We have 10 harissa substitutes (with a recipe!) that’ll save your dinner and an easy homemade harissa paste recipe that you can whip up using pantry staples.
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1. GOCHUJANG
Korean gochujang is a great alternative to harissa if you love rich, spicy, umami-packed sauces. It's a bit thicker and sweeter, but still delivers that peppery taste. Mix with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic harissa's tang.
🔥 Spice Level: Hot.
2. SRIRACHA
While it’s more garlicky and vinegary than harissa, it’s a decent alternative for adding bold heat to soups, dressings, tacos or marinades.
🔥 Spice Level: Mild to medium.
3. SMOKED PAPRIKA + CAYENNE POWDER
Mix smoked paprika powder, a pinch of cayenne powder, and a bit of olive oil. Plus, you could toss in some garlic and cumin. It won’t be identical, but it’s a smoky, spicy, and an easy pantry alternative.
🔥 Spice Level: Customizable.
4. TOMATO PASTE + CHILI FLAKES
Tomato paste brings the body, and chili flakes bring the heat. Add a splash of olive oil and maybe a bit of cumin or coriander.
🔥 Spice Level: Mild to medium (you choose).
5. CHIPOTLE IN ADOBO
Okay, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are a similar swap if you’re craving smokiness. It’s richer and more BBQ-y, but still gives that bold, slightly sweet pepper flavor.
🔥 Spice Level: Medium to hot.
6. ROASTED RED PEPPER SAUCE
Blend roasted red peppers with garlic, olive oil, and a hint of lemon. It's a non-spicy version of harissa. Perfect if you're making dips, spreads, or pasta sauce. 👇
🔥 Spice Level: Mild.
7. PERI-PERI SAUCE
While it’s more vinegary and thinner than harissa, you can use it in marinades and grilled meats like chicken or beef.
🔥 Spice Level: Hot.
8. BERBERE SPICE POWDER
Berbere is a spice powder blend with chili, garlic, fenugreek, and warm spices like cinnamon and clove. Mix with oil to make a paste.
🔥 Spice Level: Medium to hot.
9. HOT SAUCE + TOMATO PASTE
Add a spoonful of your favorite hot sauce stirred into some tomato paste. It’s fast, adjustable, and gives both body and bite. Bonus: You can control how not spicy or fiery it gets.
🔥 Spice Level: Your call.
10. HOMEMADE HARISSA PASTE
You can make your own homemade harissa paste if you have the ingredients on hand. It's very easy and delicious! See the recipe below. 👇
Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating & comment below. It genuinely helps me & I really appreciate your support! Nikki 💚
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HOMEMADE HARISSA PASTE
- Total Time: 20 min Prep time + 2 min blending Time = 22 min Total Time
- Yield: about 1 cup 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
An easy homemade harissa paste recipe that you can whip up using pantry staples.
Ingredients
10-15 large dried red chilies (like guajillo or New Mexico), remove the seeds and then cover in boiling water to soften.
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste,
1 tablespoon ground cumin,
1 tablespoon ground coriander,
1 tsp smoked paprika (powder),
2 tablespoons lemon juice,
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
3-4 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for storing),
Salt, to taste
Instructions
Soak the Chilies:
Cover the dried chilies with boiling water and soak for 20 minutes, until soft. Drain.
Blend:
In a food processor or blender, combine soaked chilies, garlic, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, paprika, lemon juice, vinegar and olive oil. Blitz until smooth. Add a splash of water or more oil if needed.
Taste & Adjust:
Season with salt. Want more kick? Add a pinch of cayenne. Want it not spicy? Add a bit of roasted red pepper to the blender.
Store:
Transfer to a jar and top with a thin layer of olive oil. Keeps in the fridge for 1–2 weeks.
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