Best Berbere Paste Substitutes
What Can I Use Instead of Berbere Paste in a Recipe?
Use 33% of the called-for amount (so if the recipe calls for 1 cup Berbere Paste, use 0.33 cup Berbere Spice Blend (dry)). Mix dry berbere with water or oil to form paste; use roughly 1 tbsp dry + 2 tbsp liquid per 1 tbsp paste. Flavor is identical but you control moisture.
Ran out of Berbere Paste mid-recipe? Don't panic — you have options. This guide covers 3 tested Berbere Paste substitutes that actually work in cooking and baking, complete with exact ratios so you don't have to guess. Whether you need to save money at the store, there's a swap here for you. The top pick is Berbere Spice Blend (dry) — it's the closest match for most recipes. Use 33% of the amount. Mix dry berbere with water or oil to form paste; use roughly 1 tbsp dry + 2 tbsp liquid per 1 tbsp paste. Flavor is identical but you control moisture.
Want exact ratios calculated for your specific recipe? Use the free SubSwap calculator.
Get ratios for Berbere Paste →All Berbere Paste Substitutes (3 options)
Mix dry berbere with water or oil to form paste; use roughly 1 tbsp dry + 2 tbsp liquid per 1 tbsp paste. Flavor is identical but you control moisture.
Very close North African heat profile; slightly less complex spicing but works well in stews and braises. Use 1:1 by volume.
Adds heat and body but lacks the warm spice notes of berbere; better for modern/fusion dishes than traditional Ethiopian recipes.
As an Amazon Associate, SubSwap earns from qualifying purchases.
Tips for Substituting Berbere Paste
For most recipes, Berbere Spice Blend (dry) is the best starting point. Mix dry berbere with water or oil to form paste; use roughly 1 tbsp dry + 2 tbsp liquid per 1 tbsp paste. Flavor is identical but you control moisture. Watching your grocery budget? Sriracha or Chili Paste is the most wallet-friendly swap and does a solid job in most uses. If you're unsure which Berbere Paste substitute to use, think about why the original is in the recipe: flavor, texture, moisture, or binding? Choose the substitute that best matches that function.
Common Questions About Berbere Paste Substitutes
The best substitute for Berbere Paste is Berbere Spice Blend (dry). Use about 33% of the amount called for. Mix dry berbere with water or oil to form paste; use roughly 1 tbsp dry + 2 tbsp liquid per 1 tbsp paste. Flavor is identical but you control moisture.
This guide lists 3 Berbere Paste alternatives. The best one depends on your recipe, dietary needs, and what you have on hand — check the substitution cards above for details on each.
Also commonly substituted
Related ingredients
New ingredients and substitutions added regularly. Get notified first — no spam.
SubSwap is free. If it saved your recipe, consider buying me a coffee ☕
☕ Buy me a coffee