Need a harissa substitute? The best alternatives for harissa paste include chili paste mixed with olive oil, red pepper flakes with garlic and smoked paprika, and even gochujang or sambal oelek in the right recipes.
Whether you’re out of harissa or looking for a milder or spicier option, this guide covers exactly what to use, how to adjust for flavor and heat, and how to make your own harissa at home.
Table of Contents
- What You’ll Learn in This Post (and Why It’s Different)
- First, What Is Harissa Anyway?
- Best Harissa Substitutes (Ranked by Use Case)
- Homemade Harissa (If You Have 10 Minutes)
- Quick Comparison Table
- FAQs: All Your Harissa Substitute Questions Answered
- My Favorite Recipes Using Harissa
- Final Thoughts From My Kitchen
- Connect With Me
What You’ll Learn in This Post (and Why It’s Different)
In this guide, I’m sharing practical, tested harissa substitutes that I’ve used both as a professional recipe developer and in my everyday home kitchen. You won’t just get a list of swaps — you’ll learn:
- Which harissa substitute works best for sauces vs. marinades vs. soups
- How to adjust the heat level if you’re spice-sensitive (or spice-obsessed)
- How to make your own homemade harissa with ingredients you already have
- Answers to real questions like “Can I use sriracha instead of harissa?” and “Is gochujang a good substitute?”
I’ve tested many of these while developing recipes for food brands, and let’s just say: I’ve made do without harissa more times than I can count — and the dishes were still delicious.
First, What Is Harissa Anyway?
Harissa paste is a bold North African chili paste made with dried chilies, olive oil, garlic, caraway seeds, cumin, coriander, and sometimes tomato paste or lemon juice. It’s spicy, smoky, and earthy — a flavor bomb that brings depth to everything from roasted vegetables to stews to grain bowls.
If your recipe calls for harissa paste, you’re looking for that signature combo of heat, spice, and richness. But don’t worry — there are plenty of ways to recreate that flavor if you’re out.
Best Harissa Substitutes (Ranked by Use Case)
1. Chili Paste + Olive Oil (Quickest Substitute)
If you have any kind of chili paste (like sambal oelek, Thai chili paste, or even a smoky chili garlic sauce), mix it with a bit of olive oil and a pinch of smoked paprika to mimic harissa’s texture and richness.
Best for: Sauces, marinades, or adding to soups
Add-ins: garlic, cumin, coriander, lemon juice for depth
2. Red Pepper Flakes + Olive Oil + Spices (DIY Spice Blend)
This is my go-to when I want a quick, pantry-friendly harissa substitute. Mix:
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp caraway seeds
- A pinch of garlic powder or minced garlic
Best for: Dressings, roasted vegetables, grain bowls
Bonus: Add lemon juice or tomato paste for complexity
3. Sambal Oelek (Great Store-Bought Swap)
Sambal oelek is a spicy Indonesian chili paste that’s widely available. It’s a bit brighter and tangier than harissa, but it delivers the heat and texture you’re looking for.
Tip: Mix in olive oil and a sprinkle of cumin or smoked paprika to round out the flavor.
4. Gochujang (For a Funky, Complex Kick)
Korean gochujang is thicker, fermented, and slightly sweet — but in the right dish, it can stand in for harissa, especially when mellowed out with tomato paste and spices.
Best for: Stir-fries, marinades, or grain bowls
Lower the quantity if you’re spice-sensitive — it’s concentrated!
5. Red Curry Paste (Closer Than You Think)
Surprisingly, red curry paste can substitute for harissa in many dishes, especially when you add garlic, olive oil, and tomato paste.
Pro tip: Add a pinch of cumin and coriander to bring it closer to North African flavor.
6. Sriracha (Use in a Pinch)
Is sriracha a harissa substitute? Technically yes — especially in recipes where harissa is used for heat. But it’s much thinner and tangier.
Best for: Soups, sauces, or drizzling
Add smoked paprika, garlic, and a touch of olive oil to boost flavor.
7. Chipotle in Adobo (Smoky + Rich)
If your recipe can handle a smoky twist, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are a fantastic harissa paste alternative.
Best for: Tacos, roasted meats, chili
Combine with tomato paste and a dash of cumin to balance the smoke.
8. Ras el Hanout + Tomato Paste (Spice-Heavy Option)
If you don’t need a paste but want a harissa-like flavor profile, mix ras el hanout (a Moroccan spice blend) with olive oil and tomato paste.
Best for: Dry rubs, stews, couscous dishes
Add red pepper flakes for more heat if needed
Homemade Harissa (If You Have 10 Minutes)
Yes, you can make your own homemade harissa paste. It’s easier than you think and endlessly customizable.
Basic homemade harissa recipe
- 3–4 dried chilies, soaked
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp coriander
- 1/4 tsp caraway seeds
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Pinch of smoked paprika
Blend until smooth — store in the fridge up to a week.
Quick Comparison Table
| Substitute | Heat | Texture | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chili paste + olive oil | 🔥🔥 | Paste | Versatile: marinades, dressings |
| Red pepper flakes + spices | 🔥 | Oily | Roasted veggies, grain bowls |
| Sambal oelek | 🔥🔥 | Paste | Stir-fries, sauces |
| Gochujang | 🔥🔥 | Thick | Asian-inspired dishes, bowls |
| Red curry paste | 🔥 | Paste | Soups, stews |
| Sriracha | 🔥 | Thin | Sauces, soups, topping |
| Chipotle in adobo | 🔥🔥 | Chunky | Meaty dishes, tacos |
| Ras el Hanout + tomato | 🌶️ | Paste | Moroccan dishes, couscous |
| Homemade harissa | 🔥🔥 | Paste | Anywhere the real thing is needed |
FAQs: All Your Harissa Substitute Questions Answered
Can I substitute harissa for red curry paste?
Yes, with a few adjustments. Add olive oil, garlic, and cumin to get closer to harissa’s flavor.
Can you substitute harissa for tomato paste?
Not exactly — harissa is spicy and complex, while tomato paste is mild and sweet. But the two can work together in recipes.
Can I use gochujang instead of harissa?
Yes, but gochujang is sweeter and fermented. Balance it out with garlic, cumin, and olive oil for a better match.
Is sriracha a good harissa substitute?
In a pinch, yes — especially for heat. But sriracha is tangier and more vinegary, so pair with smoky spices.
Can I substitute harissa powder for paste?
Yes — mix harissa powder with olive oil and a little tomato paste to mimic the texture and flavor of harissa paste.
Is there a rose harissa substitute?
Use any harissa substitute above and add a drop or two of rose water to capture that delicate floral note.
My Favorite Recipes Using Harissa
Easy Harissa Hummus
Roast Chicken with Lemony Harissa Glaze
Slow-Roasted Salmon With Harissa
Final Thoughts From My Kitchen
As someone who believes in flavorful, easy cooking, I’ve learned that not having one ingredient — like harissa — doesn’t have to derail dinner. With the right spices, pantry staples, and a little creativity, you can make swaps that are just as satisfying.
The next time your recipe calls for harissa paste and you’re out, don’t panic — just reach for a substitute that fits the dish, adjust the spice and flavor to your liking, and keep cooking with confidence.
Your kitchen, your rules. And if you’re like me — you’re never more than 10 minutes away from a delicious homemade solution.
Connect With Me
Follow me on Instagram for more delicious recipes and food tips. And, join me over on Facebook where I share recipes daily!
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.
