Harissa paste is a staple in North African and Middle Eastern cooking, but its smoky, spicy kick can be hard to replicate if you don't have a jar on hand. Here, you'll find the best harissa paste substitutes with creative combinations of spices, hot sauces, and chili pastes.
What is Harissa Paste?
Harissa paste is a thick, spicy condiment from North African countries like Tunisia and Morocco. It's typically made from smoked red chili peppers like bomba, cayenne, serrano, and Aleppo, along with spices like cumin, coriander, caraway, and garlic.
The texture is smooth yet chunky, with visible flecks of red chili peppers and garlic. The complex flavor profile ranges from sweet and smoky to intensely spicy and savory.
Homemade harissa paste works well as a meat marinade, vegetable topping, pizza sauce, or salad dressing. When mixed with mayo, it also makes a flavor-packed sandwich spread.
23 Best Substitutes for Harissa Paste
1. Smoked Paprika and Cayenne Pepper
Why It Works: The smokiness mimics the flavor of roasted peppers, while cayenne brings the heat. Adjust proportions to your desired spice level.
Example Dishes: stews, dips, marinades, dressings
Measurement Guidance: Use 2 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper per 1 tablespoon harissa paste
2. Korean or Chinese or Indonesian Chili Paste
Why it Works: Chili pastes like gochujang and sambal oelek pack serious flavor from fermented peppers and garlic. They bring sweetness and heat.
Example Dishes: stir fries, marinades, broths, dipping sauces
Measurement Guidance: Substitute 1:1 ratio
3. Ground Aleppo Pepper
Why it Works: Aleppo peppers are common in harissa and offer a fruity, moderately spicy flavor. Grind them for a paste-like texture.
Example Dishes: flatbreads, hummus, stews, roasted veggies
Measurement Guidance: Use 2 teaspoon ground Aleppo per 1 tablespoon harissa paste
4. Chipotle Pepper and Adobo Sauce
Why it Works: The smoky dried chipotle and concentrated adobo perfectly replace harissa’s depth.
Example Dishes: tacos, enchiladas, sandwiches, burgers, dips
Measurement Guidance: Mix 2 teaspoon minced chipotle with 2 teaspoon adobo sauce per 1 tablespoon harissa
5. Chili Powder and Tomato Paste
Why it Works: Choose a chili powder containing cumin, coriander, and garlic like a berbere blend. Tomatoes offer sweetness and texture.
Example Dishes: curries, soups, stews, braises
Measurement Guidance: Mix 2 teaspoon ground chili peppers with 1⁄2 teaspoon tomato paste per 1 tablespoon harissa paste
6. Harissa Powder and Olive Oil
Why it Works: Whisk together for an instant paste replacement. Vary oil amounts to reach the desired texture.
Example Dishes: stir-fries, roasted veggies, sandwiches, pizza, wraps
Measurement Guidance: Whisk 2 teaspoon harissa powder into 2 teaspoon olive oil per 1 tablespoon harissa paste
7. Sriracha, Smoked Paprika and Lemon Juice
Why It Works: Adds sweet chili flavor, smokiness and brightness. Adjust the lemon to balance the heat.
Example Dishes: stir-fries, burgers, wings, meatballs, eggs
Measurement Guidance: Mix 11⁄2 teaspoon sriracha, 1⁄2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1⁄4 teaspoon lemon juice per 1 tablespoon harissa paste
8. Carolina Reaper Hot Sauce
Why It Works: One of the hottest chile peppers, it packs an intense spicy flavor. Use sparingly.
Example Dishes: chili, curries, wings, pork
Measurement Guidance: Start with 1⁄4 teaspoon and adjust up for more heat
9. Peri Peri or Piri Piri Hot Sauce
Why it Works: Originating from Portuguese colonies in Africa, this vinegary sauce carries serious heat that mimics harissa beautifully.
Example Dishes: chicken, seafood, stews, chilis
Measurement Guidance: Use a 1:1 ratio
10. Chili Flakes or Crushed Red Pepper
Why it Works: These dried, crushed chiles offer concentrated spice and bright red flecks like harissa paste. Combine with oil, spices, and garlic.
Example Dishes: pasta, pizza, flatbreads, dressings, dips
Measurement Guidance: Start with 3 teaspoon chili flakes per 1 tablespoon harissa paste
11. Spicy Tomato Salsa
Why it Works: The garlic, spices, and vinegar match Harissa’s flavor. Adds texture from chunks of tomato and red chili peppers.
Example Dishes: tacos, enchiladas, tostadas, sandwiches, wraps, meat
Measurement Guidance: Use a 1:1 ratio
12. Harissa Chili Sauce
Why It Works: Often less spicy than paste, sauce captures that signature flavor beautifully.
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Example Dishes: curries, stews, tagines, braises
Measurement Guidance: Use a 1:1 ratio
13. Garlic Chili Sauce or Chili Garlic Sauce
Why It Works: This Chinese condiment packs a serious garlic flavor and moderate heat from chili peppers and vinegar.
