Aji amarillo paste substitutes
Aji amarillo paste substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Yellow bell pepper + habanero
3:1 yellow bell pepper to habanero
Blend of sweet yellow pepper with hot habanero for similar color and heat.
The best substitutes for aji amarillo paste are yellow bell pepper with habanero, Hungarian wax peppers, or a blend of sweet peppers with jalapeño for similar color and heat.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- sauces
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of aji amarillo paste | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yellow bell pepper + habanerosauces | 3:1 yellow bell pepper to habaneroWorks | Works |
| 2 | Hungarian wax pepperssauces | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Yellow bell pepper + jalapeñosauces | 2:1 yellow bell pepper to jalapeñoTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Aji amarillo powder + oilsauces | 1 tbsp powder + 2 tbsp oilWorks | Works |
| 5 | Yellow Scotch bonnet + bell peppersauces | 1:2 scotch bonnet to yellow bell pepperWorks | Works |
| 6 | Yellow bell pepper + cayennesauces | 1 cup bell pepper + ½ tsp cayenneTweak it | Tweak it |
Yellow bell pepper + habanero
similar taste and texture
Blend of sweet yellow pepper with hot habanero for similar color and heat.
- Best for
- sauces, marinades, stews, Peruvian dishes
Roast peppers first for better flavor, adjust heat to taste.
Hungarian wax peppers
similar taste and texture
Yellow peppers with similar heat level and fruity flavor.
- Best for
- sauces, marinades, cooking, Peruvian dishes
Slightly different flavor but similar heat and color.
Yellow bell pepper + jalapeño
different taste, similar texture
Milder substitute with similar color and some heat.
- Best for
- sauces, marinades, mild dishes
Less heat than aji amarillo, may need additional spices.
Aji amarillo powder + oil
similar taste and texture
Dried aji amarillo powder mixed with oil to create paste consistency.
- Best for
- sauces, marinades, cooking
Use neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil.
Yellow Scotch bonnet + bell pepper
similar taste and texture
Hot yellow pepper blended with sweet bell pepper.
- Best for
- sauces, marinades, spicy dishes
Higher heat level, use sparingly.
Yellow bell pepper + cayenne
different taste, similar texture
Sweet yellow pepper with added heat from cayenne powder.
- Best for
- sauces, marinades, mild to medium heat dishes
Easy to find ingredients, adjust cayenne to desired heat.
Questions
4 questionsWhat does aji amarillo taste like?
Aji amarillo has a fruity, slightly sweet flavor with medium heat. It's not as hot as habanero but spicier than jalapeño, with a unique flavor profile that's essential to Peruvian cuisine.
Can I use aji amarillo paste in non-Peruvian dishes?
Yes, aji amarillo paste can add interesting heat and flavor to various dishes, but it's most commonly associated with Peruvian cuisine and works best in those flavor profiles.
How do I make aji amarillo paste from fresh peppers?
Roast fresh aji amarillo peppers, remove seeds and stems, then blend with a little oil and salt until smooth. You can also add a touch of vinegar for acidity.
Is aji amarillo paste spicy?
Aji amarillo paste has medium heat - it's spicier than jalapeño but not as hot as habanero. The heat level is generally considered moderate and approachable for most people.
Tips for substituting aji amarillo paste
10 tips- Aji amarillo paste is essential for authentic Peruvian cuisine
- The paste adds both heat and fruity sweetness to dishes
- It's commonly used in Peruvian sauces like huancaina and ocopa
- The paste can be used in marinades for meats and seafood
- It pairs well with potatoes, rice, and corn in Peruvian dishes
- Aji amarillo has a unique flavor that's hard to replicate exactly
- The paste is often combined with cheese and cream in sauces
- It's used in both cooked and raw applications
- The heat level is medium - not too mild, not too hot
- Store homemade paste in the refrigerator for up to a week