🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Aji Amarillo Paste Substitute for Lomo Saltado - Best Alternatives

Find the best aji amarillo paste substitutes specifically for lomo saltado. Learn about yellow bell pepper blends, Hungarian wax peppers, and other alternatives that work perfectly in this classic Peruvian dish.

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Quick Answer

For lomo saltado, the best aji amarillo paste substitute is yellow bell pepper with habanero (3:1 ratio). Roast the peppers first, then blend with oil and salt. This combination perfectly replicates aji amarillo's fruity sweetness with medium heat essential for authentic lomo saltado.

Best Substitutes

Yellow Bell Pepper + Habanero

3 parts yellow bell pepper to 1 part habanero

The perfect blend for lomo saltado - sweet yellow bell pepper provides the fruity base while habanero adds the right amount of heat

Best for:

lomo saltadoauthentic Peruvian flavorwhen you want the closest matchtraditional recipes

Roast both peppers until charred, remove seeds and stems, then blend with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt. This creates the most authentic substitute for lomo saltado.

Hungarian Wax Peppers

1:1

Yellow-orange peppers with similar heat level and fruity flavor that work well in lomo saltado

Best for:

lomo saltadowhen you want similar heat levelPeruvian dishessauces and marinades

Hungarian wax peppers have a similar heat level (30,000-50,000 SHU) and fruity flavor. Roast and blend with oil for paste consistency. Slightly less sweet than aji amarillo but very close for lomo saltado.

Aji Amarillo Powder + Oil

1 tsp powder + 2 tsp olive oil

Dried aji amarillo powder mixed with oil - the closest substitute if you can find the powder

Best for:

lomo saltadowhen you have aji amarillo powderauthentic flavorquick substitutions

Mix aji amarillo powder with olive oil to create a paste. Use 1 teaspoon powder with 2 teaspoons oil for best consistency. This is the closest substitute for lomo saltado if you can find the powder.

Sweet Peppers + Jalapeño

4 parts sweet peppers to 1 part jalapeño

Milder alternative that still provides good flavor for lomo saltado

Best for:

mild lomo saltadofamily-friendly versionwhen you want less heatbeginner cooks

Use yellow or orange sweet peppers with jalapeño. This creates a milder version that's still flavorful. Good for those who find aji amarillo too spicy but still want authentic flavor.

Homemade Aji Amarillo Paste

1:1

Make your own paste using fresh aji amarillo peppers when available

Best for:

authentic lomo saltadowhen fresh peppers are availablebest flavor matchtraditional recipes

Roast fresh aji amarillo peppers until charred, remove seeds and stems, then blend with a little oil, salt, and a touch of vinegar. This is the best substitute for lomo saltado if you can find fresh peppers.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Aji amarillo paste is essential for authentic lomo saltado - it provides both heat and fruity sweetness
  • 💡For lomo saltado, the paste is typically used in the sauce that coats the beef and vegetables
  • 💡The yellow bell pepper + habanero blend works best because it replicates both the heat and fruity sweetness
  • 💡Roast peppers before blending to enhance their natural sweetness and remove raw flavors
  • 💡Aji amarillo paste is used in small amounts in lomo saltado - a little goes a long way
  • 💡The paste should be added to the sauce mixture, not directly to the hot pan
  • 💡Store homemade paste in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage
  • 💡If using harissa as a substitute, add a touch of honey or sugar to balance the smoky flavor

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for aji amarillo paste in lomo saltado?

For lomo saltado, use a blend of yellow bell pepper and habanero (3:1 ratio). Roast the peppers first, then blend with oil and salt. This combination best replicates aji amarillo's fruity sweetness with medium heat that's essential for authentic lomo saltado.

Can I make lomo saltado without aji amarillo paste?

Yes, you can make lomo saltado without aji amarillo paste, but it won't have the authentic Peruvian flavor. The paste adds both heat and fruity sweetness that's essential to the dish. Use the yellow bell pepper + habanero blend as the best substitute.

How much aji amarillo paste should I use in lomo saltado?

Use about 1-2 teaspoons of aji amarillo paste per serving of lomo saltado. The paste is added to the sauce mixture that coats the beef and vegetables. Start with less and add more to taste.

What does aji amarillo paste taste like in lomo saltado?

In lomo saltado, aji amarillo paste adds a fruity, slightly sweet heat that complements the beef, onions, and tomatoes. It's not overpoweringly spicy but provides a pleasant warmth and unique flavor that's essential to the dish.

Can I use harissa instead of aji amarillo paste in lomo saltado?

Harissa can work as a substitute for heat, but it will change the flavor profile significantly. Harissa is smoky and earthy while aji amarillo is fruity and sweet. If using harissa, add a touch of honey or sugar to balance the flavor.

Where can I buy aji amarillo paste for lomo saltado?

Aji amarillo paste is available at Latin American grocery stores, online retailers, and some specialty food stores. Look for brands like Inca's Food or Goya. You can also find it in the international section of larger supermarkets.

Summary

Find the best aji amarillo paste substitutes specifically for lomo saltado. Learn about yellow bell pepper blends, Hungarian wax peppers, and other alternatives that work perfectly in this classic Peruvian dish.