Thai chilies substitutes
Thai chilies substitutes — 3 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Bird's eye chilies
Same amount as the Thai chilies
Similar peppers with different name.
The best substitutes for Thai chilies are bird's eye chilies, serrano peppers, or jalapeño peppers, depending on the use.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- cooking
Updated 17 Sep 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Thai chilies | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bird's eye chiliescooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Serrano pepperscooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Jalapeño pepperscooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
Bird's eye chilies
similar taste and texture
Similar peppers with different name.
- Best for
- cooking, sauces, Thai dishes, spicy food
Different name, similar heat - same ingredient.
Serrano peppers
similar taste and texture
Similar peppers with different heat level.
- Best for
- cooking, sauces, Mexican dishes, spicy food
Different heat level, similar flavor - more mild.
Jalapeño peppers
similar taste and texture
Similar peppers with different heat level.
- Best for
- cooking, sauces, Mexican dishes, spicy food
Different heat level, similar flavor - more mild.
Questions
3 questionsCan I use bird's eye chilies instead of Thai chilies?
Yes, bird's eye chilies are a good substitute for Thai chilies, but they have different names and are the same ingredient.
What's the difference between Thai chilies and serrano peppers?
Thai chilies are more hot and have different heat level, while serrano peppers are more mild and have a similar flavor.
Can I use Thai chilies in baking?
Yes, Thai chilies can be used in baking, especially in spicy breads and crackers.
Tips for substituting Thai chilies
4 tips- Thai chilies are essential for authentic Thai cooking
- They're commonly used in curries, stir-fries, and sauces
- Thai chilies are very hot and should be used sparingly
- They pair well with coconut milk, fish sauce, and lime