts a long time, and stores well.

It’s a very practical and versatile way to add flavor to a wide variety of foods.

And with a lot of different brands and blends on the market, you should find something out there that is right, for you.