I love spicy food. In many situations I can make otherwise foul tasting food edible by slathering it with hot sauce. Many folks have their favorite hot sauce, but I am torn. It’s like asking Brody from Mallrats who his favorite superhero is. What does one gauge his response on? Heat, flavor, versatility, price, physical prowess, keen detection skills…Ooops. Those last two were more Mallrats quotes. But I really am torn between 2 hot sauces. Tabasco and Sriracha. One of these two completely different condiments needs to take the crown in the Hot Sauce Battle.

Tabasco is the reigning heavyweight hot sauce and it can be found right next to the ketchup on dining tables across the country. It is unique, versatile, and is ingrained in United States Food Culture. This sauce is the creation of Edmund McIlhenny of the McIlhenny Company. It is the product of aged crushed peppers and French white wine vinegar. It is the high vinegar content which gives Tabasco its added kick. I think this sauce can go on almost any food. My favorite places for Tabasco are on eggs, potatoes, and any other bland diner food that I may come across. It also crosses cultures as a welcome addition on pizza or Mexican food. I may even put a few drops on a raw oyster from time to time.

Sriracha is the contender to the title in my eyes. In the past, it was only common in Asian Restaurants and Grocery Stores, but this sauce can now be found in Chain Supermarkets across the land. In addition, it is no longer confined to Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai Cuisine. The best gyro sandwich I ever had was slathered in the “Rooster” Sauce and the Greek Family who was pedaling these spicy wraps swore by the stuff. The sauce was named after the Si Racha region in Thailand where it was first created. It has a ketchup-like consistency and has sweet and garlic flavors which blend with the chili heat to create a truly unique sauce. I typically put it on rice, noodles, soups, and I also use it as a marinade.

Which sauce wins the battle? I will update this post with my findings.

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