Example Dishes: stir-fries, grilled meats, soups
Measurement Guidance: Use a 1:1 ratio
14. Homemade Harissa Powder
Why It Works: Make your own by toasting and grinding spices like cumin, caraway seeds, coriander, paprika, and chili peppers in a blender. The homemade blend allows you to control flavors.
Example Dishes: Use as dry rub on meats or whisk into oil for quick paste
Measurement Guidance: Start with a 2:1 ratio powder to regular harissa paste
15. Fermented Chili Sauce or Paste
Why It Works: The tanginess from vinegars like apple cider vinegar used in the fermentation process gives a similar flavor to harissa's funkiness.
Example Dishes: stir-fries, noodle bowls, curries, stews, dressings
Measurement Guidance: Use a 1:1 ratio
16. Moroccan Spice Blend and Olive Oil
Why It Works: Many Moroccan spice mixes contain warm spices like cumin, coriander, caraway and paprika along with garlic and chili powder or flakes.
Example Dishes: tagines, curries, roasted veggies
Measurement Guidance: Whisk together using a 2:1 ratio of spice blend to regular harissa paste
17. Homemade Chili Oil with Red Pepper Flakes
Why It Works: Infusing olive oil controls the heat level.
Example Dishes: pasta, pizza, stir-fries, eggs, sandwiches.
Measurement Guidance: Add 2 tablespoon pepper flakes per 1 cup oil. Use 2 teaspoon infused oil per 1 tablespoon harissa paste.
18. Thai Red Curry Paste
Why It Works: With a similar chili flavor base, it offers creamy coconut milk for sweetness.
Example Dishes: curries, soups, stir-fries with coconut milk
Measurement Guidance: Use a 1:1 ratio
19. Ancho Chili Powder and Garlic
Why It Works: Smoky, moderately spicy ancho powder has a similar flavor profile.
Example Dishes: Tex-Mex dishes, chili, taco meat
Measurement Guidance: Mix 2 teaspoon ancho powder with 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic paste per 1 tablespoon harissa paste
20. Pureed Roasted Red Peppers
Why It Works: Fire-roasting adds a smoky depth similar to Harissa’s flavor. Adjust seasonings to taste.
Example Dishes: flatbreads, sandwiches, pasta, pizza, wraps, dips
Measurement Guidance: Use a 1:1 ratio
21. Tunisian Bharat
Why It Works: This slightly sweet pepper paste common in Tunisian cooking offers similar harissa-like heat.
Example Dishes: stews, tagines, braises, soups
Measurement Guidance: Use a 1:1 ratio
22. Rose Harissa
Why It Works: This fragrant Moroccan harissa variety works beautifully with its floral, fruity notes.
Example Dishes: tagines, curries, dressings, dipping oil
Measurement Guidance: Use a 1:1 ratio
23. Spicy Brown Mustard
Why It Works: The tangy zip of spicy brown mustard replicates some of the chili burn. Whisk in other spices.
Example Dishes: dressings, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, flatbreads
Measurement Guidance: Start with 3 teaspoon mustard per 1 tablespoon harissa paste
15 Dishes That Use Harissa Paste
Not sure how to use harissa? This flavor-packed condiment shines in these delicious recipes:
- Harissa Chicken Wings: Harissa paste coats the chicken wings before baking them, helping the spices adhere while infusing flavor and heat. It works with shrimp, too! Harissa Substitute: peri-peri or sriracha sauce
- Spicy Harissa Burgers: The harissa paste is mixed right into the ground beef before forming burger patties to add moisture and a big, spicy flavor. Harissa Substitute: sambal oelek or chili garlic sauce
- Harissa and Honey Roast Salmon: The harissa paste is blended with honey and olive oil to create a sweet and spicy marinade for salmon fillets. Harissa Substitute: Blend of honey, olive oil, lemon juice and Korean chili paste (or sambal oelek)
- Harissa Roasted Vegetables: The raw vegetables are tossed with harissa paste blended into olive oil, which evenly coats them with spice and rich flavor - the best roasted vegetables! Harissa Substitute: Mixture of olive oil, homemade harissa powder, salt and pepper
- Tuna Harissa Melt Sandwich: The harissa paste mixes into tuna salad, infusing spice and depth of flavor in each bite. Harissa Substitute: Chipotle peppers with adobo sauce
- Harissa Turkey Meatballs: Ground turkey gets rolled into balls and then sautéed with harissa paste, adding sweet heat to each bite. Harissa Substitute: Sweet paprika and pepper flakes
- Harissa Noodle Bowls: The harissa paste is stirred into broth with onions and garlic, creating a spicy, aromatic noodle bowl base. Harissa Substitute: Chili garlic sauce or fermented chili paste
- Spicy Harissa Hummus: Traditional hummus gets spiced up with nutty harissa paste blended in for seriously delicious flavor. Harissa Paste Substitute: Red pepper flakes and ground cumin
- Moroccan Chicken Tagine: Harissa paste builds a delicious depth of flavor in the broth, along with olives, lemon, and spices. Harissa Paste Substitute: Replace harissa with a mixture of Moroccan spices like cumin, caraway seeds, coriander simmered in apple cider vinegar and olive oil to taste.
