Chilli pepper substitutes
Chilli pepper substitutes — 3 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Jalapeño
Same amount as the chilli pepper
Similar pepper with different heat level.
The best substitutes for chilli pepper are jalapeño, serrano, or cayenne pepper, depending on the heat level needed.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- cooking
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of chilli pepper | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jalapeñocooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Serranocooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Cayenne peppercooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Jalapeño
similar taste and texture
Similar pepper with different heat level.
- Best for
- cooking, salsas, marinades, pickling
Different heat level, similar flavor - milder.
Serrano
similar taste and texture
Similar pepper with different heat level.
- Best for
- cooking, salsas, marinades, pickling
Different heat level, similar flavor - hotter.
Cayenne pepper
similar taste, different texture
Similar pepper with different form.
- Best for
- cooking, seasoning, spice blends, marinades
Different form, similar heat - ground powder.
Questions
3 questionsCan I use jalapeño instead of chilli pepper?
Yes, jalapeño is milder than most chilli peppers, so adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
What's the difference between chilli pepper and jalapeño?
Chilli pepper is a general term for hot peppers, while jalapeño is a specific type of chilli pepper with moderate heat.
How can I reduce the heat of chilli peppers?
Remove seeds and membranes, or soak in milk or yogurt to reduce capsaicin heat.
Tips for substituting chilli pepper
4 tips- Chilli peppers vary widely in heat level, so choose based on your tolerance
- Remove seeds and membranes to reduce heat while keeping flavor
- Wear gloves when handling hot peppers to avoid skin irritation
- Chilli peppers are high in vitamin C and capsaicin