If you’ve ever tried the beloved Calabrian Chili pepper, then you know how unique and flavorful it can be. But what if the chile isn’t available in your area?
Don’t worry; there are several tasty substitutes to consider which offer a very similar flavor profile that will make any dish delicious.
From Arbol peppers to Aji Amarillo paste, this list contains 7 of the best and most fitting substitutions for Calabrian chili peppers.
So whether you’re planning on making calzone or a spicy stew, these ingredients will give you all the zingy vibrancy without having to hunt down any hard-to-find specialty items from far away lands.
What’s Calabrian Chili?
Calabrian chili is a type of chili pepper that is typically used in Italian cuisine.
These peppers are native to the Calabria region of Italy and are often used as a spice or condiment.
Calabrian chili peppers can be eaten fresh, dried, or preserved in oil.
These peppers have a fiery flavor and range in heat from mild to hot.
They are often used as a topping for pizza or added to pasta dishes.
Calabrian chili peppers can also be used to make a spicy oil or paste.
If you’re looking for a way to add some heat to your dishes, then consider using Calabrian chili peppers.
Just be aware that these peppers pack quite a punch, so use them sparingly at first until you get a feel for how much heat they can add.
7 Best Calabrian Chili Substitutes
1. Paprika
Paprika is a type of chili pepper that is popular in many cuisines.
It is often used as a spice or seasoning.
Paprika can be mild or hot, depending on the type of pepper used to make it.
Paprika has a sweet, earthy flavor that pairs well with many different dishes.
It can be used to add color and flavor to soups, stews, sauces, and more.
Paprika is also a common ingredient in spice rubs and marinades.
If you’re looking for a substitute for Calabrian chili, paprika is a good option.
It will give your dish a similar flavor and heat level.
You can use paprika in any recipe that calls for Calabrian chili.
2. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a type of chili pepper that is often used in spicy dishes.
It has a fiery hot taste that can add a lot of flavor to food.
If you are looking for a Calabrian chili substitute, cayenne pepper is a good option.
Cayenne pepper has a very strong and spicy taste.
It is one of the hottest chili peppers available.
If you are not used to eating spicy food, start with a small amount of cayenne pepper and increase the amount gradually.
To substitute cayenne pepper for Calabrian chili, use it in equal amounts.
Cayenne pepper can be added to any dish if you would normally use Calabrian chili.
3. Jalapeño Pepper
Jalapeño peppers are one of the most popular chili peppers in the world.
They are originally from Mexico and are used in many different cuisines.
Jalapeño peppers have a moderate level of heat, but they can also be quite sweet.
When substituting for Calabrian chili, jalapeño peppers are a good option because they have a similar level of heat.
4. Chipotle Pepper
Chipotle peppers are a type of chili pepper that is most commonly used in Mexican cuisine.
These peppers have a smoky, earthy flavor that can add a lot of depth to dishes.
If you’re looking for a Calabrian chili substitute that will give your dish a similar flavor, then the chipotle pepper is a good option.
When it comes to taste, the chipotle pepper is slightly sweeter than the Calabrian chili.
However, it still has a kick to it and can be quite spicy.
If you’re looking for a chili pepper that is going to pack a bit of heat, then the chipotle pepper is a good choice.
When substituting the Calabrian chili for the chipotle pepper, it’s important to keep in mind that the latter is much more potent.
As such, you’ll want to use less of it in your dish.
Start with half of what the recipe calls for and then adjust as needed.
5. Serrano Pepper
Have you ever tried a Serrano pepper? If not, you’re missing out.
These peppers are absolutely delicious and can be used as a great substitute for Calabrian chili.
Serrano peppers have a slightly different taste than Calabrian chili peppers.
They are a bit spicier and have a bit of a fruity flavor to them.
However, they are still extremely tasty and make a great addition to any dish.
If you’re looking for a way to substitute Serrano peppers for Calabrian chili, the best way to do it is by using them in the same dishes.
Serrano peppers can be used in pasta dishes, pizzas, salads, and more.
So if you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to change up your favorite recipes, give Serrano peppers a try.
6. Ancho Chili Powder
Ancho chili powder is a type of chili powder made from dried ancho chilies.
These chilies are a variety of the common chili pepper, and they have a milder flavor than other types of chili powder.
Ancho chili powder is used in many Mexican dishes, and it can be used as a substitute for Calabrian chili powder.
The taste of ancho chili powder is earthy and slightly sweet.
It has a moderate heat level, and it can be used to add flavor to both savory and sweet dishes.
When substituting ancho chili powder for Calabrian chili powder, use half as much ancho chili powder as you would Calabrian chili powder.
This will help to balance out the flavors in your dish.
7. Anaheim Peppers
Anaheim peppers are a great substitute for Calabrian chili.
They have a milder flavor, so they won’t overpower your dish.
Anaheim peppers are also more versatile, so you can use them in a variety of dishes.
Anaheim peppers have a slightly sweet taste with a hint of heat.
They are usually used in Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes.
You can substitute Anaheim peppers for Calabrian chili in any recipe that calls for it.
To substitute Anaheim peppers for Calabrian chili, simply remove the seeds and veins from the pepper.
This will help to reduce the heat.
Then, chop the pepper into small pieces and add it to your dish.
Conclusion
If you want to add a little heat to your dish but don’t have any Calabrian chili on hand, don’t worry.
There are plenty of substitutes that will do the trick.
In this blog post, we’ve gone over 7 of the best substitutes for Calabrian chili.
So whether you’re out of Calabrian chili or just looking to try something new, give one of these a try.
7 Best Calabrian Chili Substitutes
Ingredients
- 1. Paprika
- 2. Cayenne Pepper
- 3. Jalapeño Pepper
- 4. Chipotle Pepper
- 5. Serrano Pepper
- 6. Ancho Chili Powder
- 7. Anaheim Peppers
Instructions
- Select your favorite ingredient from the list above to use as a substitute.
- Follow the instructions and use the exact ratio of ingredients as directed.
- This will help to ensure that your dish turns out just as delicious as it would have with the original ingredient.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!