Chili peppers are an essential ingredient in many spicy dishes in South America. Especially a main ingredient in Mexican cuisine. They come in various shapes, sizes, and heat levels, from mild to extremely hot. However, what if you can’t find the particular chili pepper called for in a recipe or prefer a milder flavor? Fear not, because there are plenty of chili pepper substitutes and a many types of chili peppers can be found in your local grocery store. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the best chili pepper substitutes and how to use them.
Jalapeño Peppers – Best Substitute for Serrano, Habanero Pepper and Red Chili Peppers
Jalapeño peppers are the best substitutes for serrano and red chili peppers. These green peppers have a similar heat level and flavor profile. This makes them an ideal replacement. Green chili peppers are readily available in most grocery stores and can be used as fresh peppers or pickled. They have a bright green color and a pointy end, making them easy to spot.
Chili Powder – Good Substitute for Fresh Chili Peppers
Chili powder is a common ingredient in many spicy dishes and a good substitute for fresh chili peppers. It’s made from dried and ground red chili peppers, making it easy to use and store thanks to the drying process. However, be mindful of the spice level, as some chili powders can be quite hot and ranks higher on the scoville scale. Use it in moderation, starting with a small amount of red chillies and adjusting to taste. It’s also a great cayenne pepper substitute.
Suggested: Paprika vs Smoked Paprika: All You Need To Know
Red Pepper Flakes – Ideal Substitute for Crushed Red Chili Peppers
Red pepper flakes are another great substitute for crushed red chili peppers. They’re made from dried and crushed red chili peppers and have a coarse texture. Red chili flakes have a smoky flavor and intense heat, making them a perfect replacement for those who prefer spicy food.
Poblano Peppers – Milder Substitute for Hot Red Chilies Peppers
Poblano peppers are a milder substitute for hot chili peppers. They have a unique flavor and a bright red color when fully ripe. Poblano peppers can be used as fresh chilies or roasted, and their smoky flavor is perfect for adding depth to spicy dishes.
Chipotle Powder – Great Substitute for Smoky Flavor
Chipotle powder is an excellent substitute for adding a smoky flavor to dishes. It’s made from smoked and dried jalapeño peppers, giving it a unique flavor profile. Chipotle powder is perfect for seasoning meat, fish, and vegetables, adding a smoky kick to any dish.
Anaheim Peppers – Good Choice for Mild Heat Level
Anaheim peppers are a good choice for those who prefer a mild heat level. They have a sweet and slightly smoky flavor, making them an excellent substitute for those who don’t like spicy food. Anaheim peppers can be used fresh or roasted and are perfect for adding flavor to salsas and sauces.
Thai Peppers – Best Option for Intense Heat
Thai chili peppers are a good option for those who love intense heat, since they are the hottest chilies. They’re small but pack a punch, with a high spice level that ranges from 50,000 to 100,000 Scoville heat units. Thai peppers can be used fresh or dried, and their unique flavor profile is an excellent choice for adding heat to spicy meals.
Sweet Paprika – Best Substitute for Little Heat
Sweet paprika is the best substitute for those who don’t want any heat in their dishes. It’s made from ground sweet peppers and has a bright red color. Sweet paprika is perfect for adding color and flavor to dishes without adding any spice level.
To learn more about paprika, check out this post to learn all about: Where does Paprkina Come from?
Sriracha Sauce – Perfect Replacement for Hot Sauce
Sriracha sauce is a perfect replacement for hot sauce. It’s made from chili peppers, garlic powder, and vinegar, giving it a tangy and spicy flavor. Sriracha sauce can be used as a dipping sauce or added to dishes
Other Alternatives…
Serrano Pepper
Serrano peppers are similar to jalapeno peppers, but they are hotter. They have a bright, fresh flavor and are a great substitute for jalapeno peppers if you want more heat.
Hot Sauce
Hot sauce is made from chili peppers, vinegar, and other ingredients. It is a great substitute for fresh chili peppers, and you can adjust the heat level by using different types of hot chili sauce.
Ground Cayenne Pepper
Ground cayenne chili pepper can be used as an alternative to chili pepper in a recipe. However, keep in mind that cayenne pepper is generally hotter than most varieties of chili pepper, so it is important to use it in smaller amounts if you want to avoid an overly spicy dish.
To substitute chili pepper with cayenne pepper, you can start by using a quarter or half of the amount of chili pepper called for in the recipe. Trust me, a little goes a long way. You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your taste as you go along.
Suggested: The Perfect Paprika Substitute for Your Recipes
Pequin Chili Peppers
Pequin chili peppers can also be used as a substitute for chili pepper in a recipe. Pequin peppers are known for their bright, fruity flavor and high heat level, which is similar to some varieties of chili pepper.
To use pequin chili peppers as a substitute, you can start by using them in the same amount as the chili pepper called for in the recipe. If you want a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of pequin peppers used, or you can remove the seeds and ribs, which contain most of the heat.
Keep in mind that the flavor of pequin peppers is not exactly the same as other chili peppers, so substituting them may alter the taste of the dish slightly. However, if you enjoy the flavor and heat level of pequin peppers, they can be a great alternative to chili peppers in your cooking.
Chinese Red Peppers
Chinese red peppers, also known as Tianjin chili peppers, can also be used as a substitute for chili pepper in a recipe. From northern China, These peppers have a medium heat level and a sweet, slightly smoky flavor that is similar to some varieties of chili pepper.
To use Chinese red peppers as a substitute, you can start by using them in the same amount as the chili pepper called for in the recipe. If you want a milder dish, you can remove the seeds and ribs, which contain most of the heat.
Chile de Arbol
Chile de arbol can also be used as a substitute for chili pepper in a recipe. These small, slender peppers have a bright, tangy flavor and a high heat level, making them a popular ingredient in Mexican cuisine.
It’s important to note that the flavor profile of chile de arbol is different from other chili peppers, so substituting them may alter the taste of the dish. However, if you enjoy the flavor and heat level of chile de arbol, they can be a great alternative to chili peppers in your cooking, particularly in Mexican or Latin American recipes.
Abodo Sauce
Adobo sauce can be used as a chili pepper substitute in some recipes, particularly those that call for a smoky and savory flavor. Adobo sauce is a popular ingredient in Mexican and Filipino cuisine, made from a combination of chili peppers, vinegar, and spices.
Tien Tsin Chili Peppers
Tien Tsin chili peppers can be used as a substitute for chili pepper in some recipes. These peppers are small and thin, and are commonly used in Sichuan cuisine. They have a moderate heat level and a slightly sweet, fruity flavor.
In conclusion
There are many great substitutes for chili peppers, whether you’re looking for a milder flavor or a different type of pepper. No matter what type of hot peppers you’re looking to substitute, these alternatives can be the next best thing while still providing health benefits like vitamin C.
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.
