Out of Harissa chili paste, one case
Harissa chili paste substitutes for North African cooking
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Red pepper flakes + cumin + coriander + oil
1 tsp flakes + ½ tsp cumin + ½ tsp coriander + 1 tbsp oil
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 + ½ tsp cumin + ½ tsp coriander + 1 tbsp oil, or 1:1 Gochujang + ½ tsp cumin + ½ tsp coriander.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- similar taste, different texture
- Best for —
- North African dishes
One casethe full chili paste card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of harissa chili paste | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Red pepper flakes + cumin + coriander + oilNorth African dishes | 1 tsp flakes + ½ tsp cumin + ½ tsp coriander + 1 tbsp oilTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Gochujang + cumin + corianderwhen you want fermented flavor | Same amountGochujang + ½ tsp cumin + ½ tsp coriander per tbspTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Sriracha + cumin + coriander + oilwhen you have Sriracha available | Same amountSriracha + ½ tsp cumin + ½ tsp coriander + 1 tsp oil per tbspTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Cayenne pepper + cumin + coriander + oilwhen you want to control heat | ½ tsp cayenne + ½ tsp cumin + ½ tsp coriander + 1 tbsp oilYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 5 | Hot sauce + cumin + coriander + oilwhen you have hot sauce available | 2:1 hot sauce to oil + ½ tsp cumin + ½ tsp coriander per tbspTweak it | Tweak it |
Red pepper flakes + cumin + coriander + oil
similar taste, different texture
Spicy combination with North African spices that mimics the heat and complex flavor of harissa chili paste.
- Best for
- North African dishes, when you want authentic flavor, marinades, sauces, most 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
different taste, similar texture
Korean fermented chili paste combined with North African spices for heat, umami, and spice complexity similar to harissa.
- Best for
- when you want fermented flavor, Asian fusion dishes, marinades, sauces, umami-rich recipes
Mix Gochujang with cumin and coriander. Use ½ teaspoon of each spice per tablespoon of Gochujang for best results.
Sriracha + cumin + coriander + oil
different taste, similar texture
Hot sauce combined with North African spices and oil to provide heat and spice complexity similar to harissa.
- Best for
- when you have Sriracha available, quick substitutions, general cooking, marinades
Mix Sriracha with cumin, coriander, and oil. Use ½ teaspoon of each spice and 1 teaspoon of oil per tablespoon of Sriracha for best results.
Cayenne pepper + cumin + coriander + oil
different taste and texture
Spicy combination with North African spices that mimics the heat and spice complexity of harissa chili paste.
- Best for
- when you want to control heat, simple recipes, quick substitutions, general 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
different taste, similar texture
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 available, quick substitutions, general cooking, marinades
Mix hot sauce with cumin, coriander, and oil. Use ½ teaspoon of each spice per tablespoon of hot sauce for best results.
How harissa chili paste compares
Harissa chili paste is a specific type of chili paste from North Africa known for its combination of heat and North African spices. The recommended substitutes work because they provide similar heat levels and include the essential spice components.
Tips for substituting harissa chili paste
5 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
Notes on harissa chili paste
- Make your own harissa chili paste by blending dried chilies with North African spices, oil, and seasonings
- Use different types of hot sauces with added North African spices based on availability
- Combine multiple substitutes for a more complex flavor profile
- Adjust heat levels by using milder or hotter versions of your chosen substitute
Questions
5 questionsCan 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 ½ teaspoon of cumin, ½ 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 ½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp coriander, and 1 tbsp oil. For Gochujang + spices, use 1:1 Gochujang with ½ tsp cumin and ½ 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.