Harissa is a spicy and flavorful chili paste originating from North Africa, known for its rich blend of roasted or dried chili peppers, garlic, olive oil, and spices such as cumin, coriander, and caraway seeds. It’s commonly used in various cuisines for its bold and complex flavor profile. However, if you find yourself without harissa, fear not! There are several excellent substitutes available that can provide a similar depth of flavor and heat to your dishes.
Do you want to replace harissa in a specific recipe? Then continue to read here or jump to our quick top 5 substitutes for harissa section.
What is Harissa?
Harissa is a versatile ingredient used in North African and Middle Eastern cuisine as a condiment, marinade, or ingredient in dishes such as stews, soups, and roasted meats. Its spicy and smoky flavor adds depth and complexity to a variety of recipes.
- Harissa Chicken: Grilled or roasted chicken marinated in a mixture of harissa, olive oil, garlic, and spices, resulting in tender and flavorful meat with a spicy kick.
- Harissa Lamb Tagine: A Moroccan stew made with tender lamb, vegetables, and aromatic spices, including harissa, simmered together until rich and fragrant.
- Harissa Spiced Roast Vegetables: Assorted vegetables such as carrots, cauliflower, and bell peppers tossed in a harissa-spiced olive oil mixture, then roasted until caramelized and tender.
- Harissa Hummus: A spicy twist on traditional hummus, made by blending chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and harissa together until smooth and creamy.
- Harissa Shrimp Skewers: Skewered shrimp marinated in a spicy harissa sauce, then grilled to perfection, resulting in a flavorful appetizer or main dish.
- Harissa Couscous Salad: A vibrant salad made with fluffy couscous, roasted vegetables, fresh herbs, and a tangy harissa vinaigrette, perfect for picnics or potlucks.
- Harissa Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes tossed in a harissa-infused olive oil, seasoned with herbs and spices, and served as a zesty side dish or appetizer.
- Harissa Beef Kebabs: Tender chunks of beef marinated in a spicy harissa paste, skewered with vegetables, and grilled to juicy perfection, ideal for summer barbecues.
- Harissa Shakshuka: A Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring poached eggs in a spicy tomato and pepper sauce infused with harissa, served with crusty bread for dipping.
- Harissa Grilled Cheese: A gourmet twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, featuring melted cheese and a smear of harissa between slices of crispy bread, creating a spicy and savory flavor combination.
These dishes showcase the versatility of harissa and its ability to add depth, heat, and complexity to a wide range of cuisines.
What Does Harissa Taste Like?
Harissa has a rich, spicy, and smoky flavor with a deep heat that can range from mild to very hot, depending on the type and amount of chili peppers used. The garlic and spices add complexity, making it a versatile ingredient in many dishes.
Top 5 Harissa Substitutes Quick Summary
| ✓ | Best for: Adding heat and flavor to dishes like Spicy Tomato Sauce and Spicy Chicken Marinade Why: Red pepper flakes offer a similar level of spiciness and can be easily incorporated into recipes. Adjust the amount to match your preferred level of heat. |
| ✗ | Texture, intensity, flavor, and moisture differences (from olive oil and lemon juice) make red pepper flakes less ideal than harissa in some recipes. |
| ✓ | Best for: Providing a concentrated chili flavor similar to harissa. Why: Red chili paste offers a similar flavor profile to harissa and can be used in equal amounts in recipes. It provides heat and depth to dishes like stews and marinades. |
| ✗ | May lack harissa’s smokiness, complexity, or texture, altering the dish’s intended flavor profile and overall consistency. |
| ✓ | Best for: Adding heat and complexity to dishes. Why: Sambal oelek is a spicy Indonesian chili paste that shares similarities with harissa. It can be used as a substitute in recipes calling for harissa, offering a similar level of spiciness and flavor. |
| ✗ | May not match harissa’s smokiness or complexity, potentially altering the dish’s intended flavor profile and overall consistency. |
| ✓ | Best for: Seasoning dishes with a dry spice blend similar to harissa. Why: Harissa powder is a dried and ground version of harissa paste, offering convenience and a longer shelf life. It can be used as a seasoning to add heat and depth to dishes, similar to harissa paste. |
| ✗ | Texture may vary, impacting the dish’s intended flavor profile and overall consistency compared to traditional harissa paste. |
| ✓ | Best for: All the recipes that use harissa Why: Crafting a swift harissa paste lets you customize spice levels. Blend chili, garlic, spices, and oil for a personalized touch. |
| ✗ | If pressed for time, making harissa from scratch is slower. Missing ingredients? Opt for quicker substitutes. |
Best Substitutes for Rhubarb
1. RED PEPPER FLAKES
Incorporate red pepper flakes into marinades for meats or sprinkle them over roasted vegetables for added heat and flavor. You can also mix them with olive oil and garlic to create a quick and easy harissa-inspired paste.