- Harissa Beef Chili: The harissa paste is stirred into beef chili, filling it with rich spice and moderate heat, contrasting the tomatoes. Substitute for harissa paste: For harissa beef chili, use ancho chili powder blended with garlic paste instead of harissa paste.
- Chicken Harissa Flatbread Pizza: Harissa sauce makes the base topping for flatbreads topped with chicken, onion, and peppers for next-level naan pizza. Substitute for harissa paste: harissa sauce or peri-peri hot sauce
- Harissa Potato Salad: The mayonnaise-based potato salad mixes with harissa paste for great flavor and texture contrast to the potatoes. Best substitutes for harissa paste: Sambal oelek or Korean chili paste
- Harissa Mac and Cheese: Harissa paste blends directly into the cheesy sauce, infusing trails of heat and savoriness in each bite. Best substitutes for harissa paste: Mix cayenne pepper and smoked paprika into the cheese sauce
- Spicy Harissa Beef Stew: Harissa paste seasons a rich beef stew, filling it with warmth and slow-building spice. Harissa Substitutes: homemade harissa powder blend or commercial blend
- Harissa Salmon Cakes: The harissa paste mixes with salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, and herbs to make incredible flavor and texture inside the patties. Harissa Substitutes: Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice, smoked paprika, and a small pinch of cayenne pepper
Tips for Getting the Best Results from Harissa Substitutes
- Start with a less spicy blend or hot sauce and adjust up. You can always add more heat!
- Mix chili paste or hot sauces into oil, yogurt, or mayo to coat food evenly before marinating.
- Toast whole spices like cumin, coriander, and caraway, then grind into a powder for superior flavor.
- If the substitute seems too watery, thicken it with tomato paste or cook off some liquid.
- Make a big batch of homemade harissa powder or chili oil on hand whenever needed!
- Boost flavor dimension by adding spices like toasted caraway seeds and ground coriander. Apple cider vinegar also brings excellent brightness.
Can I use tomato paste instead of harissa?
Yes, tomato paste can be combined with chili powder and spices like cumin, coriander, and garlic to approximate the texture and flavor of homemade harissa paste. Use 2 teaspoon chili powder mixed with 1⁄2 teaspoon tomato paste per 1 tablespoon of harissa paste.
What is a substitute for harissa paste at Chipotle?
Chipotle pepper and adobo sauce make an excellent stand-in for harissa at Chipotle. Blend 2 teaspoon minced chipotle with 2 teaspoon adobo sauce per 1 tablespoon of harissa paste. The smoky dried chipotle and concentrated adobo perfectly replace harissa’s depth of flavor.
Can I use sriracha sauce instead of harissa?
You can approximate the heat of harissa by substituting sriracha, balanced with smoked paprika for smokiness, and lemon juice for brightness. Use 11⁄2 teaspoon sriracha, 1⁄2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1⁄4 teaspoon lemon juice per 1 tablespoon harissa paste. Adjust the lemon to control the chili heat.
Is there a mild version of harissa?
Use substitutions like sweet paprika and a small amount of cayenne or red pepper flakes for less spicy harissa. Start with just 1⁄4 teaspoon of the red pepper flakes or cayenne and adjust slowly to reach the desired heat level.
How do you make harissa less spicy?
Some easy ways to make harissa less hot include using more red bell peppers than chili peppers when making your own paste, adding tomato paste or puree to balance out the heat, using substitutions like sweet paprika and limiting the number of spices like cayenne or red pepper flakes.
Are Harissa and Rose Harissa the same?
No, while both are North African pepper pastes, rose harissa has an added floral complexity from rose petals or water. Use rose harissa in a 1:1 ratio when you have it on hand for an extra layer of sweet, perfume-like aroma.
Can I substitute harissa for chili powder?
Yes, you can substitute harissa paste using a homemade or store-bought chili powder blend containing complementary spices like cumin, garlic, onion, and oregano. Mix 2 teaspoon chili powder with 1⁄2 teaspoon tomato paste per 1 tablespoon of regular harissa paste.
Is harissa similar to peri-peri?
Harissa and peri sauce have a similar flavor profile because both contain a blend of chili peppers, garlic, spices, and vinegar. Use peri peri sauce in a 1:1 ratio when substituting for harissa paste. The vinegary peri peri nicely mimics harissa’s fermented flavor.
What is the best rose harissa substitute?
The key to mimicking rose harissa is to start with a chili-based paste or powder with a blend of spices, then incorporate rosewater, rose petals or another floral aromatic for that signature Moroccan flavor. Adjust to suit your individual spice preferences and tolerance for heat.
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