Chili peppers are essential ingredients for certain dishes and types of cuisine. But what if you don’t have them on hand or you can’t handle the spice? Learn the best substitutes for chili pepper.

Jar of chili peppers on wooden surface.

Chili peppers are a popular ingredient in many cuisines around the world. They add spiciness and heat to dishes, and their vibrant color can brighten up any plate.

Peppers contain capsaicin, a compound that has been suggested to show a variety of health benefits such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gut health benefits

Chili peppers come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors, and their level of spice can vary from mild to fiery hot. Some popular chili pepper varieties include jalapeños, Serranos, habaneros, and Thai chilies.

When choosing chili peppers for a dish, it is important to consider the level of spice you are looking for. Milder peppers like bell peppers or sweet cherry peppers can be used in a wide variety of dishes, while hotter peppers like habaneros or ghost peppers should be used sparingly.

The spice level of peppers is measured in Scoville heat units. For the hotter peppers, a small amount goes a long way!

Chili peppers can add both flavor and heat to a variety of dishes. They are used in a wide variety of cuisines, including Mexican cuisine, Chinese food, Thai food, and more. Whether you’re looking for a little bit of spice or want to turn up the heat, there’s a chili pepper out there that will suit your needs.

Best Substitutes for Chili Pepper

When substituting for chili pepper, less is more. It’s better to use less than to use too much. As such, these are just guidelines. Start with a small amount and add more based on your preferences.

Most of these options can be found at local grocery stores or online.

Bowl of chili powder with wooden surface and chili peppers.
Chili powder.

1. Chili powder

Chili powder is a blend of dried chili peppers and spices, including cumin, garlic powder and oregano. It’s typically used to add flavor and heat to dishes and can be added at any stage of cooking.

Chili powder is similar to chili peppers in that it’s spicy and has a deep, complex flavor. However, it’s more mellow than fresh chili peppers, making it a good choice for those who want to tone down the heat in a dish.

To substitute one chili pepper, use 1/2 of a teaspoon of chili powder.

Bowl of red pepper flakes on wooden surface.
Red pepper flakes.

2. Red pepper flakes

Red pepper flakes are a common substitute for chili peppers. They are made from dried and crushed red peppers and they have a similar fiery flavor. They are also called red chili flakes.

To substitute one chili pepper, use 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.

Red bell peppers on wooden surface.
Bell peppers.

3. Bell peppers

Bell peppers are a type of sweet pepper that comes in a variety of colors, including red, yellow and green. They have a milder flavor than chili peppers and lack the intense heat that chili peppers have.

Fresh bell peppers can be used as a replacement in most recipes.

To substitute one chili pepper, use one bell pepper.

Jars of chili pepper hot sauce lined up.
Hot sauce.

4. Hot sauce

Hot sauce is a common condiment made from chili peppers, vinegar, and salt. It’s similar to chili peppers in that it has a fiery taste and can be used to add heat to a dish. However, hot sauce is thinner and has more of a vinegar flavor than chili peppers.

To substitute one chili pepper, use 1 teaspoon of hot sauce.

Bowl of red chili paste on wooden mat.
Chili paste.

5. Chili paste

Chili paste is a thick, flavorful paste made from roasted and reconstituted dried chilis. It has a rich, complex flavor and can be used as a condiment or an ingredient in sauces and marinades.

To substitute one chili pepper, use 1/2 teaspoon of chili paste.

Basket of green chilis on tabletop.
Green chiles.

6. Green chiles

One common substitute is green chiles. These peppers are significantly milder than chili peppers, making them a good choice for those who are sensitive to spice. Green chiles also have a slightly sweet flavor, which can add an extra layer of complexity to a dish.

To substitute one chili pepper, use one green chile.

Bowl of dried black peppercorns on burlap surface.
Black peppercorns.

7. Black pepper

Black pepper is one of the most popular spices in the world and it is also a great substitute for chili peppers. This small, but potent spice is similar to chili peppers in that it is spicy and has a bit of a burning sensation. However, black pepper is not as hot as chili peppers, and it has a more subtle flavor.

To substitute one chili pepper, use 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.

Jar of sliced banana peppers with whole banana peppers.
Banana peppers.

8. Banana peppers

Banana peppers are similar to chili peppers in terms of their shape and size, but they have a much milder flavor. As a result, they can be an excellent choice for those who are sensitive to spice.

To substitute one chili pepper, use one banana pepper.

Habanero peppers on wooden surface.
Habanero peppers.

9. Habanero peppers

When it comes to chili peppers, habaneros are among the hottest. They’re small and lantern-shaped, with a fiery aroma and a scalding heat that can linger on the tongue long after they’ve been eaten.

You can also use other peppers with a high heat level such as serrano peppers, jalapeño peppers, thai chili peppers, or pequin chili pepper.

They share many of the same flavor notes as chili peppers, with a touch of sweetness and fruitiness.

To substitute one chili pepper, use 1/8 teaspoon of dried habanero powder.

Sliced and whole jalapenos on wooden surface.
Jalapeño peppers.

10. Jalapeño peppers

Jalapeño peppers are a good substitute for chili peppers. They have a similar flavor, although they are not quite as spicy.

To substitute one chili pepper, use one jalapeño pepper.

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Conclusions

In conclusion, there are many different substitutes that can be used in place of chili peppers. Some of the most popular substitutes include bell peppers, green chiles, black pepper, and jalapeño peppers. All of these substitutes will add a similar flavor to a dish, although they may not be as spicy as chili peppers. However, using one of these substitutes will still result in a delicious meal.

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