🍯 Sauces & Condiments

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.

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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 tbsp

Korean fermented chili paste combined with North African spices and garlic for heat, umami, and authentic flavor similar to harissa paste.

Best for:

North African disheswhen you want fermented flavormarinadessaucestaginescouscous

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 tbsp

Hot sauce combined with North African spices and oil to provide heat and spice complexity similar to harissa paste.

Best for:

when you have Sriracha availablequick substitutionsgeneral cookingmarinadesdips

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 garlic

Spicy combination with North African spices, oil, and garlic that mimics the heat and complex flavor of harissa paste.

Best for:

when you want authentic flavormarinadessaucesmost recipeshomemade harissa

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 garlic

Spicy combination with North African spices, oil, and garlic that mimics the heat and spice complexity of harissa paste.

Best for:

when you want to control heatsimple recipesquick substitutionsgeneral cooking

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 tbsp

Hot sauce combined with North African spices, oil, and garlic to provide heat and spice complexity similar to harissa paste.

Best for:

when you have hot sauce availablequick substitutionsgeneral cookingmarinades

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 garlic

Chili powder combined with North African spices, oil, and garlic to provide heat and spice complexity similar to harissa paste.

Best for:

when you want to control heatsimple recipesquick substitutionsgeneral cooking

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

Summary

Find the best substitutes for harissa paste in North African and Middle Eastern recipes. Learn proper ratios, techniques, and tips for authentic flavor.