Spicy, smoky, bold, aromatic, flavorful, North African-inspired, versatile
Discover the best harissa substitutes to keep your recipes spicy and flavorful. Find the perfect alternative for your culinary adventures, from Sriracha to homemade blends.
Introduction
Harissa is a fiery North African chili paste. It brings a unique mix of heat, smokiness, and sweetness to dishes like tagines, stews, and marinades. But what happens when harissa isn’t available, or you want to switch up the flavor? That’s where this guide comes in! We’ve rounded up the 6 best harissa substitutes to keep your cooking exciting and delicious. Whether you need a quick pantry swap or a custom creation, these alternatives will save the day. Let’s dive in!
What is Harissa?
Harissa is a Tunisian staple made from roasted red peppers and fiery Baklouti peppers. It also contains garlic, olive oil, and a medley of spices like cumin, coriander, and caraway. Its bold, smoky, and slightly sweet profile makes it a star in North African and Middle Eastern cuisine. Out of harissa? No problem—the substitutes below will help you recreate its magic.
For a deeper dive into North African flavors, check out Wikipedia’s guide to North African cuisine.
6 Best Harissa Substitutes
Here are six fantastic harissa substitutes, complete with tips to match harissa’s signature vibe in your dishes.
- Sriracha: The Versatile Hot Sauce
- What It Is: A Thai hot sauce blending chili peppers, garlic, sugar, and vinegar. It’s spicy and tangy but lacks harissa’s smoky edge.
- How to Use: Swap it 1:1. Add a pinch of smoked paprika to mimic harissa’s smokiness. Works wonders in marinades, dips, or sauces.
- Why It Works: Its heat and smooth texture make it an easy, accessible stand-in.
- Sambal Oelek: The Indonesian Chili Paste
- What It Is: A raw chili paste with red chilies, salt, and a touch of vinegar. It is gritty and spicy. It is much like harissa’s base.
- How to Use: Use 1:1, adjusting for heat. Add cumin and coriander to echo harissa’s spice blend. Perfect for soups or stir-fries.
- Why It Works: Its pure chili flavor echoes harissa’s foundational kick.
- Chili Garlic Sauce: The Flavorful Choice
- What It Is: A thick, garlicky mix of chilies and vinegar, delivering bold heat and flavor.
- How to Use: Substitute 1:1. Stir in a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika for that smoky note. Great as a condiment or in stir-fries.
- Why It Works: The garlic punch and spiciness align with Harissa’s complexity.
- Red Pepper Flakes: The Pantry Staple
- What It Is: Dried, crushed red chilies offering pure heat, without smoke or sweetness.
- How to Use: Combine 1 tsp red pepper flakes with ½ tsp smoked paprika, plus pinches of cumin and coriander. Ideal for dry rubs or seasoning blends.
- Why It Works: It’s a fast, customizable fix you probably already have on hand.
- Paprika-Based Mix: The Custom Blend
- What It Is: A DIY mix anchored by smoked paprika for smoky richness.
- How to Use: First, blend 1 tbsp smoked paprika and 1 tsp cayenne. Then add ½ tsp cumin and ½ tsp coriander. Finally, mix in a pinch of salt. Adjust heat with extra cayenne. Use in stews or sauces.
- Why It Works: You control the flavor, tailoring it to harissa’s essence.
- Homemade Harissa Blend: The DIY Option
- What It Is: A from-scratch paste with roasted red peppers, garlic, olive oil, and spices.
- How to Use: Roast red peppers. Then blend them with garlic, oil, cumin, coriander, caraway, and chilies. Use chilies like ancho—see our guide to chile ancho substitutes. Use it just like harissa.
- Why It Works: It’s the closest match, letting you fine-tune heat and smokiness.
Craving more chili inspiration? Explore the versatile poblano chile or our guide to chile poblano substitutes.
Quick Comparison Table
Here’s a snapshot to help you pick the right substitute:
| Substitute | Heat Level | Smokiness | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sriracha | Medium-High | Low (add paprika) | Marinades, sauces |
| Sambal Oelek | High | None (add spices) | Soups, stir-fries |
| Chili Garlic Sauce | Medium-High | Low (add smoke) | Condiments, stir-fries |
| Red Pepper Flakes | Adjustable | None (add paprika) | Dry rubs, seasoning |
| Paprika-Based Mix | Adjustable | High | Stews, sauces |
| Homemade Blend | Adjustable | High | All-purpose |
Conclusion
Finding the best harissa substitutes is all about matching your recipe’s needs. You can grab Sriracha for a fast fix. Alternatively, craft a homemade blend for authenticity. These options keep your dishes bold and tasty. Experiment, tweak to your taste, and share your favorite in the comments or on social media!
For more spicy ideas, check out the best ancho chiles substitute on Mangoes and Palm Trees.
FAQs About Harissa Substitutes
Got questions? We’ve got answers.
- What is harissa?
Harissa is a North African chili paste. It is made from roasted red peppers, Baklouti peppers, spices, and herbs. It is known for its spicy, smoky, sweet flavor. - Can hot sauce replace harissa?
Yes! Sriracha or chili garlic sauce are great options. Add smoked paprika to capture harissa’s smokiness. - How do I make a homemade harissa substitute?
Blend roasted red peppers, garlic, olive oil, cumin, coriander, caraway, and chilies. Adjust to your liking. - Any non-spicy options?
Try a paprika-based mix with minimal cayenne, sweetened with honey or maple syrup. - Do these substitutes work in all recipes?
Most swap 1:1, but taste and adjust as heat and flavor can differ.
