What Can I Use Instead Of Harissa Paste

Last Tuesday, I was all set to make my famous (okay, my “only”) harissa-marinated chicken. I reached into the fridge, and there it was: the empty jar, a sad smear of red paste clinging to the glass like a dying memory. My husband looked at me, and I looked at him, and I whispered, “We are having plain chicken for dinner.”

But then I got mad. Not at him, but at the idea that a single jar of spicy paste could ruin my meal plan. I raided the pantry like a frenzied contestant on a cooking show. And you know what? I found five brilliant substitutes, most of which you probably have right now. Let’s save your dinner, too.

The Quick Pantry Smash-Up

Your first move is to grab a tomato paste tube or can. It’s your base because it gives that thick, rich texture harissa is known for. Take about two tablespoons of tomato paste, then add one teaspoon of smoked paprika (the secret weapon) and a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.

This combo gives you the smoky, slightly sweet, and fiery vibe of harissa without any fancy shopping. If you have a clove of garlic you can grate in, do it—you’ll feel like a kitchen genius. Honestly, this fake harissa works so well, I now prefer it for quick weeknight stews.

When You Have a Jar of Roasted Peppers

Raise your hand if you have a half-empty jar of roasted red peppers sitting in your fridge. (I see you.) Drain them, throw them in a blender with a drizzle of olive oil, a clove of garlic, and a pinch of cumin. That’s it. You get a sweet, smoky paste that mimics harissa’s texture perfectly.

10 Best Harissa Paste Substitutes - Substitute Cooking

It won’t be as fiery, so add a squirt of sriracha or a pinch of chile flakes if you need the heat. This is my go-to for spreading on sandwiches or tossing with roasted vegetables. Bonus: it looks fancy, and your guests will assume you’re a culinary master.

The “I Only Have Spices” Option

Okay, you have no fresh vegetables, no tomato paste—just a spice rack. Do not panic. Mix together: one part smoked paprika, one part ground cumin, half a part cayenne, and a tiny pinch of caraway seeds (crushed) if you have them. Caraway is what gives harissa that slightly bitter, earthy edge.

Add just enough olive oil to make a paste. It won’t be a perfect dupe, but it will bring that North African warmth to anything from eggs to lentils. I call this the “desperate but delicious” spice paste. Pro tip: add a splash of lemon juice to brighten it up—your tongue will thank you.

How to Substitute Harissa for Chili Paste

When You’re Feeling Lazy (Gochujang to the Rescue)

Here is a confession: I have substituted gochujang (Korean chili paste) for harissa more times than I care to admit. They are not the same—I know. But gochujang is fermented, sweet, and spicy, with a similar umami depth that harissa brings to a dish.

Use about half the amount because gochujang is intense. It works shockingly well in tomato sauces, marinades for lamb, or even stirred into yogurt for a dip. Yes, you are mixing cultures. No, nobody will complain. I once served gochujang-marinated chicken to a Tunisian friend, and she just raised an eyebrow and said, “Interesting.” She ate three pieces.

The Store-Bought Shortcut (Shh)

Let’s be real: sometimes you don’t want to mix anything. You want a jar that does the work. Look for sambal oelek or chili garlic sauce from the Asian aisle. They are simpler than harissa—just chilies and vinegar—but they bring pure heat and a little tang.

Best Harissa Paste Substitute (13 Picks + How Much to Use)

To make them feel more like harissa, stir in a pinch of smoked paprika and a drop of honey. You just created a cheat-code harissa in ten seconds. And nobody has to know. (I won’t tell if you won’t.)

The Final Word: Don’t Stress, Just Improvise

Look, harissa paste is wonderful, but it is just a blend of chili, oil, and spices. You can recreate its soul with what you already own. The next time you face an empty jar, remember: you are not a victim of your pantry—you are a survivor with a spice rack.

So go ahead, mix that tomato paste with smoked paprika and pretend you planned it. Your chicken will be fine. Your dinner will be better than fine. And you’ll have a new story to tell about the time you outsmarted a jar of paste. You’re welcome.