Substitutes for Jalapeno

The jalapeño pepper, with a SHU ranging from 2500 to 8000, is one of the most popular and widely used peppers, appearing in various cuisines worldwide.

Jalapeno peppers, whether green or red, can be used interchangeably. But what if jalapeño peppers are too spicy for you? Are there any other peppers that may be substituted?

Yes! Serrano Pepper, Fresno Pepper, Anaheim Pepper, Bell Peppers, Cayenne Pepper Powder, Smoked Paprika Powder, Hot Sauce, Cubanelle Peppers, Banana Pepper, and Pepperoncini can be used in place of jalapeño peppers.

On this list of suitable substitutes, you’ll find spicy options that are even hotter than jalapenos, as well as gentler options for times you don’t want spicy food.

Substitutes for Jalapeno Peppers

Several pepper kinds may be substituted for jalapeño peppers. We’ve included a few alternatives below to help you determine which pepper is ideal for you.

1 . Serrano Pepper

The serrano pepper tastes quite similar to the jalapeño pepper. They are brilliant but not as bitter as the others. The serrano pepper is often hotter, with a heat index ranging from 10,000 to 23,000 SHU.

Aside from the intensity of heat, they are nearly identical and can thus be an excellent substitute for one another. Serrano peppers are not as standard on the market as jalapenos, but they are not hard to locate.

2. Fresno Pepper

The Fresno pepper is another pepper that resembles a jalapeño. They are so similar that it can be difficult to tell them apart at times. They also have roughly the same heat range. However, Fresno peppers can be hotter, reaching up to 10,000 SHU. This pepper is an excellent replacement, especially if you prefer spicy dishes and want to explore in the kitchen.

Fresno peppers have a taste that is sharp, smoky, and fruity. You may use them to create salsa, but start with one and add more if it’s not spicy enough. In most recipes, both peppers are an excellent substitute for one another.

3. Anaheim pepper

If jalapeño peppers are too spicy for you, Anaheim peppers are a good option. They have a milder heat and a sweeter flavor. They’re also great for chopping and producing milder salsa. These peppers range in SHU from 500 to 2500.

Anaheim peppers are longer than jalapenos in terms of length. This pepper is an excellent replacement if you prefer less spice but still want a comparable flavor.

4. Bell Peppers

Many individuals cannot endure spicy peppers, so bell peppers are an ideal replacement for jalapenos. Bell peppers are mild, making them an excellent choice for those who dislike spicy foods.

They don’t have much in common when comparing the two peppers, save for their thick walls and crisp texture. When you want to lower the heat in a recipe, use bell peppers.

5. Cayenne Pepper Powder

Another excellent and straightforward replacement for jalapeño peppers is cayenne pepper powder. Cayenne pepper powder has 50,000 SHU, making it hotter than a jalapeño.

You may use this powder in various dishes if you can handle it. Of course, when cooking, bear in mind how much you use. As a guideline, use 12 Tbsp cayenne pepper for one jalapeño to achieve a similar heat level.

6. Smoked Paprika Powder

The smoked paprika powder can also be used in the jalapeno powder. Unlike cayenne pepper powder, this powder is not extremely hot but will give your cuisine color and taste.

This powder is powdered dry paprika that has been sweetened and is not spicy. It emits a delicious perfume and will make your dinner more appetizing. Make salsa or other spicy sauces using it.

7. Hot Sauce

You may always use hot sauce as another spicy option, and it can be used for any dish that calls for jalapeño. Use Tabasco or Frank’s Red Hot, which has a similar spiciness to jalapeño peppers.

8. Cubanelle peppers

These, sometimes called Cuban peppers, are a good substitute for jalapeño peppers. They are delicious peppers typically pale yellow or green but can become red when ripe. They are perfect for those who do not love spicy foods! They are not spicy, and their flesh is thinner than bell peppers.

9. Banana pepper

Banana peppers, often known as yellow wax peppers, are suitable for jalapeño peppers. They are often yellow, although they may also be green, red, or even orange. They have a moderate, acidic flavor and are medium in size.

In terms of heat, they can range from 0 to 500 SHU on the Scoville scale, making them less spicy than jalapenos. Use them in dishes that don’t require a lot of heat.

10. Pepperoncini

The pepperoncini peppers are the last on our list of possible substitutes. They are commonly used in the United States, but they are also known as Tuscan Peppers and are utilized in Italian cuisine. They are also relatively moderate, with a SHU range of 100-600, lower than jalapenos.

They are commonly available fresh in marketplaces or pickled in jars (which will last longer than fresh peppers), when you don’t want too much spice, substitute jalapenos.

Can you substitute red pepper flakes with fresh jalapeño peppers?

Without a doubt! Remember that they are spicier than jalapenos, so don’t overdo it! Red pepper flakes will suffice if you don’t have any fresh jalapenos on hand.

Can I use hot sauce instead of jalapeño peppers?

Hot sauce is an excellent alternative for jalapeño peppers. Select a heat level from the scale and incorporate it into your cooking.

Can green chilies be used instead of jalapeño peppers?

Because there is no distinction between the two, they can be used interchangeably. However, keep in mind that jalapenos are spicier and green chilies are gentler.