Sriracha sauce is a spicy condiment that is made from red bell peppers, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and salt, with notable chili undertones.
The sauce is most common in Thai cuisine but can also be found in Mexican and Asian cuisines.
While it may sound like a simple concoction, there are many different ways to use Sriracha sauce.
It can be used as an ingredient in a variety of dishes—from tacos to sandwiches.
What does Sriracha sauce taste like?
The ingredients in Sriracha sauce give it its unique flavor profile.
In addition to the standard ingredients, it contains red pepper flakes, which gives the sauce its heat level.
Sriracha sauce is a thick paste of crushed red chilies, salt, vinegar, and water.
The paste is then mixed with oil and garlic before being reduced into a syrup.
The final product is a dark, reddish brown sauce that’s usually kept refrigerated.
Is Sriracha sauce spicy?
Not only does Sriracha have a fiery kick to it, it’s also pretty high in capsaicin, the compound responsible for making peppers spicy.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) says that a medium-sized green bell pepper has about 100 milligrams of capsaicin.
That’s more than twice what you’d find in jalapeño peppers.
When you add up all the ingredients in Sriracha sauce, including the red pepper flakes, you’re looking at a whopping 700 milligrams of capsaicin per tablespoon!
How would you describe the taste of Sriracha sauce?
Sriracha sauces come in varying levels of spiciness.
If you want something mild, you should look for a bottled version without the extra ingredients.
Most restaurants will give you a choice between “medium” and “hot.”
Some brands go even further by offering “slightly spicy,” “hot-hot,” and “super hot.”
If you want something a little bit stronger, look for one labeled “extra hot” or “very hot.”
You’ll get the full effect of the spice blend without having to make a big deal out of it.
What is the main flavor of Sriracha sauce?
The main flavor in Sriracha sauce comes down to the combination of salty and spicy.
The salt balances out the sweetness and adds a lot of depth to the sauce.
It’s important not to overdo the salt because it will overpower the other flavors.
What other flavors can you taste in Sriracha sauce?
There are some additional flavors present in Sriracha sauce.
There’s a hint of sweetness from the sugar and garlic, but it’s mostly balanced out by the vinegary tang from the red wine vinegar.
A small amount of acidity exists in the form of tartaric acid, which is derived from the red wine used to create the sauce.
In addition to these traditional flavors, there are other less common ones.
Some people report tasting a slight citrus note in their Srirachas.
Others say they notice hints of smoke, while others say they taste herbs such as basil and cilantro.
How pungent is Sriracha sauce?
The pungency level of Sriracha sauce varies greatly depending on the brand.
While some brands have capsaicins that range between 2,000 and 7,000 milligrams per tablespoon, others have much lower amounts.
For example, Trader Joe’s sells a 1/4 cup jar that has just 180 milligrams of capsaicin, or about 3.5 percent of the total serving size.
Is Sriracha sauce sweet or savory?
Sriracha sauce is a combination of both sweet and savory flavors.
The sourness from the red wine vinegar helps balance out the sweetness from the sugar, giving the sauce a nice, smooth texture.
The other ingredients include spices, so the sauce is definitely spicy, but it doesn’t taste overly acidic.
There’s also a distinct hint of sweetness from the honey.
How would you use Sriracha sauce in a dish?
Sriracha sauce goes great with anything spicy or hot.
It works particularly well as an ingredient in stir fries, marinades, and soups.
Since the sauce is very versatile, you can use it in different ways if you’re feeling creative.
1. Use Sriracha sauce as a dipping sauce for fried foods
Fried foods are often served with a side of dip.
If you don’t feel like making your own, you can pick up pre-made dips at your local grocery store.
But if you want to take things up a notch, try using Sriracha sauce instead.
Just mix it with your favorite flavored oils, such as sesame, peanut, or wasabi.
Add a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro for a zesty flavor boost.
2. Use Sriracha sauce as a topping for pizza
When you’re craving a slice of pizza but don’t feel like going through the trouble of cooking one yourself, grab a bottle of Sriracha sauce.
Spread it generously onto your pizzas and top them off with whatever toppings you prefer.
This is especially good when you’re trying to cut back on fat intake and need a low-calorie alternative to cheese.
3. Try using Sriracha sauce as a marinade
A marinade is basically a flavorful seasoning that gets tossed onto meat, fish, poultry, vegetables, or fruit.
While it’s best known for beef, chicken, and pork, you can use it with almost any kind of protein.
To make a quick and easy marinade, combine Sriracha sauce, soy sauce, lemon juice, and olive oil in a bowl and whisk until everything is combined.
4. Add Sriracha sauce to salads
Salads are typically served cold, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them warm.
If you want to amp up the flavor of your salad, start by chopping up any veggies you plan to serve.
Then toss them with a dressing, such as balsamic vinaigrette, and add a few tablespoons of Sriracha sauce for an extra punch of flavor.
5. Mix Sriracha sauce with yogurt
Yogurt is a staple food in most cultures around the world.
But did you know you can turn it into a delicious sauce by mixing it with Sriracha sauce?
Simply add two tablespoons of the sauce to a half-gallon container of plain Greek yogurt.
Stir well to combine, cover, and place in the fridge overnight.
Once it’s fully set, spoon the sauce over your favorite fruits, or use it to top off bowls of cereal.
What dishes pair well with Sriracha sauce?
Soups
Sandwiches
Stir fries
Salads
Dips
Main courses
Side dishes
Breakfast
Desserts
What is your favorite way to eat Sriracha sauce?
Sriracha sauce makes a great snack or appetizer.
You can buy bottles of the stuff in most supermarkets.
You can also find it at many international markets, such as Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s.
It’s available online, too.
If you’re not a fan of spicy foods, you might want to skip this recipe.
However, if you love spicy foods and you can handle the heat, Sriracha sauce is a must-have condiment.
What is your favorite way to eat Sriracha sauce?
Sriracha sauce makes a great snack or appetizer.
You can buy bottles of the stuff in most supermarkets.
You can also find it at many international markets, such as Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s.
It’s available online, too.
I have a true passion for cooking and experimenting with new ingredients, and I have been creating and perfecting recipes for friends and family for years.
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