What Is the Best Substitute for Cayenne Pepper in Your Kitchen?

Do you need a substitute for cayenne pepper to serve a dish with a spiciness that each of your guests can handle? Or maybe one of them needs to limit their spicy food consumption? Or are your friends who love spicy foods coming over, but you run out of cayenne?

Whatever your reason is for looking for a cayenne pepper alternative, my list will provide you with several options. You'll find the best substitutes for fresh, powdered (ground), and pureed cayenne pepper.

Jump to:

• 4 Best Fresh Cayenne Pepper Substitutes
• 5 Best Cayenne Pepper Powder Substitutes
• 2 Best Substitutes for Cayenne Pepper Puree
• Only the Best Substitute for Cayenne Pepper!
• Recipe

4 Best Fresh Cayenne Pepper Substitutes

I won't lie; you'll find several options when it comes to what to substitute for cayenne pepper. However, making them work for most cooked recipes can be a hit or a miss.

Thus, here are the four fresh peppers I highly recommend:

1. Tabasco Pepper

Tabasco peppers have the same heat level, flavor profile, and aroma as cayenne peppers, so they're the best substitute for cayenne pepper. It's also why you won't need to make any adjustments to your recipe. Use the same amount of Tabasco peppers as the cayenne pepper required in your recipe.

There's one issue I want you to note. Tabasco peppers are quite hard to find, so I try to stock up because they're one of my favorite ingredients when preparing enchiladas, tacos, and other Mexican dishes.

Best for just about anything.

2. Jalapeno Pepper

When asked, "What is a good substitute for cayenne pepper if I want an ingredient with milder spiciness and lower heat level?", jalapeno peppers are my top recommendation.

Based on the Scoville Scale, they're 12x less spicy than cayenne pepper. But don't underestimate the flavor it can bring to your recipes!

Jalapeno peppers have rich, earthy, smoky flavors that make the missing cayenne pepper flavor unnoticeable. These peppers are also easy to find in your grocery stores.

In terms of the amount to use in comparison to using cayenne pepper, you can use an equal amount. You can also use twice or thrice as much of this cayenne pepper substitute if you want it to match the cayenne's spiciness level.

Pro Tip: To bring out most of the jalapeno's flavor or make it resemble cayenne's flavor, I roast the fresh peppers before using them.

Best for just about anything.

3. Serrano Pepper

Red serrano peppers are slightly spicier than jalapenos but not as spicy as cayenne. That's why I recommend using twice the amount of this pepper in your recipe if you want the spiciness to be as close as when using cayenne. Otherwise, you can follow a 1:1 ratio if serving a less spicy dish is your purpose for using red serrano peppers.

Best for guacamole, pico de gallo, and salsa.

4. Thai Pepper

This substitute cayenne pepper option is slimmer and smaller than cayenne and the other fresh peppers I included in this list, but they pack a punch when it comes to spiciness! Thai peppers have twice the amount of heat level than cayenne.

So, if you're looking to cook a cayenne recipe slightly spicier than what you usually serve, Thai peppers will make the cooking process more convenient. You no longer have to taste your dish a few times to check if it's spicy enough for your spicy lover guests.

One problem you might face is it isn't easy to find in your local grocery stores. Thus, what I do is go to an Asian store when I really need Thai peppers.

What if you're asking, "What can I substitute for cayenne pepper?" because you simply run out of it and don't want to tweak your recipe's spiciness? Well, you have to be careful when using Thai peppers.

If you're still unfamiliar with how spicy Thai peppers are, I recommend that you add half the amount of what your recipe calls for cayenne pepper. Then, taste and add more as and when needed.

Best for Thai and Mexican cuisine.

5 Best Cayenne Pepper Powder Substitutes

What if your recipe requires cayenne pepper powder? What can you substitute for cayenne pepper?

While you can grind the fresh cayenne pepper substitutes, it can consume some of your precious cooking time. You will need to de-seed the peppers, place them in an oven or dehydrator for hours, and grind them to a fine powder.

If you don't have time to spare, I highly recommend the following cayenne powder substitutes that I've been using for years:

1. Paprika

As a home cook, most of you surely have paprika in your spice rack or pantry. But wait! Before you start using that paprika, are you aware it's available in several varieties?

When it comes to what is a substitute for cayenne pepper, there's no question that you should make sure it's labeled "Hot Paprika". Otherwise, you'll be using the sweet variety that can completely change the taste of your cooked recipes. You can also use smoked paprika to give your dish a tasty spicy, smoky flavor.

Whether you use smoked paprika or hot paprika, the spiciness is milder than cayenne powder because it's made of several varieties of red peppers, including cayenne. Hence, double the amount your recipe dictates when replacing the cayenne powder with this spice mixture.

Best for kebab, tandoori chicken, and other barbecue recipes.

2. Chili Powder

Made from smoked chilies, it isn't surprising for some home cooks to wonder and ask, "Can I substitute chili powder for cayenne pepper?" Plus, the answer to “Can you substitute cayenne pepper for chili powder?” is a yes.

