Ingredient substitute

What can you use instead of red pepper paste (biber salçası)?

Tomato paste + roasted red pepper purée, Harissa (mild) and Gochujang are the easiest swaps. Below: 4 options with the right amount to use, what changes in the dish and which diets they suit.

The quick answer

Tomato paste + roasted red pepper purée. Ratio 1 tbsp paste + 1 tbsp purée : 2 tbsp. Closest home swap for sweet biber salçası.

Adjust: Add a pinch of salt and sweet paprika to deepen.

Tomato paste + roasted red pepper purée
Small adjustment

Ratio 1 tbsp paste + 1 tbsp purée : 2 tbsp (ratio 1 tbsp paste + 1 tbsp purée : 2 tbsp)

Closest home swap for sweet biber salçası.

Flavor
Sweet and gently peppery.

Texture
Thick paste.

Moisture
Same.

Adjust
Add a pinch of salt and sweet paprika to deepen.

Best for
Kebab marinades, Bulgur pilaf, Köfte, Soups

vegan
Harissa (mild)
Small adjustment

Ratio 1/2 : 1 (ratio 1/2 : 1)

Hotter and more garlicky; use less.

Flavor
Spicier, with cumin and caraway notes.

Texture
Thick.

Moisture
Same.

Adjust
Mix half harissa with half tomato paste for balance.

Best for
Marinades, Stews

vegan
Gochujang
Changes flavor or texture

Ratio 1/2 : 1 (ratio 1/2 : 1)

Sweet, fermented and spicy — a different flavor but works in stews.

Flavor
Sweet-hot, fermented.

Texture
Sticky.

Moisture
Same.

Adjust
Skip extra sugar in the recipe.

Best for
Stews, Marinades

vegan
Tomato paste + red pepper flakes
Changes flavor or texture

Ratio 1 tbsp + 1/4 tsp : 1 tbsp (ratio 1 tbsp + 1/4 tsp : 1 tbsp)

For hot biber salçası.

Flavor
Tomato-forward.

Texture
Thick.

Moisture
Same.

Adjust
Cook it in oil for a minute first.

Best for
Pilaf, Sauces

vegan

Common questions

What is the best substitute for red pepper paste (biber salçası)?

Tomato paste + roasted red pepper purée is the closest swap. Ratio 1 tbsp paste + 1 tbsp purée : 2 tbsp. Closest home swap for sweet biber salçası.

What is a vegan substitute for red pepper paste (biber salçası)?

Good vegan options are Tomato paste + roasted red pepper purée, Harissa (mild), Gochujang and Tomato paste + red pepper flakes.

How much should I use instead of red pepper paste (biber salçası)?

It depends on the swap. Tomato paste + roasted red pepper purée: Ratio 1 tbsp paste + 1 tbsp purée : 2 tbsp. Harissa (mild): Ratio 1/2 : 1. Gochujang: Ratio 1/2 : 1.