Thai Green Chilies Substitute: Green Thai Peppers
Discover the best substitutes for Thai green chilies including serrano peppers, jalapeños, green bell peppers, and poblano peppers. Complete guide with heat levels, ratios, and cooking tips for green Thai peppers.
Quick Answer
The best substitutes for Thai green chilies are serrano peppers (1:1 ratio), jalapeño peppers (1:1 ratio), green bell peppers (1:1 ratio for mild heat), or poblano peppers (1:1 ratio). Thai green chilies are unripe Thai chilies with moderate heat (30,000-50,000 Scoville units) and fresh, grassy flavor.
Best Substitutes
Serrano Peppers
1:1Similar heat level with slightly different flavor profile
Best for:
Slightly less hot (10,000-23,000 Scoville) but similar flavor and texture
Jalapeño Peppers
1:1Similar heat level with similar flavor characteristics
Best for:
Similar heat level (2,500-8,000 Scoville) with similar flavor profile
Green Bell Peppers
1:1Mild heat with similar color and texture
Best for:
No heat (0 Scoville) but similar color and texture, good for mild dishes
Poblano Peppers
1:1Mild heat with similar size and texture
Best for:
Mild heat (1,000-2,000 Scoville) with similar size and texture
Anaheim Peppers
1:1Mild heat with similar size and texture
Best for:
Mild heat (500-2,500 Scoville) with similar size and texture
Cooking Tips
- 💡Thai green chilies have moderate heat - start with small amounts and add more to taste
- 💡Remove seeds and membranes to reduce heat while keeping flavor
- 💡Wear gloves when handling Thai green chilies to avoid skin irritation
- 💡Thai green chilies pair well with coconut milk, fish sauce, and lime
- 💡Add Thai green chilies at the end of cooking to preserve their fresh flavor
- 💡For authentic Thai flavor, use fresh Thai green chilies when available
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Thai green chilies?
Thai green chilies are unripe Thai chilies with moderate heat (30,000-50,000 Scoville units) and fresh, grassy flavor. They're less hot than mature red Thai chilies but still provide significant heat.
What's the best substitute for Thai green chilies?
Serrano peppers are the best substitute for Thai green chilies using a 1:1 ratio. They have similar heat levels (10,000-23,000 Scoville) and flavor profiles, making them the closest alternative.
Can I use jalapeños instead of Thai green chilies?
Yes, you can use jalapeños instead of Thai green chilies using a 1:1 ratio. They have similar heat levels (2,500-8,000 Scoville) and flavor profiles, making them an excellent substitute.
How do I adjust the heat when using milder substitutes?
To increase heat with milder substitutes, add cayenne pepper (1/4 tsp per chili) or red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp per chili). You can also use habanero peppers (half the amount) for similar heat levels.
Can I use green bell peppers instead of Thai green chilies?
Yes, you can use green bell peppers instead of Thai green chilies using a 1:1 ratio, but they have no heat (0 Scoville). They're good for color matching and mild dishes, but you'll need to add other spices for heat.
Summary
Find the best substitutes for Thai green chilies including serrano peppers, jalapeños, green bell peppers, and poblano peppers. Complete guide with heat levels and exact ratios.