You Can Substitute Harissa With A Popular Thai Condiment

The North African chili paste, harissa, made with roasted red peppers, garlic, cumin, coriander, and other zesty, ground ingredients, is a common addition in many kitchens, bringing spicy flavors to dishes like grilled shrimp, sweet potato and chickpea stew, hummus, and lamb. If you're fresh out of harissa, sriracha, a popular Thai condiment, can work in a pinch. While sriracha may not be a perfect substitute, it delivers a similar level of heat and a flavor profile that can be used in many recipes.

Sriracha is made from red jalapeño peppers, vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt, giving it a well-rounded, umami taste. If you're unfamiliar with sriracha, the condiment offers a blend of sweetness, savory notes, and spice, with a noticeable garlic undertone. It provides enough heat for dishes where spice is a key component and works well as a marinade for grilled chicken or mixed into sauces and soups. If you have it on hand, adding a dash of smoked paprika or cumin to sriracha can help replicate the smoky and earthy notes found in harissa. The texture of sriracha is always smooth, whereas harissa can range from smooth to chunky, depending on the brand and preparation. This difference in texture may influence your choice between the two.

Several substitutes for harissa are available, but sriracha is likely the best option due to its similar flavor profile and balanced taste. Sambal oelek is another choice; it consists mainly of ground chilies and provides a comparable heat level. However, it lacks the complex blend of spices and richness that harissa offers. Canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, with their smoky flavor, might seem like a good alternative, but the adobo sauce's distinct, sharp flavor may not work for all dishes.

Cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes can also be used in place of harissa paste, but they primarily add heat without the depth of flavor. Cayenne pepper provides a straightforward spiciness, while red pepper flakes have a dry, slightly earthy taste. Although both add heat, they don't replicate the full experience of using sriracha or harissa. Sriracha's combination of sweetness and spice makes it ideal for dishes like stir-fries and dipping sauces. Cayenne pepper, with its strong bite, is suitable for adding a kick to soups and stews. Red pepper flakes are commonly used as a pizza or pasta topping for extra heat.

While these options can work in some situations, they may not fully recreate the complex flavors of harissa in certain dishes. The well-roundedness of sriracha makes it a more reliable substitute compared to other alternatives. Its flavor pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it an excellent choice for those in need of a harissa replacement.