Note: Texture, intensity, and moisture variation make red pepper flakes less suitable than harissa in certain recipes.
Nutritional Info: Red Pepper Flakes vs Harissa
- Calories: Around 0 kcal for red pepper flakes vs 21 kcal for harissa
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 0 grams in red pepper flakes vs 4.5 grams in harissa
- Fiber: About 0 grams for red pepper flakes vs 1.8 grams for harissa
- Sugar: Approximately 0 grams for red pepper flakes vs 1.1 grams for harissa
2. RED CHILI PASTE
Use red chili paste as a substitute in recipes that call for harissa, such as soups, sauces, sandwiches, wraps, or meat marinades. Adjust the quantity based on your desired level of spiciness.
Note: Red Chili Paste might lack the smoky complexity and texture of harissa, potentially altering the dish’s intended flavor and consistency.
Nutritional Info: Red Chili Paste vs Harissa
- Calories: Around 40 kcal for red chili paste vs 21 kcal for harissa
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10 grams in red chili paste vs 4.5 grams in harissa
- Fiber: About 2 grams for red chili paste vs 1.8 grams for harissa
- Sugar: Approximately 5 grams for red chili paste vs 1.1 grams for harissa
3. Sambal Oelek
Add sambal oelek to soups, stews, stir-fries, noodle dishes, or dipping sauces to infuse them with a spicy kick similar to harissa. You can also mix it with other ingredients like soy sauce and ginger for a flavorful marinade.
Note: Sambal oelek might not replicate harissa’s smokiness or complexity, potentially altering the dish’s intended flavor profile and consistency.
Nutritional Info: Sambal Oelek vs Harissa
- Calories: Around 10 kcal for sambal oelek vs 21 kcal for harissa
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 2 grams in sambal oelek vs 4.5 grams in harissa
- Fiber: About 1 gram for sambal oelek vs 1.8 grams for harissa
- Sugar: Approximately 1 gram for sambal oelek vs 1.1 grams for harissa
4. Harissa Powder
Sprinkle harissa powder over eggs, dips, spreads, roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or popcorn for a spicy seasoning. You can also mix it with olive oil to create a paste-like consistency for marinades or dips.
Note: The variability in the texture of Harissa powder can influence the intended flavor profile and overall consistency of dishes, diverging from the traditional experience offered by Harissa paste.
Nutritional Info: Harissa Powder vs Harissa
- Calories: Around 44 kcal for green apples vs 21 kcal for rhubarb
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10 grams in gooseberries vs 4.5 grams in rhubarb
- Fiber: About 4.3 grams for gooseberries vs 1.8 grams for rhubarb
- Sugar: Approximately 4.88 grams for the gooseberries vs only 1.1. grams for rhubarb
- Vitamin C: About 27.7 mg in gooseberries vs 8 mg in rhubarb
- Calcium: Rhubarb is high in calcium with 86mg (Gooseberries have only 25 mg)
5. Quick Harissa (5 minute)
Experiment with homemade harissa paste by blending chili peppers, garlic, spices, and olive oil to create a customized flavor profile. Use it in recipes like hummus, roasted chicken, or pasta sauces for a unique twist.
Note: When time is limited, preparing harissa from scratch can be time-consuming. In the absence of certain ingredients, opting for quicker substitutes can expedite the process.
Nutritional Info: Quick Harissa vs Harissa
Nutritional information varies based on the specific ingredients used in homemade harissa paste. However, it generally contains similar calorie and macronutrient content to store-bought harissa.
Conclusion
While harissa is a beloved ingredient known for its bold flavor and versatility, these substitutes offer flexibility in the kitchen when harissa isn’t available. Whether you opt for red pepper flakes, chili paste, sambal oelek, harissa powder, or homemade harissa paste, you can still enjoy the spicy and aromatic essence that harissa brings to your favorite dishes. So, next time you’re out of harissa, reach for one of these substitutes and let your culinary creativity flourish!
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