Piquillo Peppers Substitute: for Every Recipe & Use Case
Find the best substitutes for piquillo peppers in any recipe. Complete guide covering roasted red peppers, jarred alternatives, and fresh options with detailed ratios and cooking tips.
Quick Answer
The best piquillo peppers substitutes are roasted red peppers (1:1 ratio) for similar texture and sweetness, jarred roasted peppers for convenience, or fresh bell peppers roasted at home. Each option works well depending on your recipe needs.
Best Substitutes
Roasted Red Peppers
1:1The closest substitute to piquillo peppers with similar sweet, smoky flavor and tender texture. Perfect for most recipes calling for piquillo peppers.
Best for:
Available fresh or jarred. If using fresh, roast them first to achieve similar texture and flavor.
Jarred Roasted Peppers
1:1Convenient substitute that's already roasted and ready to use. Look for Spanish or Italian varieties for best flavor match.
Best for:
Drain well before using. Some brands may have added vinegar or oil that could affect flavor.
Fresh Bell Peppers (Roasted)
1:1Fresh alternative that you can roast at home. Red bell peppers work best for closest flavor match to piquillo peppers.
Best for:
Roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until charred, then steam in a covered bowl for 10 minutes before peeling.
Cubanelle Peppers
1:1Sweet, mild peppers that work well as a substitute. Roast them first for best results.
Best for:
These are milder than piquillo peppers but work well in most recipes. Roast before using for best texture.
Banana Peppers
1:1Sweet peppers with a slightly different flavor profile but similar texture when roasted.
Best for:
These are slightly sweeter than piquillo peppers. Roast before using for best results.
Poblano Peppers
1:1Mild peppers that work well as a substitute, especially when roasted and peeled.
Best for:
These are larger than piquillo peppers, so you may need to adjust quantities. Roast and peel before using.
Cooking Tips
- 💡If using fresh peppers as substitutes, always roast them first to achieve the tender texture of piquillo peppers
- 💡When roasting peppers, place them under the broiler or on a grill until the skin is charred, then steam in a covered bowl for 10 minutes before peeling
- 💡Jarred roasted peppers should be drained well before using to remove excess liquid
- 💡For stuffed pepper recipes, choose peppers that are similar in size to piquillo peppers
- 💡Piquillo peppers are typically used in Spanish and Mediterranean dishes, so consider the cuisine when choosing substitutes
- 💡If you can't find roasted red peppers, you can make them at home by roasting bell peppers and following the same charring and steaming process
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you substitute for piquillo peppers?
The best substitutes for piquillo peppers are roasted red peppers, jarred roasted peppers, or fresh bell peppers that you roast at home. Each provides similar sweet, smoky flavor and tender texture that works well in most recipes.
Can I use jarred roasted peppers instead of piquillo peppers?
Yes, jarred roasted peppers are an excellent substitute for piquillo peppers. They have similar texture and flavor, and are convenient to use. Just make sure to drain them well before using in your recipe.
What's the difference between piquillo peppers and roasted red peppers?
Piquillo peppers are a specific Spanish variety with a distinctive sweet, smoky flavor, while roasted red peppers are typically made from bell peppers. Both have similar texture when roasted, but piquillo peppers have a more complex flavor profile.
Can I use fresh bell peppers instead of piquillo peppers?
Yes, but you'll need to roast them first. Fresh bell peppers have a different texture than piquillo peppers, so roasting them will give you the tender, smoky quality that makes piquillo peppers special.
Are piquillo peppers spicy?
No, piquillo peppers are sweet and mild, not spicy. They have a distinctive sweet, smoky flavor that's perfect for dishes where you want pepper flavor without heat.
Where can I buy piquillo peppers?
Piquillo peppers are available in specialty food stores, Spanish markets, and online. They're typically sold jarred in oil or water. If you can't find them, roasted red peppers make an excellent substitute.
Can I substitute piquillo peppers in Spanish recipes?
Yes, roasted red peppers work well in most Spanish recipes that call for piquillo peppers. The flavor will be slightly different but still authentic to the dish. For the most authentic taste, try to find jarred Spanish roasted peppers.
Summary
Find the best substitutes for piquillo peppers in any recipe. Complete guide covering roasted red peppers, jarred alternatives, and fresh options with detailed ratios and cooking tips.