Substitution for chili garlic sauce

[Kathy]

I would really like to make the peanutty noodles tonight for dinner but I cannot find any chili garlic sauce in the markets. I will continue my search at specialty markets but am wondering if anyone has a suggestion for a substitute. Thanks

[Gail]

From Cook's Thesaurus:

chile paste = Asian chile paste = chili paste = chilli paste Notes: This is a blend of hot chile peppers, garlic, oil, and salt that's commonly used in Asian cuisine. Includes: Chinese chile (or chili) paste = Szechuan chile (or chili) paste = Sichuan chile (or chili) paste = chile paste with garlic, Korean chile paste, and Vietnamese chile paste = tuong ot toi Vietnam = prik kaeng, which is hotter than the Chinese chile paste. See also separate entries for these other chile pastes: nam prik pao, chile bean paste, sambal oelek, and sambal bajak. Substitutes: hot sauce OR harissa OR crushed red pepper flakes (to taste; start with 1/4 as much) OR dried red chili peppers

[JodiL]

Kathy, I had a hard time finding the chili sauce also, but I finally did in my grocery store. It was located with the Asian specialty ingredients section in a little bottle labelled "Hot Chili Sauce" and then in small type "with garlic." I don't know where you live, but both Harris Teeter and Kroger has it. Good luck.

[Jessica]

I have a similar recipe and use a Thai hot sauce that was in the Asian section of the grocery store. Works perfectly.

[Deanna]

Although I don't have a suggestion for a substitute, I did want to point out that many of these Asian/Thai products can be purchased online at Thai Grocer...
http://www.thaigrocer.com/Merchant/home.htm

[lorilei]

The Thai Grocer, huh?

And all this time I've been pulling my hair out when my grocery store doesn't carry a product http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Was it you or someone on this board who recommended the "It Rains Fishes" cookbook? Well, I'm addicted now, and can't stop cooking Thai.

[Kathy]

Thanks for all your help and suggestions! I checked my lazy Susan and the best I came up with was Hot chili oil..better hit the Foodtown..now that I have a clue what I am looking for it will be easier!Just realized, I do have red chili flakes! I am also becoming a thai addict..love those curries!The Thai grocer and "It Rains Fishes" may become my new best friends! Any curries you can suggest, Lorilei?

[Gail]

Oh my! It's contagious! Now Deanna is FORCING others to buy the book...! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

Deanna, did you ever get your copy or was that the week you got food poisoning?

[Deanna]

Lorilei...ohmigod I LOVE THAI! The spicier the better, but not to "scare off" people who don't love hot & spicy. It can be made mild!

"It Rains Fishes" is a WONDERFUL book, did you look through it (or perhaps buy one for yourself?) Don't you love the way Kasma writes? By the way she also has her own website that is FANTASTIC, with recipes and cooking tips...very informative!

P.S. Gail we are posting at the same time. Dear, I was so sick, buying a cookbook was the last thing on my mind! Then we got in a major rush at work for the past couple of weeks, and trying to make it to the gym after work...let me just say it's all I can do to get home at a reasonable hour and veg-out! I SWEAR I'm going to just order it from Amazon.com and have it delivered...

Here is Kasma Loha-Unchit's website: http://users.lanminds.com/~kasma/spirit.html

[This message has been edited by Deanna (edited 06-21-2000).]

[Gail]

Hey, Deanna!

Did you notice we graduated today?? I feel honored.

[Deanna]

Woo-hoo!

[lorilei]

Deanna -- First of all, I've just recently looked through the book. I took home some suggestions for curries, and made a delicious veggie & tofu curry the other night for dinner... I can't wait to have an actual recipe to follow.

I ordered it from Amazon.com yesterday, so I should be getting it next week sometime. When I do I'll be sure to post my thoughts. It's a gorgeous book from the looks of things, and I can't wait to read her commentary!!

[Kathy]

Never thought Cooking Light would turn into a book club..but I am so glad!!!! I can't wait to get a copy for myself as well as a gift for a good friend who shares a love for Thai! So glad I posted! Thanks so much!

[Beth]

Deanna and Gail...I'm glad this came up again. I was in B&N the other day and couldn't remember the name of the Thai book several people talked about. I'll have to check out the website and the book now. I love Thai and have 2 other books. I'd love to do more Thai cooking. As I collect more spices and condiments, the weird ingredients (and the expense of buying so many of them) is less intimidating. I'm even growing my own lemongrass in my herb garden this year.

[Kathy]

Finally ordered It Rains Fishes at the local store..can't wait to get it! I am so pathetic..waiting by the mailbox for Cooking Light and cookbooks!!!Reminds me of the movie, The Jerk, with Steve Martin.."The new phone book is here, I am a somebody!!!" http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[This message has been edited by Kathy (edited 07-02-2000).]

[Deanna]

I know EXACTLY what you mean...and my addiction to this bulletin board is getting out of control as well!

[Annette]

The Chili garlic sauce comes in a jar in my area, rather than a bottle. The only brand that I've seen up here in the northwest (minus asian markets & the like) are Kum Lee's.
I made the Peanutty Noodles last night, the full recipe after some no so heavy deliberation to perhaps cut the recipe in half. I love leftovers. FABULOUS!!! And it's even better the next day, in my book! *L*