OUT TO EAT

Get your Sriracha on!

By Ashley Petry
Star correspondent

Hot sauce lovers can rejoice! Sriracha, that spicy Asian chili condiment made in California, is schedule to resume shipments by the end of the month. Production was shut down in November after resident sued the company, saying the orders coming from the factory were burning their eyes. But there are ways to spice it up. Here are 10 local dishes to try if you need a Sriracha fix.

Bru Burger Bar: Sriracha Caesar Salad

410 Massachusetts Ave., (317) 635-4278, www.bruburgerbar.com

A drizzle of Sriracha gives this traditional salad a hot-sauce kick ($5 for a small or $8 for a large). Other ingredients include red onion, tomato, parmesan cheese and house-made croutons. Chicken can be added for an extra charge.

Bu Da Lounge: Hot Blonde Roll

148 E. Market St., (317) 822-8522, www.budalounge.com

Sriracha is an ingredient in the spicy aioli that appears on many Bu Da Lounge specialty rolls, but start your Sriracha adventure with the Hot Blonde Roll ($13.95). It features Sriracha-jalapeno marinated tuna rolled with tempura rice, topped with both spicy aioli and sweet unagi sauce.

Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant: Ahi Tuna Tacos

3815 E. 96th St., (317) 574-9463, www.coopershawkwinery.com

Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant pairs Sriracha with a variety of seafood dishes. The ahi tuna tacos are made with seared tuna, citrus slaw, avocado and Sriracha cream ($11.99). The Northside restaurant also has a Sriracha aioli, which it uses as a dipping sauce for its calamari ($10.99) and fish and chips ($14.99).

H2O Sushi: Miso Soup

1912 Broad Ripple Ave., (317) 254-0677, www.h2osushibar.com

At H2O Sushi, you can order a traditional miso soup made with tofu, wakame, blanched garlic and sesame seeds ($5). But many diners opt for a flavor boost, adding avocado, rice and Sriracha ($7). The restaurant also uses Sriracha cream on some of its sushi rolls.

Nacho Mama's Food Truck: Spicy Nachos

(317) 374-6969, www.nachomamasfoodtruck.com

At Nacho Mama's Food Truck, the spicy nachos ($5) start with organic blue chips topped with nacho cheese, jalapenos, chipotle sour cream and Sriracha. Another option is the spicy cheese quesadilla ($7): flour tortillas stuffed with Chihuahua cheese, jalapenos and Sriracha.

Ralston's Drafthouse: Doc's Crab-cake Sliders

635 Massachusetts Ave., (317) 493-1143, www.ralstonsdrafthouse.com

The crab-cake sliders at Ralston's Drafthouse come topped with avocado, mixed greens and Sriracha-lime mayo ($9). "I just had those for lunch today. I'm a big fan of them," said co-owner Brad Dozier. The restaurant also serves a flatbread made with chicken, ranch dressing and cheese, all drizzled in Sriracha.

Rick's Café Boatyard: Sake-Seared Scallops

4050 Dandy Trail, (317) 290-9300, www.rickscafeboatyard.com

The appetizer menu at Rick's Café Boatyard includes sake-seared scallops, served with blue nori relish, enoki mushrooms and Sriracha sauce ($15). "I use (Sriracha) constantly," said sous chef Daniel Opalesky. "It's probably the best-tasting hot sauce. It actually has flavor and not just heat."

Rook: Congee

719 Virginia Ave., (317) 759-5828, www.rookindy.com

Rook keeps Sriracha available on its tables, but the hot sauce also shows up in the congee ($10), an Asian rice porridge. "It's like a really wet risotto," said chef Carlos Salazar. His version is made with shrimp-Chinese sausage XO sauce, edamame, green onion, marinated egg and a balanced Sriracha-soy sauce. "It's enough of each that it's not too spicy or too salty," he said.

Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern: Sriracha Chicken Wings

1130 W. 86th St., (317) 566-3463, www.myrustybucket.com

The fried chicken wings at Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern come in six flavors, including Sriracha ($9.99 per pound). Create a custom flavor by combining Sriracha with another sauce, such as chipotle, tamarind BBQ or sweet chili.

Twenty Tap: Spicy Cuban Sandwich

5406 N. College Ave., (317) 602-8840, www.twentytap.com

Sriracha is a star ingredient in the best-selling spicy Cuban sandwich ($9) at Twenty Tap. Other ingredients include pepperjack cheese, ham, pulled pork and pickles. Or, try the Sriracha aioli, an optional dipping sauce for the French fries and signature cheese curds.