15 Best Scotch Bonnet Pepper Substitutes
In need of a scotch bonnet pepper substitute? Look no further than this fun list of the best scotch bonnet substitutes!
If you’re looking for a scotch bonnet pepper substitute, you’re in luck. There are a number of different peppers that can be used as a stand-in for scotch bonnet chili peppers. While they may not be an exact match, these substitutes will still give your dish the same flavor and heat that you’re looking for. So, whether you are looking to make sauces like a good hot sauce, or simply add a little heat to dishes like stir-fries, you’re in luck!
What is a Scotch Bonnet Pepper?
A scotch bonnet pepper is a type of chili pepper that is commonly used in Caribbean cuisine. These peppers are small, but they pack a mighty punch – they’re typically one of the spiciest peppers on the Scoville scale. Scotch bonnets also have a delightfully fruity flavor. Scotch bonnet peppers can be used in a variety of dishes, from scotch bonnet pepper sauce, soups, and stews to jerk chicken and curry.
1. Jalapeño Peppers
Jalapeño peppers are a common substitute for scotch bonnet peppers. They are similar in heat, with jalapeños typically falling between 2,500 and 8,000 on the Scoville scale (compared to 100,000 – 350,000 for scotch bonnets). Jalapeños also have a similar flavor profile to scotch bonnets, with a slightly fruity and grassy taste. See fermented jalapeno hot sauce.
2. Habanero Peppers
Habanero peppers are another common substitute for scotch bonnet peppers. They are significantly hotter than jalapeños, falling between 100,000 and 350,000 on the Scoville scale (compared to 2,500 – 8,000 for jalapeños). Habaneros also have a more intense flavor than jalapeños, with a fruity taste that is often described as being similar to apricots or peaches. See fermented habanero hot sauce.
3. Thai Chili Peppers
Thai chili peppers are a good substitute for scotch bonnet peppers if you want something that is both hot and flavorful. Thai chili peppers fall between 50,000 and 100,000 on the Scoville scale (compared to 2,500 – 8,000 for jalapeños and 100,000 – 350,000 for habaneros). Thai chiles have a sharp, fiery flavor that is often used in Southeast Asian cuisine. See this sambal oelek recipe.
4. Cayenne Peppers
Cayenne peppers are another good option if you’re looking for a hot pepper with a lot of flavor. Cayenne peppers fall between 30,000 and 50,000 on the Scoville scale (compared to 2,500 – 8,000 for jalapeños and 100,000 – 350,000 for habaneros). Cayenne peppers have a sharp bite that is often used in a large variety of spicy dishes from around the world.
5. Tabasco Peppers
Tabasco peppers are another good substitute for scotch bonnet peppers if you want something that is both hot and flavorful. Tabasco chili peppers fall between 30,000 and 50,000 on the Scoville scale (compared to 2,500 – 8,000 for jalapeños and 100,000 – 350,000 for habaneros). Tabasco peppers have a sharp flavor that is often used in Mexican cuisine.
6. Serrano Peppers
Serrano peppers are another common substitute for scotch bonnet peppers. They are similar in heat to jalapeños, falling between 10,000 and 23,000 on the Scoville scale (compared to 2,500 – 8,000 for jalapeños). Serrano peppers also have a similar flavor profile to jalapeños, with a fresh and grassy taste. See mint cilantro chutney.
7. Anaheim Peppers
Anaheim peppers are another good option if you’re looking for a milder pepper with a lot of flavor. Anaheim peppers fall between 500 and 2,500 on the Scoville scale (compared to 2,500 – 8,000 for jalapeños). They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor with notes of citrus and grass.
8. Poblano Peppers
Poblano peppers are another common substitute for scotch bonnet peppers. They fall between 1,000 and 2,000 on the Scoville scale (compared to 100,000 – 350,000 for scotch bonnets). Poblano peppers have a mild flavor with notes of chocolate and coffee. This is an excellent choice if you want some flavor, but not a ton of heat. See this salsa verde recipe.
9. Chipotle Peppers
Chipotle peppers are smoked jalapeño peppers. They have a smoky, earthy flavor with a moderate amount of heat. Chipotle peppers fall between 2,500 and 8,000 on the Scoville scale (compared to 100,000 – 350,000 for scotch bonnets). See chipotle Peruano beans.
10. Guajillo Peppers
Guajillo peppers are a common ingredient in Mexican cuisine. They have a fruity, slightly sweet flavor with moderate heat. Guajillo peppers fall between 2,500 and 5,000 on the Scoville scale (compared to 100,000 – 350,000 for scotch bonnets).
11. Pequin Peppers
Pequin peppers are one of the hotter chili peppers. They have a smoky, fiery flavor with intense heat. Pequin peppers fall between 50,000 and 100,000 on the Scoville scale (compared to 100,000 – 350,000 for scotch bonnets).
12. Peri-Peri Chiles
Peri-peri chiles are a type of African bird’s eye chili. They have a sharp, citrusy flavor with moderate heat. Peri-peri chiles fall between 50,000 and 100,000 on the Scoville scale (compared to 100,000 – 350,000 for scotch bonnets). See peri peri sauce.
13. Aji Chiles
Aji chiles are a type of chili pepper native to South America. They have a fruity, floral flavor with moderate heat. Aji chiles fall between 50,000 and 100,000 on the Scoville scale (compared to 100,000 – 350,000 for scotch bonnets). See aji Chombo hot sauce.
14. Rocoto Chiles
Rocoto chiles are a type of chili pepper native to South America. They have a fruity, slightly spicy flavor with moderate heat. Rocoto chiles fall between 50,000 and 100,000 on the Scoville scale (compared to 100,000 – 350,000 for scotch bonnets).
15. Fresno Chiles
Fresno chiles are a type of chili pepper native to California. They have a fruity, slightly spicy flavor with moderate heat. Fresno chiles fall between 50,000 and 100,000 on the Scoville scale (compared to 100,000 – 350,000 for scotch bonnets).
Conclusion
If you find yourself in need of a scotch bonnet pepper substitute, any of the above-mentioned peppers will do the trick. Just remember to use them sparingly, as they can all pack quite a punch! Happy cooking!