Thai chili paste subst.

[karen w]

I am planning to make the Malaysian lime coconut swordfish tomorrow from June '00. I have all the ingredients, but the chili paste. I have been to 3 stores now, and can not find it anywhere. I have a bottle of chile garlic sauce in the refrigerator. Would that work? Or is there a better substitute? Or is this something that is essential not to substitute an alternative ingredient? Any help would be appreciated.

[Stacey Strawn]

I checked on http://www.switcheroo.com and found several entries for chile paste. They offer harissa, bean sauce, hot sauce and red pepper flakes as substitutes. Since it is being used to add a little kick, go ahead and use the chili sauce you already have...pastes are usually more potent than sauces--just don't overdo it. If you are determined to find the paste, call your local Asian market.
Hope it turns out well!

[RunnerKim]

Hi Karen,

I just made that swordfish recipe - my concern would be making it too runny by using the sauce. Paste is well paste - very thick. I'd personally go with the red pepper flakes as a substitute - the paste is very spicy/concentrated.

It was my first time using fish sauce -whew! I was not prepared for the strong odor!

Kim

[karen w]

Stacey and Kim,
Thanks for all your efforts and suggestions. They sound good. If I can't find the paste tomorrow morning, I will try one of your suggestions and let you know how it goes.