What's the Best Substitute for Harissa?
Whether you're out of Harissa or looking for a healthier alternative, finding the right substitute can save your recipe. North African chili paste with spicy, smoky flavor, used in Middle Eastern and North African cooking In this guide, we'll explore the best substitutes that work in most recipes and help you achieve similar results.
Quick Answer
The best substitutes for harissa are Gochujang + Cumin + Coriander + Garlic, Sriracha + Cumin + Coriander + Oil, and Red Pepper Flakes + Cumin + Coriander + Oil + Garlic. Use 1:1 Gochujang + 1/2 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1 clove garlic, or 1:1 Sriracha + 1/2 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1 tsp oil.
Best Substitutes for Harissa
Gochujang + Cumin + Coriander + Garlic
Ratio
1:1 Gochujang + 1/2 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1 clove garlic per tbsp
Best For
- North African dishes
- when you want fermented flavor
- marinades
- sauces
- tagines
- couscous
Description
Korean fermented chili paste combined with North African spices and garlic for heat, umami, and authentic flavor similar to harissa.
Mix Gochujang with cumin, coriander, and minced garlic. Use 1/2 teaspoon of each spice and 1 clove of garlic per tablespoon of Gochujang for best results.
Sriracha + Cumin + Coriander + Oil
Ratio
1:1 Sriracha + 1/2 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1 tsp oil per tbsp
Best For
- when you have Sriracha available
- quick substitutions
- general cooking
- marinades
- dips
Description
Hot sauce combined with North African spices and oil to provide heat and spice complexity similar to harissa.
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.
Red Pepper Flakes + Cumin + Coriander + Oil + Garlic
Ratio
1 tsp flakes + 1/2 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1 tbsp oil + 1 clove garlic
Best For
- when you want authentic flavor
- marinades
- sauces
- most recipes
- homemade harissa
Description
Spicy combination with North African spices, oil, and garlic that mimics the heat and complex flavor of harissa.
Mix red pepper flakes with cumin, coriander, oil, and minced garlic. This combination provides heat and spice complexity similar to harissa.
Chili Paste + Cumin + Coriander + Oil + Garlic
Ratio
1:1 chili paste + 1/2 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1 tsp oil + 1 clove garlic per tbsp
Best For
- when you want to control heat
- quick substitutions
- general cooking
- marinades
- sauces
Description
Chili paste combined with North African spices, oil, and garlic to provide heat and spice complexity similar to harissa.
Mix chili paste with cumin, coriander, oil, and minced garlic. Use 1/2 teaspoon of each spice, 1 teaspoon of oil, and 1 clove of garlic per tablespoon of chili paste for best results.
Cayenne Pepper + Cumin + Coriander + Oil + Garlic
Ratio
1/2 tsp cayenne + 1/2 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1 tbsp oil + 1 clove garlic
Best For
- when you want to control heat
- simple recipes
- quick substitutions
- general cooking
Description
Spicy combination with North African spices, oil, and garlic that mimics the heat and spice complexity of harissa.
Mix cayenne pepper with cumin, coriander, oil, and minced garlic. This combination provides heat and spice complexity similar to harissa.
Hot Sauce + Cumin + Coriander + Oil + Garlic
Ratio
2:1 hot sauce to oil + 1/2 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1 clove garlic per tbsp
Best For
- when you have hot sauce available
- quick substitutions
- general cooking
- marinades
Description
Hot sauce combined with North African spices, oil, and garlic to provide heat and spice complexity similar to harissa.
Mix hot sauce with cumin, coriander, oil, and minced garlic. Use 1/2 teaspoon of each spice and 1 clove of garlic per tablespoon of hot sauce for best results.
How to Choose the Right Substitute
When choosing a substitute for Harissa, consider the recipe's requirements for taste, texture, and cooking method. Think about whether you need something that mimics the original exactly or if a different but complementary flavor would work. Also consider dietary restrictions and availability of ingredients.
Cooking Tips
Harissa adds spicy, smoky flavor to dishes
Harissa can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
Harissa pairs well with cumin, coriander, and garlic
Harissa works well in North African and Middle Eastern cuisines
Harissa can be used to make marinades, sauces, and dips
Store harissa in the refrigerator
Harissa is a North African chili paste with complex spices
It typically contains red peppers, garlic, cumin, and caraway
Start with less when substituting - harissa can be very spicy
Harissa is essential for authentic North African cooking
It's commonly used in tagines, couscous, and marinades
Harissa has a complex, spicy flavor with smoky notes
It pairs well with lamb, chicken, and vegetables
Always taste and adjust seasonings when using substitutes
Consider the cooking method - some substitutes work better in certain applications
Frequently Asked Questions
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