Jalapeno Substitute: The Best List With 11 Alternatives

Jalapenos are among the most widely accessible peppers in stores. They have a distinct, delightful flavor and are moderately peppery.

But, if this spice isn’t available, what will you substitute in the recipes that call for them? What is an ideal Jalapeno substitute?

This post includes a list of substances that can be substituted for these peppers. 

The Jalapenos’ intended use will determine which replacement you use. Let’s dive into this post to find the best suited for your dishes!

What Is Jalapeno? 

Jalapenos, members of the nightshade genus, are medium-sized chili peppers featuring light to medium levels of spiciness.

They, like other hot spices, fluctuate in spiciness depending on various conditions throughout growing.

These replacements range from 2,500 to 8,000 heat units following the Scoville hierarchy.

They lie between habaneros and poblanos on the intensity scale and are most usually used in Mexican cuisine.

What do they taste like? They offer a vegetal taste with a hot front-of-mouth sensation, the same as a dash of green bell pepper.

Different alternatives have different levels of spiciness. Jalapenos are often harvested green and consumed before they ripen.

They don’t become more potent when they ripen. However, the flavor will get more fruity and vegetal.

These peppers are versatile, so you can add them to almost any light to moderately spicy cuisine.

If you are looking for some recipes with this ingredient, let’s watch this video:

Jalapeno Substitute 

Instead of Jalapenos, you can use a variety of substitutions in your recipes.

Below, we’ve listed a few alternatives to help you determine which substitution is ideal for you. Let’s scroll down!

1. Serrano Peppers

The serranos are a fantastic substitute for Jalapenos if you’re searching for something a little different.

Serranos resemble Jalapenos, but they are narrower and have a thinner shell.

The serrano has a flavor highly similar to that of the Jalapeno. They’re bright but not as bitter as their brothers.

Serranos are often spicier, with Scoville Heat Units ranging from 10,000 to 23,000 (SHU).

Serranos aren’t as widely available as Jalapenos, but they’re not challenging to find.

2. Bell Peppers

Many people are unable to withstand the heat of really spicy peppers. As a result, Bell pepper is a great alternative to Jalapenos.

Aside from possessing a similar crunchy texture and thick shell, the Bell peppers are not the same as their brothers.

This replacement is mild, so they’re the most fantastic option for those who don’t enjoy spicy ingredients.

If you need to lower the spiciness in a dish, look no further than this recommendation.

3. Fresno Peppers

Fresno and its relatives have similar appearances. It’s often difficult to tell them apart because they’re so similar.

Their spiciness ranges are also highly comparable, but Fresnos may be hotter, from 2,500 to 10,000 SHU.

It is an excellent replacement, especially for those who prefer spicy dishes and desire to try new things in the cuisine.

The flavor of Fresnos is sharp, smoky, and fruity. You can prepare salsa with them but start with only one.

4. Anaheim Peppers

Are the Jalapenos a bit too spicy for you? Anaheims are a suitable replacement if you don’t want to go down to zero spiciness.

These replacements range in heat from 500 – 2500 SHU, making them approximately 16 times lighter than Jalapenos.

They are somewhat spicy and boast a sweeter flavor. Anaheims may also be used to chop and make mild salsa.

Anaheims are bigger than their counterparts in terms of length. They’re a great option if you don’t want as much spiciness but want a comparable flavor.

5. Cubanelle Peppers

These alternatives, sometimes called Cuban, are a good substitute for Jalapeno.

They are delicious peppers that are pale green or yellow but can become red when ripe.

They aren’t as spicy as bell peppers and have a thinner shell. They are perfect for those who don’t like spicy foods!

6. Chipotle Peppers

Chipotle appears to be a suitable option because it is roasted, smoked Jalapenos.

On the other hand, Chipotle takes on a considerably more potent, earthier flavor due to the smoking.

It’s potent enough to take over the flavor character of a meal if not utilized sparingly.

It isn’t a suitable alternative for the sharp, green taste that Jalapenos provide for most ordinary purposes.

However, the smokiness from Chipotle can be a good option if you’re seeking a Jalapeno alternative for a BBQ dish.

7. Banana Peppers

Banana peppers, sometimes called yellow wax peppers, are a decent replacement for Jalapeno.

They have a moderate, acidic flavor and a medium size. These peppers are mainly yellow, but sometimes you can see some green, crimson, or orange.

They range in spiciness from 0 – 500 SHU, making them less spicy than their relatives. They’re perfect for dishes that don’t require a lot of heat.

8. Pepperoncini

Pepperoncini is the last spice on the list of common substitutes.

They’re commonly utilized in the United States but also called Tuscan. They are also popular in other cuisines like the Italian one.

They’re also moderate, ranging from 100 to 600 SHU on the Scoville scale, which is lower than Jalapenos.

Fresh pepperoncini are available in stores, and pickled chilies in jars stay longer than fresh Jalapenos.

9. Cayenne Pepper Powder

Perhaps you’re in a hurry but do not have fresh peppers on hand. What should you use in place of Jalapenos right now?

Cayenne powder is perfect for adding more spice to a dish.

This seasoning is made chiefly of dried, powdered cayenne, so it packs a punch.

The Scoville heat unit (SHU) value of cayenne is roughly 50,000, which means when they’re fresh, they’re hotter than a Jalapeno.

The disadvantage of using cayenne instead of Jalapenos is that it is in the form of powder.

If the dish calls for them, you’ll lose out on the crisp, fresh pepper taste of fresh Jalapenos.

Cayenne, on the other hand, is a good backup if you only need a small amount of heat.

For a similar amount of spiciness, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne for each Jalapeno is ideal.

10. Smoked Paprika Powder

Smoked paprika powder is another spice that can be substituted for Jalapenos.

Paprika is just finely crushed red chilis that have been dried. These chilies are often sweeter, softer, and have less heat.

That’s why paprika is not fiery, but it will give a red chili color and flavor, making it a suitable substitute.

Although paprika does not bring spiciness to your dish, it does offer taste and color. It has a beautiful smell that will make any dish delicious.

11. Hot Sauce

As a replacement for Jalapeño, hot sauce will be suitable in any dish that calls for it.

Choose your favorite kind and add some dashes to the food for more spice and flavor.

Even if the food contains Jalapenos, you may still use the spicy sauce to boost flavor.

Wrapping Up

Hopefully, after looking through this list, you have found an excellent Jalapeno substitute for your recipe!

Please let us know whether you tried one of these recommendations or if you have come up with another way to replace these peppers.

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