tbs sriracha
Sriracha is low in calories (approximately 3 calories per teaspoon) and provides capsaicin from chili peppers, which has thermogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. As a condiment used in small quantities, it contributes minimal nutritional value but adds flavor without significant fat or sodium per serving.
About
Sriracha is a hot chili sauce of Thai origin, traditionally produced from red chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and salt. The name derives from Si Racha, a coastal city in Thailand where the condiment originated. Modern sriracha exists in several regional variations: the traditional Thai version tends toward a thinner, more vinegary sauce with fresh chili character, while the Vietnamese incarnation (often labeled "tuong ot") features a thicker paste with more pronounced garlic. The most widely recognized Western version, popularized by Huy Fong Foods since 1983, uses a distinctive bright red color derived from sun-ripened red jalapeños or cayenne peppers, with a thick ketchup-like consistency. The sauce delivers immediate heat (typically 2,200–5,000 Scoville Heat Units depending on variant) followed by tangy sweetness and savory garlic undertones.
Culinary Uses
Sriracha functions as both a condiment and a cooking ingredient across Southeast Asian and increasingly global cuisines. It is commonly served as a table sauce alongside rice, noodles, and grilled meats in Thai and Vietnamese cooking, and serves as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, dumplings, and seafood. In contemporary Western cooking, sriracha is incorporated into marinades, salad dressings, mayonnaise-based spreads, and finish sauces for eggs, tacos, and pizza. The sauce's balance of heat, acidity, and sweetness makes it versatile for both raw applications and cooking; it can be whisked into soups and stews without curdling, or used to glaze roasted vegetables and proteins. Regional preferences vary: Thai versions work well in coconut-based curries, while Vietnamese versions complement pho and bánh mì.