Substitute For Frank’s Hot Sauce: 12 Alternatives

Last Updated on September 14, 2024 by Shari Mason

**No Frank’s Hot Sauce at home?** Or are you hunting for a **cheaper option**? Good news, my friend. **Found some awesome substitutes** that deliver the same **spicy zing and burn** as Frank’s!”

In this blog post, we will discuss the best substitute for Frank’s Hot Sauce that you can use to create similar flavors. We will also provide recipes you can use to put these sauces to good use. 

Let’s get started.

Top 12 Alternatives For Frank’s Hot Sauce

1. Tabasco Sauce

Why We Like It: Tabasco sauce is one of our go-to substitutes for Frank’s Hot Sauce. Tabasco sauce is made with capsaicin, which is the same active ingredient that gives chili peppers their heat.

Tabasco sauce is vinegar-based, like Frank’s Hot Sauce, which gives it a tangy flavor. 

I find Tabasco sauce hotter than Frank’s Hot Sauce, so you may want to start by using less and increasing the amount to taste. 

I also discovered that Tabasco sauce is available in various flavors, such as chipotle and habanero, so you can find one that best suits your preference.

Read:

• How Long Is Franks Red Hot Sauce Good For?
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2. Chili Powder

Why We Like It: Chili powder is a common substitute for Frank’s hot sauce. It is made from dried chili peppers and can be found in most grocery stores.

Chili powder is not as vinegary as hot sauce, so it may not have the same flavor, but I go for this if I want some real kick on my dish. 

If you want to add more vinegar flavor, I usually add a dash of cider or white vinegar to your dish. 

3. Sriracha Sauce

Sriracha sauce is a delicious and versatile condiment that can replace Frank’s hot sauce. Sriracha is made from a blend of chili peppers, garlic, sugar, and salt and has a slightly sweet and spicy flavor. 

You can use Sriracha to add flavor to cooked dishes, but I usually use it in dipping sauce when I run out of Frank’s Hot Sauce. I like to add Sriracha to my sandwich or wrap for more heat.

If you are looking for a substitute for Frank’s hot sauce, Sriracha sauce is a great option. But which pepper is used in most Chipotle menu items?

4. Chili Flakes

Why We Like It: Chili flakes are a great substitute for Frank’s hot sauce. They have a similar flavor profile, with a little bit of heat and a lot of depth.

Chili flakes are also very versatile. I use them in any dish with hot sauce, from chicken wings to mac and cheese. 

Plus, I find it easy to find and relatively inexpensive compared to Frank’s Hot Sauce. So if you’re looking for Frank’s Hot Sauce alternative, chili flakes are the way to go.

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5. Buffalo Sauce

Why We Like It: Buffalo sauce is a great substitute for Frank’s Hot Sauce. Buffalo sauce has cayenne peppers, vinegar, butter, and garlic. This sauce is perfect for those who like their food to be spicy. 

Buffalo sauce has a kick that will satisfy those looking for heat in their food. Frank’s Hot Sauce is also made with vinegar, but it also includes paprika and Cayenne pepper. 

This hot sauce is perfect for those who like adding a bit of flavor to their food.

For me, buffalo sauce is a great alternative to Frank’s Hot Sauce because it has a similar flavor but with a little bit more of a kick.

6. Harissa

Why We Like It: Harissa is a chili pepper paste that originates from North Africa. It is made from chili peppers, garlic, olive oil, and spices such as cumin and coriander. Harissa can be used as a condiment or an ingredient in recipes. 

We often add it to stews or couscous when used as a condiment. When I use it as an ingredient, it gives the dish an extra spicy kick. I usually get mine in the international aisle of grocery stores or at specialty markets. 

If you cannot find harissa, substitute another chili pepper paste, such as sambal oelek or gochujang.

7. Sambal Oelek

Why We Like It: Sambal Oelek is a hot sauce originating from Indonesia. It is made from a paste of ground chili peppers, vinegar, and salt. 

Sambal Oelek can be used as a substitute for Frank’s Hot Sauce. I noticed that they have a similar flavor profile but are not as vinegary. I get my Sambal Oelek in Asian grocery stores, but you can check online.

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8. Cayenne Pepper Sauce

Why We Like It: Cayenne pepper sauce is a great substitute for Frank’s hot sauce. It has a similar flavor and can be used in the same way. Cayenne pepper is also a good source of vitamins A and C, which can help boost the immune system. 

Cayenne pepper sauce combines cayenne peppers, vinegar, and water. The peppers are typically ground into a powder or paste before adding to the other ingredients.

Cayenne pepper sauce can be used on various foods, including chicken, fish, vegetables, and pasta. It can also be used as a dip or condiment. Cayenne [1] pepper sauce is typically available in mild, medium, and hot varieties.

9. Gochujang

Why We Like It: If you’re looking for a substitute for Frank’s Hot Sauce, Gochujang is a great option.

Gochujang is a Korean chili paste made from red chili peppers, fermented soybeans, and glutinous rice.

It has a deep red color and a slightly sweet, smoky flavor. Gochujang is commonly used in Korean cooking to add heat and flavor to dishes. 

I use Gochujang for dipping, marinade, or stir-fry sauce. If you can’t find Gochujang, you can also use Sriracha sauce or chili garlic sauce as substitutes.

10. Habanero Sauce

Why We Like It: Habanero sauce is a great substitute for Frank’s hot sauce. Frank’s is a popular hot sauce but can be difficult to find in stores.

I noticed that Habanero sauce is similar in taste and heat to Frank’s and but it is made from Habanero peppers native to the Americans. 

Habanero peppers are one of the hottest peppers in the world [2], and they have a unique flavor that is perfect for hot sauces. Habanero sauce is also made from vinegar, garlic, and salt, which all help bring out the peppers’ flavor. 

In addition, Habanero sauce is often made with other spices, such as cumin or oregano, which can add an extra kick of flavor.

11. Louisiana’s Pure Crystal Hot Sauce

Why We Like It: Louisiana’s Pure Crystal Hot Sauce can be a great alternative to Frank’s Hot Sauce. 

We noticed that the heat profile and flavor are similar to Frank’s, but it has a stronger cayenne kick. 

It is an excellent option if you want something with less spice. Unlike Frank’s, Crystal Hot Sauce is less thick and less spicy. 

12. Texas Pete

Why We Like It: Texas Pete is another team’s favorite because it has a sharp vinegar tanginess with the same heat level as Frank’s Red Hot sauce. 

We usually pair Texas Pete in burritos and pizzas, especially if we run out of Frank’s Hot Sauce.

FAQs

Key Takeaways

Frank’s Hot Sauce is a popular condiment, but some substitutes can be used in its place since it can be challenging to find. 

One such substitute is Sriracha sauce, which can be used in many of the same ways as Frank’s Hot Sauce. Sriracha sauce has become increasingly popular in recent years and can be found at most grocery stores. 

Another option is Tabasco sauce, which has a slightly different flavor than both Frank’s Hot Sauce and Sriracha sauce. 

Have you tried any of these substitutes for Frank’s Hot Sauce? Let us know how they worked for you.

References:

1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-benefits-of-cayenne-pepper
2. https://www.britannica.com/topic/habanero