🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Complete Guide to Harissa Paste Substitutes: What to Use Instead

Discover the best harissa paste substitutes including sriracha, gochujang, chipotle paste, and homemade alternatives. Learn proper ratios, cooking tips, and when to use each substitute for authentic North African flavors.

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Quick Answer

The best harissa paste substitutes are sriracha (1:1 ratio), gochujang (1:1 ratio), chipotle paste (1:1 ratio), or homemade harissa (1:1 ratio). For non-spicy versions, use roasted red pepper paste with spices. Choose based on heat level and flavor profile needed for your specific recipe.

Best Substitutes

Sriracha

1:1

Thai chili sauce with similar heat level and garlic flavor, perfect for quick substitutions

Best for:

marinadessaucesdipsstir-friesgrillingquick substitutions

Similar heat level, garlicky flavor, more vinegary than harissa. Works well for most recipes that call for harissa paste.

Gochujang

1:1

Korean fermented chili paste with similar heat and umami flavor, excellent for complex dishes

Best for:

marinadessaucesstir-friesgrillingsoupstaginescomplex flavor profiles

Fermented flavor, similar heat, slightly sweeter than harissa. May need additional spices for authenticity.

Chipotle Paste

1:1

Smoky chili paste made from chipotle peppers, perfect for adding smoky depth

Best for:

marinadessaucesgrillingsmoky dishesbarbecue-style recipes

Smoky flavor, similar heat, different flavor profile. Great for adding smoky depth to dishes.

Homemade Harissa

1:1

DIY harissa made from roasted peppers, chilies, and spices for the most authentic flavor

Best for:

all usesauthentic flavorcustomizable heatwhen you have time to prepare

Most authentic, customizable heat and flavor, requires preparation time. Best for when you want exact harissa flavor.

Red Curry Paste

1:1

Thai red curry paste with similar heat and spice complexity

Best for:

saucesmarinadesstir-frieswhen you want Thai-inspired flavors

Similar heat level, different spice profile. Works well but will give dishes a Thai rather than North African flavor.

Roasted Red Pepper Paste + Spices

1:1 paste + 1/2 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1/4 tsp cayenne

Mild roasted red pepper paste enhanced with North African spices for non-spicy harissa substitute

Best for:

mild disheswhen you want flavor without heatfamily-friendly recipessensitive palates

Perfect for those who want harissa flavor without the heat. Mix with cumin, coriander, and a touch of cayenne.

Harissa Powder + Oil

1 tsp powder + 2 tsp olive oil

Dried harissa powder mixed with oil to create a paste-like consistency

Best for:

when you have harissa powderquick substitutionsall harissa uses

Mix harissa powder with olive oil to create a paste. Use 1 teaspoon powder with 2 teaspoons oil for best consistency.

Aji Amarillo Paste

1:1

Peruvian yellow chili paste with similar heat and fruity flavor

Best for:

saucesmarinadeswhen you want fruity heatSouth American-inspired dishes

Similar heat level, fruity flavor profile. Works well but will give dishes a South American rather than North African flavor.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Harissa paste adds heat, depth, and North African flavor to dishes - choose substitutes that can provide both heat and complexity
  • 💡For authentic North African flavor, add cumin and coriander to any substitute that doesn't already contain these spices
  • 💡Harissa paste can be used as a marinade, sauce, or condiment - ensure your substitute works for your intended use
  • 💡Start with small amounts of substitute and adjust to taste, as harissa can be very spicy
  • 💡Harissa paste pairs excellently with lamb, chicken, fish, and vegetables - test your substitute with these ingredients
  • 💡For non-spicy harissa substitute, use roasted red pepper paste with North African spices
  • 💡Store homemade harissa substitutes in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
  • 💡Harissa paste is essential in Moroccan, Tunisian, and Algerian cuisine - use substitutes that maintain the cultural authenticity
  • 💡Mix harissa substitutes with yogurt or mayonnaise for a milder sauce
  • 💡Harissa paste works well in grilling, roasting, and slow-cooking applications - ensure your substitute can handle these cooking methods

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

Complete guide to harissa paste substitutes including sriracha, gochujang, chipotle paste, and homemade alternatives. Learn proper ratios, cooking tips, and regional availability for authentic North African flavors.