Yes, you definitely can! Chili powder is spicier than paprika but less spicy than cayenne pepper powder. It's also a bit darker, unlike paprika which has the same color as cayenne.

One thing I want you to remember about chili powder is that some varieties contain other herbs and spices, such as cumin, garlic powder, and oregano. So, don't forget to check the label to see if you're getting pure chili powder or if the added ingredients won't drastically change your dish's flavor.

If you opt to use a chili powder product with added ingredients, I recommend reducing the amount of the other spices and herbs that your recipe needs. Doing so will ensure you don't serve overly seasoned dishes.

Pro Tip: If you want to play it safe and don't want to check every chili powder product label, take advantage of the red pepper flakes in your pantry or grocery shelf. I turn these red chili flakes into powder, and they work wonders. Simply grind a good amount of red pepper flakes with your mortar and pestle, spice grinder, or coffee grinder.

That said, depending on the spiciness level you're going for, you can follow a 1:1 or 2:1 (chili powder: cayenne) ratio when using chili powder as a substitute cayenne pepper option.

Also, you can use your whole red pepper flakes as salad and pizza toppings instead of adding cayenne pepper powder or chili powder to your spicy dressing or sauce. You can also make spicy scrambled eggs and quiches with whole red chili flakes.

Best for just about anything.

3. Jalapeno Powder

Jalapeno peppers are my second best answer to "What is a good substitute for cayenne pepper?" in my fresh cayenne pepper substitutes. Hence, you shouldn't be surprised that its powder form is also one of my recommendations for a ground cayenne pepper substitute. That is if you don't mind the color difference.

It's more challenging to find it than fresh jalapeno peppers, but it will give your dishes the same spicy, smoky, earthy flavor. In terms of ratio, you can use the same amount or twice the amount of cayenne pepper powder listed in your recipe.

Best for just about anything.

4. Gochugaru

Those familiar with this seasoning might find it odd to see it as an answer to "What's a substitute for cayenne pepper?"

Also known as Korean dried chili peppers, Korean chili powder, and Korean red chili flakes, gochugaru comes in flakes rather than powder. It's also only a slightly spicy seasoning with hints of sweetness.

However, I find that it has the closest vibrant red color to cayenne powder. Plus, these red chili flakes have a smoky, earthy flavor that can match what cayenne brings to the table. Additionally, you can easily grind these sun-dried chili peppers if you don't like the coarse texture they'll add to your dish.

That said, you can play around with the measurement, whether you plan to use these chili flakes in their original or powdered form. For less spicy dishes, use the same amount as the amount of cayenne pepper posted in your recipe. To match the spiciness of cayenne pepper or make a spicier dish, double or triple the amount, respectively.

Best for Asian dishes.

5. Chipotle Powder

When asking, "What can you substitute for cayenne pepper?", the chipotle powder is an answer that might surprise some of you. When you see it in your local grocery store, you'll easily notice its dull, brown color, which is entirely different from cayenne's color.

But after using it a few times, I can confidently say that it's a great substitute you shouldn't miss out on. Not only can you easily find it in your local grocery store. Chipotle powder also matches the spicy, smoky flavor of cayenne.

Follow a 1:1 ratio, but try to adjust the amount of black pepper in your recipe because the powder has a strong, peppery flavor.

Best for Mexican cuisine.

2 Best Substitutes for Cayenne Pepper Puree

Like with ground cayenne pepper, you can always create puree using any fresh alternatives when it comes to what is a substitute for cayenne pepper puree. But any Louisiana-style hot sauce is more easily accessible; in fact, you most likely already have one in your kitchen, saving you time and effort.

These hot sauces contain red chili peppers, salt, and vinegar, so they will give your recipe the distinct acidity and heat level pureed cayenne pepper is known for:

1. Crystal Hot Sauce

Crystal hot sauce is made from darker red peppers that give it a moderately spicy flavor profile. It's my choice for the best cayenne pepper substitute because the vinegar flavor isn't too distinct or overpowering.

Still, I recommend that you add a few dashes to your recipe, taste, and then add more until the flavor matches the taste you're looking for.

Best for just about anything.

2. Tabasco Sauce

Another great option when it comes to what's a substitute for cayenne pepper puree is the popular Tabasco sauce. Unlike Crystal Hot Sauce, Tabasco matches the spiciness of pureed cayenne.

My only issue with Tabasco sauce is you can taste the vinegar's sourness. Be mindful of this when replacing cayenne puree with it. Add it gradually if the vinegar taste will greatly affect your dish's balance of flavor.

Best for stews and soups.

Only the Best Substitute for Cayenne Pepper!

Fresh, ground and pureed cayenne pepper adds spiciness and smokiness to many recipes from various cuisines. However, its flavor profile isn't for everyone, so having the right spice substitute in your pantry is a must.

Fortunately, you have my list to refer to each time you wonder and ask, "What can I substitute for cayenne pepper?"

Recipe