No harissa paste? No problem. These quick substitutes deliver the same bold, smoky heat using pantry staples like chili powder, paprika, and garlic , plus global chili pastes like gochujang and sambal. Whether you're cooking Moroccan tagine, harissa chicken, or spicy dips, you’ll find the best harissa alternatives right here.
Quick Picks: Best Harissa Paste Substitutes by Use
- Marinades: Chipotle in adobo, Harissa powder + olive oil
- Soups & stews: Aleppo pepper, Tomato paste + chili powder
- Sandwiches & dips: Garlic chili sauce, Sriracha + smoked paprika
- Tagines & roasts: Moroccan spice blend + olive oil
- Budget-friendly: Chili flakes + tomato paste
- Mild heat: Sweet paprika + roasted red peppers
- Vegan: All options listed are naturally vegan
What is Harissa Paste?
Harissa paste is a North African chili paste made from hot peppers, garlic, olive oil, and spices like cumin, caraway, and coriander. It’s smoky, spicy, and a little tangy. Perfect for marinades, soups, roasted veggies, or stirred into mayo and dressings.
5 Best Substitutes for Harissa Paste
1. Smoked Paprika and Cayenne Pepper
Why It Works: The combo of smoky paprika and hot cayenne mimics harissa’s signature smoky-spicy profile.
Example Dishes: Roasted veggies, dips, dressings, sauces
Measurement Guidance: Use 2 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper per 1 tablespoon harissa paste
2. Sambal Oelek or Gochujang (Asian Chili Paste)
Why it Works: Both add fermented chili flavor, garlic, and heat, though gochujang is sweeter, sambal is tangier.
Example Dishes: Stir-fries, marinades, broth-based dishes
Measurement Guidance: Use 1:1 ratio, taste and adjust for sweetness or heat
3. Chipotle Pepper in Adobo
Why it Works: Chipotle offers deep smoke and heat, while adobo brings tang and complexity.
Example Dishes: Tacos, burgers, chili, dips
Measurement Guidance: Use 2 teaspoon minced chipotle + 2 teaspoon adobo sauce per 1 tablespoon harissa paste
4. Chili Powder and Tomato Paste
Why it Works: Chili powder adds spice and earthiness, tomato paste adds body and mild sweetness.
Example Dishes: Stews, soups, curries, braises
Measurement Guidance: Use 2 teaspoon chili powder + ½ teaspoon tomato paste per 1 tablespoon harissa paste
5. Harissa Powder and Olive Oil
Why it Works: A pantry shortcut if you don’t have the paste. Olive oil brings out the spice blend’s flavor.
Example Dishes: Wraps, sandwiches, roasted meats
Measurement Guidance: Mix 2 teaspoon harissa powder with 2 teaspoon olive oil per 1 tablespoon harissa paste
More Harissa Paste Substitutes to Try
Use these quick alternatives when you're out of harissa but need bold, spicy flavor.
- Harissa powder + olive oil – Mix 1:1 for a fast paste.
- Sriracha + smoked paprika + lemon juice – Sweet, smoky, tangy blend.
- Carolina Reaper hot sauce – Extreme heat, use sparingly.
- Peri peri hot sauce – Vinegary heat, similar North African vibe.
- Chili flakes in olive oil – DIY spicy chili oil.
- Garlic chili sauce – Strong garlic, mild heat.
- Spicy tomato salsa – Chunky, tangy, decent fallback.
- Ancho chili powder + garlic – Smoky and rich.
- Rose harissa – Floral Moroccan variant.
- Moroccan spice mix + oil – Warm spice profile.
- Fermented chili paste – Brings funk and tang.
- Thai red curry paste – Different but flavorful.
- Roasted red peppers (pureed) – Add spices for depth.
- Tunisian Bharat – Sweet-spicy alternative.
- Spicy brown mustard – Tangy kick in a pinch.
Tips for Getting the Best Results from Harissa Substitutes
- Start mild and build heat gradually. You can always add more.
- Balance texture: thicken watery sauces with tomato paste or reduce on the stove.
- Boost flavor with toasted spices like cumin, coriander, and caraway.
- Add fat: blend with olive oil, mayo, or yogurt for smoother marinades and spreads.
- Make a batch of homemade harissa powder or chili oil to keep on hand.
- Brighten up with lemon juice or vinegar if your substitute lacks tang.
What to Use Harissa (or Substitutes) In
Harissa paste adds bold, spicy flavor to all kinds of dishes, even if you’re using a substitute. Start with these reader favorites:
- Harissa Aioli: Stir harissa (or chili garlic sauce) into mayo for a punchy dip or burger spread.
- Harissa Shrimp: Toss prawns with harissa or a blend of smoked paprika and olive oil, then grill or pan-fry.
- Roasted Vegetables: Mix harissa (or chili paste + olive oil) with root veg before roasting.
- Grain Bowls & Wraps: Add harissa or fermented chili paste for heat and depth in dressings or sauces.
FAQs
Can I use tomato paste instead of harissa?
Yes, but combine it with chili powder and warm spices like cumin, coriander, and garlic. Add olive oil for texture. Try 2 teaspoon chili powder + ½ teaspoon tomato paste per 1 tablespoon harissa paste.
Can I use sriracha sauce instead of harissa?
You can. To mimic harissa’s smoky depth, mix sriracha with smoked paprika and lemon juice. Use 1½ teaspoon sriracha, ½ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon lemon juice per tablespoon of harissa.
How do you make harissa less spicy?
Add tomato paste, roasted red peppers, or yogurt to mellow out the heat. You can also reduce chili content or use milder substitutes like sweet paprika blends.
Are Harissa and Rose Harissa the same?
Not quite. Rose harissa includes rose petals or rose water for a floral note. Flavor is more aromatic, but you can substitute 1:1 in most recipes.
Can I use chili flakes instead of harissa?
Sort of. You’ll need to mix chili flakes with olive oil, garlic, and spices like cumin and coriander to create a rough DIY harissa-style flavor.
Can I make harissa paste at home?
Yes! Blend rehydrated dried chilies with garlic, cumin, coriander, caraway, olive oil, and lemon juice. Store in the fridge up to 2 weeks.
Make my day! - Share your thoughts...