The Scotch bonnet pepper is a popular ingredient in spicy soups, pasta sauces, pickled pepper recipes, marinades, and salsas. Due to its high demand, we have provided substitutes you can use if you run out of Scotch Bonnet pepper or want to try a new recipe.
Alternatives to Scotch bonnet pepper includes Habanero, Serrano, Thai red pepper, African bird’s eye pepper, Pequin pepper, Jalapeno, Red Cayenne pepper, Fresno pepper, Rocotillo pepper, Tabasco sauce or pepper, and Ghost pepper.
The Scotch bonnet substitutes provided vary in heat and flavor but can serve as excellent ingredients in your dishes.
11 Scotch Bonnet Pepper Substitutes
Below are scotch bonnet pepper substitutes to try today:
1. Habanero Pepper
The Habanero pepper has a strong heat profile similar to the Scotch bonnet pepper. It can be used in recipes that call for ripe or unripe Scotch bonnet peppers. The habanero pepper can be used in sauces, salsas, salad dressings, and curried recipes.
Removing the seeds from a habanero pepper is an effective way to reduce the amount of heat in your dish. The habanero pepper contains antioxidants that lower the risk of cancer, lower cholesterol levels, and is a rich source of vitamin C.
2. Jalapeno Pepper
Because jalapeno peppers are one of the most popular peppers in the United States, they are frequently used as a substitute for scotch bonnet peppers.
Although jalapenos have a lower heat level than scotch bonnets, they can be used as substitutes because of the distinct and sweet flavor they impart to dishes.
Jalapenos are often homegrown and sold in supermarkets, so they are always available. If you want a spicy meal, leave the seeds and white pith on the jalapeno pepper.
3. Serrano Pepper
Serrano pepper can be used in salsas, salads, sandwiches, stews, soups, and sauces that call for Scotch bonnet pepper. Remove the white pith from your serrano pepper to reduce the heat level. Like Scotch bonnet peppers, Serrano peppers can be pan-cooked or roasted.
Serrano peppers are a popular alternative to Scotch bonnet peppers because they are available in stores and can be homegrown as they are easy to propagate and maintain. Serrano peppers are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and manganese.
4. Thai Red Pepper
Thai red pepper has varieties and any of the varieties can be used to replace Scotch bonnet. However, scotch bonnet has a higher heat level than Thai red pepper. When using Thai red pepper, you may need to use more than the required amount in your recipe.
This substitute can be used fresh, dried, powdered, and in sauces, curries, and soups, among other things. Thai red peppers contain a lot of vitamins and minerals.
5. African Bird’s-Eye Pepper
In tacos, nachos, sauces, and marinades that call for a fiery flavor, African bird’s-eye pepper can be used in place of scotch bonnet pepper. African bird’s eye can also be used to add a spicy flavor to mayonnaise or ketchup.
When substituting African bird’s-eye pepper for the Scotch bonnet pepper, use more than the amount required to match the heat level. African bird’s-eye pepper relieves joint pain and improves cardiovascular health.
6. Pequin Pepper
If you want a less spicy flavor in your dish, Pequin pepper can be used in place of Scotch Bonnet pepper.
Pequin pepper will add a fruity and fiery flavor to your sauces, stews, and salsas. Depending on what you are cooking, you can use unripe or ripe pequin pepper. Pequin pepper is high in vitamin C, vitamin A, and minerals.
7. Ghost Pepper
The ghost pepper is used as an alternative to scotch bonnet in dishes that call for an extremely spicy flavor. The Ghost pepper is at least twice as hot as the Scotch bonnet pepper. If you don’t want something spicy, use less than the required amount.
Ghost peppers can be used in hot salads, pasta, and sauces. We recommend wearing gloves when handling ghost peppers because they are extremely spicy and can cause skin or eye irritation.
8. Red Cayenne Pepper
Because red cayenne has more heat than unripe cayenne, it can be used in place of scotch bonnet pepper. To achieve the desired heat and spiciness in your dish, we recommend using ripe cayenne pepper.
Cayenne pepper, whether fresh or dried, can be used in a variety of ways. They can be used to make lemonades, sauces, stews, soups, and salsas. Red cayenne pepper, when taken adequately, will improve your metabolism and aid digestion.
9. Fresno Pepper
The Fresno pepper has similarities to jalapenos and can be used in recipes in place of the Scotch Bonnet pepper. Fresno peppers are thicker by nature than jalapenos.
If you are using Fresno pepper instead of Scotch bonnet pepper, use more than the required amount.
Using more than the recommended amount helps it match the heat level of scotch bonnet pepper. Fresno peppers are a good source of iron, thiamin, niacin, and riboflavin.
10. Rocotillo Pepper
If you want a less spicy dish, try rocotillo peppers instead of the scotch bonnet. Rocotillo peppers have different colors for each stage of their growth. However, depending on the recipe, any type of rocotillo pepper can be used.
If your recipe calls for sweet and spicy, use ripe rocotillo peppers. Rocotillo pepper includes components that aid in the treatment of colds and flu. They can also help with allergies and nausea.
11. Tabasco Sauce or Pepper
Due to their fiery flavor profile, Tabasco pepper or sauce can be used in place of scotch bonnets.
Tabasco sauce is created by combining tabasco pepper, vinegar, and salt. When selecting Tabasco sauce or pepper, we recommend selecting the variety that will complement your dish.
Tabasco pepper aids in boosting your immunity. Tabasco pepper and sauce can be used to season a wide range of dishes, including sauces, stews, and soups.
Final Note
If you are unsure of the heat level, use a smaller amount of scotch bonnet pepper substitute. To add distinct flavors to your dish, try incorporating more than one scotch bonnet pepper substitute into your dish.
