Out of Harissa sauce, one case
Harissa sauce substitutes for liquid condiments
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Sriracha + cumin + coriander + oil
Same amount as the harissa sauce
Sriracha + ½ tsp cumin + ½ tsp coriander + 1 tsp oil per tbsp
The best harissa sauce substitutes are Sriracha + Cumin + Coriander + Oil, Hot Sauce + Cumin + Coriander + Oil, and Chili Paste + Cumin + Coriander + Oil. Use 1:1 sriracha + ½ tsp cumin + ½ tsp coriander + 1 tsp oil, or 1:1 hot sauce + ½ tsp cumin + ½ tsp coriander + 1 tsp oil.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- when you have sriracha available
One casethe full harissa paste card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of harissa sauce | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sriracha + cumin + coriander + oilwhen you have sriracha available | Same amountSriracha + ½ tsp cumin + ½ tsp coriander + 1 tsp oil per tbspTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Hot sauce + cumin + coriander + oilwhen you have hot sauce available | Same amountHot sauce + ½ tsp cumin + ½ tsp coriander + 1 tsp oil per tbspTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Chili paste + cumin + coriander + oilwhen you want to control heat | Same amountChili paste + ½ tsp cumin + ½ tsp coriander + 1 tsp oil per tbspTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Gochujang + cumin + coriander + oilwhen you want fermented flavor | Same amountGochujang + ½ tsp cumin + ½ tsp coriander + 1 tsp oil per tbspTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Red pepper flakes + cumin + coriander + oil + waterwhen you want authentic flavor | 1 tsp flakes + ½ tsp cumin + ½ tsp coriander + 1 tbsp oil + 1 tbsp waterTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Cayenne pepper + cumin + coriander + oil + waterwhen you want to control heat | ½ tsp cayenne + ½ tsp cumin + ½ tsp coriander + 1 tbsp oil + 1 tbsp waterYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
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 sauce.
- Best for
- when you have sriracha available, quick substitutions, general cooking, marinades, dips
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.
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 sauce.
- Best for
- when you have hot sauce available, quick substitutions, general cooking, marinades, dips
Mix hot sauce with cumin, coriander, and oil. Use ½ teaspoon of each spice and 1 teaspoon of oil per tablespoon of hot sauce for best results.
Chili paste + cumin + coriander + oil
different taste, similar texture
Chili paste combined with North African spices and oil to provide heat and spice complexity similar to harissa sauce.
- Best for
- when you want to control heat, quick substitutions, general cooking, marinades, sauces
Mix chili paste with cumin, coriander, and oil. Use ½ teaspoon of each spice and 1 teaspoon of oil per tablespoon of chili paste for best results.
Gochujang + cumin + coriander + oil
different taste, similar texture
Korean fermented chili paste combined with North African spices and oil for heat, umami, and spice complexity similar to harissa sauce.
- Best for
- when you want fermented flavor, Asian fusion dishes, marinades, sauces, umami-rich recipes
Mix gochujang with cumin, coriander, and oil. Use ½ teaspoon of each spice and 1 teaspoon of oil per tablespoon of gochujang for best results.
Red pepper flakes + cumin + coriander + oil + water
similar taste, different texture
Spicy combination with North African spices, oil, and water that mimics the heat and liquid consistency of harissa sauce.
- Best for
- when you want authentic flavor, marinades, sauces, most recipes, homemade harissa sauce
Mix red pepper flakes with cumin, coriander, oil, and water. This combination provides heat and spice complexity similar to harissa sauce.
Cayenne pepper + cumin + coriander + oil + water
different taste and texture
Spicy combination with North African spices, oil, and water that mimics the heat and liquid consistency of harissa sauce.
- Best for
- when you want to control heat, simple recipes, quick substitutions, general cooking
Mix cayenne pepper with cumin, coriander, oil, and water. This combination provides heat and spice complexity similar to harissa sauce.
How harissa sauce compares
Harissa sauce is a liquid condiment 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 in liquid form.
Tips for substituting harissa sauce
9 tips- Harissa sauce is known for its combination of heat and North African spices in liquid form - choose substitutes that can provide both
- For best results, use authentic North African spices like cumin and coriander in your substitutes
- Harissa sauce typically has a moderate to high heat level - adjust your substitute accordingly
- Harissa sauce often contains additional seasonings like garlic and caraway - consider adding these to your substitute
- Store homemade harissa sauce substitutes in the refrigerator for up to a week
- Harissa sauce is essential for authentic Middle Eastern and North African cooking - use substitutes that maintain the flavor profile
- Start with less substitute and add more gradually to achieve the desired heat level
- Harissa sauce pairs well with lamb, chicken, and vegetables - ensure your substitute works with these ingredients
- The liquid consistency of harissa sauce is important - ensure your substitute has the right texture
Notes on harissa sauce
- Make your own harissa sauce by blending dried chilies with North African spices, oil, and water
- 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
- Add caraway seeds to your substitute for more authentic flavor
- Use smoked paprika in your substitute for a smoky flavor similar to harissa sauce
- Experiment with different types of oils for varying richness levels
Questions
8 questionsCan I use sriracha instead of harissa sauce?
Yes, sriracha 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 tablespoon of sriracha with ½ teaspoon of cumin, ½ teaspoon of coriander, and 1 teaspoon of oil.
What's the best ratio for harissa sauce substitute?
For sriracha + spices + oil, use 1:1 sriracha with ½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp coriander, and 1 tsp oil per tablespoon. For hot sauce + spices + oil, use 1:1 hot sauce with ½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp coriander, and 1 tsp oil per tablespoon.
Why doesn't my dish taste right with harissa sauce 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 sauce substitute?
Yes, blend dried chilies with North African spices, oil, and water. You can also mix hot sauce with cumin, coriander, and oil for a quick substitute.
What's the difference between harissa sauce and harissa paste?
Harissa sauce has a more liquid consistency and is often used as a condiment, while harissa paste is thicker and used in cooking. Both have similar flavor profiles.
Can I use gochujang instead of harissa sauce?
Yes, gochujang can work as a substitute, though it has a different flavor. Mix 1 tablespoon of gochujang with ½ teaspoon of cumin, ½ teaspoon of coriander, and 1 teaspoon of oil for best results.
Is harissa sauce very spicy?
Yes, harissa sauce can be quite spicy, but the heat level varies by brand. Start with small amounts and adjust to taste when using substitutes.
What can I substitute for harissa sauce in a recipe?
The best substitutes depend on your recipe. For Middle Eastern dishes, use sriracha + spices + oil. For quick substitutions, use hot sauce + spices + oil. For authentic flavor, use red pepper flakes + spices + oil + water.