5 Best Harissa Substitutes

Do you need a harissa substitute and scratching your head wondering what is harissa? No worries, I have you covered!

Harissa is from Tunisia and in Arabic it translates to “pound”. Meaning to pound the ingredients into a paste. The most common harissa is the red version, made with red peppers. It is used to add flavor to couscous, vegetables, seafood and meats. It’s as common in Tunisia as salsa is in the United States. However, it’s unique flavor makes it far more than just a simple condiment. In fact, comparing the two would be an insult to the complexity of harrisa!

Although harissa is becoming more popular outside of North Africa, it can still be hard to find in Western grocery stores. For example, I’ve not found it at my local Kroger, though I’ve had better luck at Target and online.

But if you can’t find it, aren’t ready to invest in it, or don’t have it on hand. I’ve got you covered with five of the best harissa substitutes that will mimic its unique flavor and save your recipe!

What is Harissa?

Harissa is a spicy red paste made from roasted baklouti peppers, spices, tomatoes, or roasted red peppers. Because of the unique combination of ingredients, harissa has a layered flavor. It goes from sweet and earthy to spicy. The texture is similar to Ketchup. Harrisa paste is also as popular as ketchup in Tunisia!

Harissa powder is the dehydrated version of the paste. You can find it in the spice section of most large grocery stores. To make a homemade paste, whisk the powder, tomato paste, olive oil, and a light squeeze of lemon.

The word harissa is derived from Arabic, which means to “pound or crush”. That directly refers to how harissa is made by crushing all the ingredients together. (Source)

Types of Harissa

Many different variations of harissa can be found all over North Africa and the Mediterranean. Here are the most popular variations:

• Tunisian Harissa – This is the original and spiciest version of harissa, made primarily with dried chilies and olive oil. This harissa is straight forward in flavor.
• Moroccan Harissa – Tends to include roasted red peppers, which make it milder and slightly sweeter. When you buy harissa in a jar, it is most often a variation of Moroccan harissa.
• Rose Harissa – A Tunisian or Moroccan harissa paste mixed with rose water. You can usually find rose harissa in large grocery stores. If you have leftover water, try making lemonade, Lebanese baklava, or rose water lemonade.
• Green Harissa – Made with parsley, cilantro, and jalapeños, giving it a different flavor profile from the more common red harissa. I think of green harissa like red and green Tabasco—the green has a slightly sweeter flavor.
• Harissa Powder – A dry spice blend that can be used as a seasoning or mixed with olive oil to create a thin paste.

What Does Harissa Taste Like?

While the flavor can vary depending on the recipe, harissa generally tastes like a smokey, spicy, and sweet mix with Middle Eastern spices (Cumin and coriander). The flavor is complex and layered. This is not an exaggeration. I am obsessed with harissa!

#1 – Sriracha

Best all-around harissa paste substitute

Sriracha is a popular hot sauce from Thailand made from chile peppers, vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt. It is bright red paste with the primary ingredient being peppers, the same as harissa. It is also mild in heat and slightly tangy from the vinegar.

Sriracha is easily found in most grocery stores. Because of the texture and spice, Sriracha is the best all around harissa paste substitute.

#2. Cayenne Pepper

Best all-around harissa powder substitute

Cayenne pepper is ground up dried red chili peppers. Because most people have cayenne pepper in their spice racks, it is an easy substitute!

I recommend using it in recipes you typically season with dried spices, such as scrambled eggs, roasted veggies, or soups.

#3. Sambal Oelek

Recommended Harissa Paste Alternative in Soups and Stews

Sambal oelek is an Indonesian spicy chili paste made by blending red chili peppers, salt, and vinegar. Sambal oelek is corser than harissa, but does have a simillar consistancy.

You can find it in the Asian aisle at most large grocery stores.

#4. Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce

Recommended Harissa Paste Alternative in Soups and Stews

Chipotle peppers are smoked jalapeño. But when you buy canned chipotle with adobo sauce, you get an excellent harissa paste substitute. The adobo sauce has a tomato-like traditional harissa flavor, but it also has a tanginess from the vinegar and garlic. You can find them in small cans near the canned green chiles in the Hispanic aisle. The peppers are intact, so blend them into a sauce before substituting!

Note: Chipotles can be very spicy, so start with 1/4 of what the recipe calls for and increase until you reach your desired heat level.

#5. Red Pepper Flakes

Favorite Harissa Powder Alternative for Adding Mildly Spicy Flavor

Red pepper flakes are dried and crushed red chili peppers. They are a popular pizza and pasta seasoning. They can be spicy, but they also have a slightly sweet flavor.

I recommend using red pepper flakes as a substitute for harissa powder in recipes you want to add a kick to, such as tomato sauce or roasted cauliflower.