Harissa Paste Substitutes: for North African Cooking
Find the best substitutes for harissa paste in North African and Middle Eastern recipes. Learn proper ratios, techniques, and tips for authentic flavor.
Quick Answer
The best harissa paste substitutes are Gochujang + Cumin + Coriander + Garlic, Sriracha + Cumin + Coriander + Oil, and Red Pepper Flakes + Cumin + Coriander + Oil. 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
Gochujang + Cumin + Coriander + Garlic
1:1 Gochujang + 1/2 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1 clove garlic per tbspKorean fermented chili paste combined with North African spices and garlic for heat, umami, and authentic flavor similar to harissa paste.
Best for:
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
1:1 Sriracha + 1/2 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1 tsp oil per tbspHot sauce combined with North African spices and oil to provide heat and spice complexity similar to harissa paste.
Best for:
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
1 tsp flakes + 1/2 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1 tbsp oil + 1 clove garlicSpicy combination with North African spices, oil, and garlic that mimics the heat and complex flavor of harissa paste.
Best for:
Mix red pepper flakes with cumin, coriander, oil, and minced garlic. This combination provides heat and spice complexity similar to harissa paste.
Cayenne Pepper + Cumin + Coriander + Oil + Garlic
1/2 tsp cayenne + 1/2 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1 tbsp oil + 1 clove garlicSpicy combination with North African spices, oil, and garlic that mimics the heat and spice complexity of harissa paste.
Best for:
Mix cayenne pepper with cumin, coriander, oil, and minced garlic. This combination provides heat and spice complexity similar to harissa paste.
Hot Sauce + Cumin + Coriander + Oil + Garlic
2:1 hot sauce to oil + 1/2 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1 clove garlic per tbspHot sauce combined with North African spices, oil, and garlic to provide heat and spice complexity similar to harissa paste.
Best for:
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.
Chili Powder + Cumin + Coriander + Oil + Garlic
1 tsp chili powder + 1/2 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1 tbsp oil + 1 clove garlicChili powder combined with North African spices, oil, and garlic to provide heat and spice complexity similar to harissa paste.
Best for:
Mix chili powder with cumin, coriander, oil, and minced garlic. This combination provides heat and spice complexity similar to harissa paste.
Cooking Tips
- 💡Harissa 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 paste typically has a moderate to high heat level - adjust your substitute accordingly
- 💡Harissa paste often contains additional seasonings like garlic and caraway - consider adding these to your substitute
- 💡Store homemade harissa paste substitutes in the refrigerator for up to a week
- 💡Harissa paste is essential for authentic 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 paste pairs well with lamb, chicken, and vegetables - ensure your substitute works with these ingredients
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gochujang instead of harissa paste?
Yes, gochujang 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 gochujang with 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of coriander, and 1 clove of minced garlic.
What's the best ratio for harissa paste substitute?
For gochujang + spices + garlic, use 1:1 gochujang with 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp coriander, and 1 clove garlic per tablespoon. For sriracha + spices + oil, use 1:1 sriracha with 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp coriander, and 1 tsp oil per tablespoon.
Why doesn't my dish taste right with harissa 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 paste substitute?
Yes, blend dried chilies with North African spices, oil, garlic, and seasonings, then cook until thick. You can also mix hot sauce with cumin, coriander, oil, and garlic for a quick substitute.
What's the difference between harissa paste and other chili pastes?
Harissa 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.
Can I use sriracha instead of harissa paste?
Yes, sriracha can work as a substitute, though it has a different flavor. Mix 1 tablespoon of sriracha with 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of coriander, and 1 teaspoon of oil for best results.
Is harissa paste very spicy?
Yes, harissa paste 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 paste in a recipe?
The best substitutes depend on your recipe. For North African dishes, use gochujang + spices + garlic. For quick substitutions, use sriracha + spices + oil. For authentic flavor, use red pepper flakes + spices + oil + garlic.
Summary
Find the best substitutes for harissa paste in North African and Middle Eastern recipes. Learn proper ratios, techniques, and tips for authentic flavor.