🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Harissa Chili Paste Substitutes: for North African Cooking

Find the best substitutes for harissa chili paste in North African and Middle Eastern recipes. Learn proper ratios, techniques, and tips for authentic flavor.

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Quick Answer

The best harissa chili paste substitutes are Red Pepper Flakes + Cumin + Coriander + Oil, Gochujang + Cumin + Coriander, and Sriracha + Cumin + Coriander + Oil. Use 1 tsp flakes + 1/2 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1 tbsp oil, or 1:1 Gochujang + 1/2 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander.

Best Substitutes

Red Pepper Flakes + Cumin + Coriander + Oil

1 tsp flakes + 1/2 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1 tbsp oil

Spicy combination with North African spices that mimics the heat and complex flavor of harissa chili paste.

Best for:

North African disheswhen you want authentic flavormarinadessaucesmost recipes

Mix red pepper flakes with cumin, coriander, and oil. This combination provides heat and spice complexity similar to harissa chili paste.

Gochujang + Cumin + Coriander

1:1 Gochujang + 1/2 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander per tbsp

Korean fermented chili paste combined with North African spices for heat, umami, and spice complexity similar to harissa.

Best for:

when you want fermented flavorAsian fusion dishesmarinadessaucesumami-rich recipes

Mix Gochujang with cumin and coriander. Use 1/2 teaspoon of each spice per tablespoon of Gochujang for best results.

Sriracha + Cumin + Coriander + Oil

1:1 Sriracha + 1/2 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1 tsp oil per tbsp

Hot sauce combined with North African spices and oil to provide heat and spice complexity similar to harissa.

Best for:

when you have Sriracha availablequick substitutionsgeneral cookingmarinades

Mix Sriracha with cumin, coriander, and oil. Use 1/2 teaspoon of each spice and 1 teaspoon of oil per tablespoon of Sriracha for best results.

Cayenne Pepper + Cumin + Coriander + Oil

1/2 tsp cayenne + 1/2 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1 tbsp oil

Spicy combination with North African spices that mimics the heat and spice complexity of harissa chili paste.

Best for:

when you want to control heatsimple recipesquick substitutionsgeneral cooking

Mix cayenne pepper with cumin, coriander, and oil. This combination provides heat and spice complexity similar to harissa chili paste.

Hot Sauce + Cumin + Coriander + Oil

2:1 hot sauce to oil + 1/2 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander per tbsp

Hot sauce combined with North African spices and oil to provide heat and spice complexity similar to harissa.

Best for:

when you have hot sauce availablequick substitutionsgeneral cookingmarinades

Mix hot sauce with cumin, coriander, and oil. Use 1/2 teaspoon of each spice per tablespoon of hot sauce for best results.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Harissa chili paste is known for its combination of heat and North African spices - choose substitutes that can provide both
  • 💡For best results, use authentic North African spices like cumin and coriander in your substitutes
  • 💡Harissa chili paste typically has a moderate to high heat level - adjust your substitute accordingly
  • 💡Harissa chili paste often contains additional seasonings - consider adding these to your substitute
  • 💡Store homemade harissa chili paste substitutes in the refrigerator for up to a week

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use red pepper flakes instead of harissa chili paste?

Yes, red pepper flakes can work as a substitute, but you'll need to add North African spices like cumin and coriander to match the flavor profile. Mix 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes with 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of coriander, and 1 tablespoon of oil.

What's the best ratio for harissa chili paste substitute?

For red pepper flakes + spices + oil, use 1 tsp flakes with 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp coriander, and 1 tbsp oil. For Gochujang + spices, use 1:1 Gochujang with 1/2 tsp cumin and 1/2 tsp coriander per tablespoon.

Why doesn't my dish taste right with harissa chili paste substitutes?

Common issues include not adding enough North African spices, using too much substitute, or not accounting for different heat levels. Make sure to include cumin and coriander in your substitute and start with less substitute, adding more gradually.

Can I make my own harissa chili paste substitute?

Yes, blend dried chilies with North African spices, oil, and seasonings, then cook until thick. You can also mix hot sauce with cumin, coriander, and oil for a quick substitute.

What's the difference between harissa chili paste and other chili pastes?

Harissa chili paste is made with North African spices like cumin and coriander, giving it a unique flavor profile. Other chili pastes may not have these specific spice components.

Summary

Find the best substitutes for harissa chili paste in North African and Middle Eastern recipes. Learn proper ratios, techniques, and tips for authentic flavor.