Thai chili peppers, also known as bird’s eye chilis, are little flavor bombs that bring a serious kick of heat to any dish. These peppers are a staple in Southeast Asian cooking and add a touch of spice to everything from curries to stir-fries.
But what happens when you can’t find Thai chilis at your local grocery store? Or maybe you love the flavor but want to dial down the heat a bit?
That’s where this guide comes in. We’ll explore some excellent substitutes for Thai peppers, focusing on both heat and flavor. To help you compare different peppers, we’ll also be referencing the Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) scale, which measures how hot a pepper is.
Understanding Thai Chili Peppers (Bird’s Eye Chilis)
Bird’s eye chilis, also known as Thai chilis, are small peppers with a fruity, peppery flavor and a variable heat level. These are the peppers you’re trying to replace.
To understand how to replace them, it’s important to understand their heat. Thai chilis typically range from 50,000 to 100,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). That makes them 10 to 20 times hotter than a jalapeño!
Thai chilis are common ingredients in Thai and Southeast Asian cooking. People use them to add heat and flavor to everything from curries and stir-fries to soups and salads.
What to think about when choosing a substitute
If you can’t find Thai peppers, or if you’d rather use something else, here are a few factors to consider.
Heat level
Each type of pepper has a different Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) rating. It’s important to know the SHU range of your substitute so you can match the level of spiciness you want in your recipe.
If you’re using a hotter pepper, you’ll want to use less of it. If you’re using a milder pepper, you can add more.
Flavor profile
Peppers don’t just add heat; they also have their own distinct flavors. Some have fruity notes, while others are smoky or earthy. Think about how the flavor of the substitute will work with the other flavors in your dish.
Availability
You’ll also want to consider how easy it is to find the substitute. Your best bet may be to choose a pepper that’s readily available in your local grocery store. Also, keep in mind that some peppers are more common during certain seasons.
Fresh pepper substitutes for Thai chili peppers
If you’re looking for a fresh pepper to take the place of Thai chilis, here are a few options, along with their Scoville Heat Units (SHU) to give you an idea of their spiciness:
- Serrano Pepper: (10,000 to 25,000 SHU) These peppers are similar in flavor to jalapeños, but they pack more heat. Use 3-4 serranos for every Thai chili your recipe calls for.
- Jalapeño Pepper: (2,500 to 8,000 SHU) Jalapeños are mildly spicy with a slightly grassy flavor. You’ll need 4-5 jalapeños for every Thai chili, or about twice the amount of Thai chili.
- Habanero Pepper: (100,000 – 350,000 SHU) Habaneros are very hot, with a fruity, floral flavor. Use about half the amount of Thai chili.
- Scotch Bonnet Pepper: (100,000 – 350,000 SHU) Like habaneros, Scotch bonnets are very hot, with a sweet and fruity flavor. Use about half the amount of Thai chili.
- Chile De Arbol: (15,000 – 30,000 SHU) These chilis have a nutty, smoky, and slightly acidic flavor. Use the same amount as Thai chili.
Keep in mind that the heat level of any pepper can vary, so it’s always a good idea to taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
Dried Pepper and Powder Substitutes
If you can’t find fresh Thai peppers, don’t worry. Plenty of dried peppers and powders can bring a similar level of heat to your dish. Just keep in mind that dried peppers and powders may have a slightly different flavor profile than fresh peppers, so you may want to adjust your recipe accordingly.
Cayenne Pepper
- SHU range: 30,000 to 50,000 SHU
- Flavor profile: Neutral pepper flavor with significant heat
- Substitution ratio: Use 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne powder for each Thai chili
Red Pepper Flakes
- SHU range: 30,000 to 50,000 SHU
- Flavor profile: Similar to cayenne, but with a slightly coarser texture
- Substitution ratio: Use 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for each Thai chili
Ancho Chili Powder
- SHU range: 1,000 to 2,000 SHU
- Flavor profile: Mild, fruity, and slightly smoky
- Substitution ratio: Use 1 teaspoon of ancho chili powder for each Thai chili
Guajillo Chili Powder
- SHU range: 2,500 to 5,000 SHU
- Flavor profile: Mildly spicy with berry-like notes
- Substitution ratio: Use 1 tablespoon of guajillo chili powder for each Thai chili
Less Common but Viable Options
African Bird’s Eye Chili
If you’re looking for a near-perfect heat match, African Bird’s Eye Chili peppers are a great choice. They have a Scoville rating that’s very close to Thai peppers, so you can use them in a 1:1 substitution.
You might find them ground as a spice or whole. In African cuisine, they’re commonly used in dishes like piri piri chicken or as part of the spice blend for suya, a popular street food.
Tips for using pepper substitutes
When you’re experimenting with substitutes, keep these tips in mind:
- Start small. It’s always easier to add more heat than it is to take it away!
- Consider ripeness. Peppers get hotter as they ripen.
- Wear gloves Hot peppers can irritate your skin.
- Think about flavor. If you’re using chili flakes to spice up your Chile De Arbol substitute, add them gradually.
- Taste as you go. Make sure you reach the spice level you want.
In Closing
The good news is that you don’t have to skip your favorite recipes when you can’t find Thai peppers. Finding the right substitute ensures you can still enjoy your favorite dishes.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different kinds of peppers. You might find a new favorite — and expand your culinary skills at the same time.