20 Best Cayenne Pepper Substitutes To Spice Up Any Dish

Cayenne pepper is one of the most popular spices you’ll often find used in many recipes as a key element for adding a touch of heat.

However, there are going to be times when you either run out of it or can’t seem to find it where you are, which is why having a good substitute to replicate the flavor is essential.

Up ahead, you’ll find the best cayenne pepper substitutes.

What Is Cayenne Pepper?

Cayenne pepper is a type of bright red pepper from the capsicum annuum family of plants.

Although these peppers originated in South America, they are often dried and blended into a powder and sold in many parts of the world.  

Cayenne pepper has a fairly spicy taste and ranges between 30,000 to 50,000 on the Scoville heat scale. So, it used to impart a kick of heat to many dishes.

Its fiery hot, neutral flavor makes it a common spice used to flavor cuisines from around the globe.

Cayenne pepper is also popular for its versatility, as it can be added to soups, stews, dressings, marinades, rice, and meat dishes. 

However, heat isn’t all cayenne paper offers, as it also contains many nutrients which are amazing for the body.

It is rich in vitamins C, E, and A and other antioxidants. Cayenne paper is also commonly used for its medicinal properties and has been shown to reduce symptoms of colds and relieve pain.

Now, we’ve established that cayenne pepper is a universally loved and all round great spice, but what if you don’t have it? Read ahead, and let’s find you the next best substitute.

Nutritional Value Table

1. Red Pepper Flakes

If you’re mainly using cayenne pepper as a source of heat in a dish, there’s no better replacement for it than red pepper flakes. 

Also known as crushed red peppers, red pepper flakes are made from a blend of different peppers, which can sometimes include cayenne peppers.

They have a similar flavor to cayenne pepper and will impart the same touch of heat. You can add them to anything from marinades to sauces, soups, and even salad dressings.

How To Substitute

Use one teaspoon of red pepper flakes for each tablespoon of cayenne pepper required.

You can usually find red pepper flakes sold in the spice aisle of grocery stores, but if you’d like to save yourself the cost of  buying it, here is a video to show you how.

2. Chili Powder

Chili powder is another great substitute for cayenne pepper. It is similar in appearance to cayenne powder, and it is made from mild chili peppers in the capsicum annuum family of plants.  Most chili powders sold on the market also have other spices like cumin and oregano added in, so they have a rich flavor.

Chili powder is very aromatic and has a peppery flavor, but it is not as hot as cayenne pepper. So, you’ll likely need to double the quantity to get the same level of heat as cayenne pepper. 

However, It is just as versatile as cayenne and can be added to a wide range of dishes.

How To Substitute

Use a 2:1 ratio when replacing cayenne pepper with chili powder.

3. Hot Paprika

Paprika is another lovely substitute for cayenne pepper. Like chili powder, it is made from pepper varieties in the capsicum annuum family and has a fiery red color similar to cayenne pepper. 

When it comes to taste, paprika can have different flavors ranging from sweet to hot. However, for properly replicating the taste of cayenne pepper, hot paprika is the best choice to use.

It will impart a similar level of hotness and enhance the flavor of any dish.

How To Substitute

Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing cayenne pepper with hot paprika.

4. Serrano Peppers

Serrano peppers are a great replacement for cayenne pepper. Like cayenne, they are a type of chili pepper in the capsicum annuum family and originate from South America. 

They are pretty hot and range between 10,000 to 23,000 on the Scoville heat scale, so they will impart the same level of heat you would expect from cayenne pepper. 

You can use serrano pepper powder if you want the exact same powdery texture of cayenne or opt for the fresh peppers to get a stronger flavor.

How To Substitute

Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing cayenne pepper with serrano peppers.

5. Gochugaru

Gochugaru is a Korean chili flake seasoning used in many Korean dishes. Its vibrant red color and smoky heat make it a great substitute to use in place of cayenne pepper. 

Depending on the brand you get, the heat in gochugaro can range from mildly sweet to fiery hot. So, if you want to get the closest taste to cayenne pepper, you’ll need to use the spiciest gochugaru you can find. 

Gochugaru is traditionally used in making things like kimchi, soups, and salad, but there’s really nothing you can’t add to it.

How To Substitute

Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing cayenne paper with gochugaru.

6. Gochujang

If you can’t get your hands on gochugaru, another great substitute you can use as a replacement for cayenne pepper is gochujang. 

It is a fermented Korean chili paste made from gochugaru, so it has essentially the same level of spiciness.  Gochujang is a very versatile ingredient. You can use it for marinades, spicy sauces, or soups.

How To Substitute

Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing cayenne paper with gochugaru.

7. Black Pepper

Black pepper is another great alternative you can use in place of cayenne pepper. It has a rich aroma and carries a mild peppery taste with citrus notes. So, it will impart a touch of heat to your dish while also enhancing the overall flavor. 

However, using black pepper may not give you the same level of heat as cayenne pepper. So, if you’re a big fan of spicy food, you may need to either combine it with other spices or only use it for light dishes like dressings and salad.

How To Substitute

Use a 2:1 ratio when replacing cayenne pepper with black pepper.

8. Chipotle Powder

Chipotle powder is a fantastic substitute for cayenne pepper, especially when you’re making Mexican dishes. It is made from dried and smoked jalapeno pepper, resulting in a smoky and mildly spicy flavor profile.  

It ranges between 2,000 to 8,000 on the Scoville heat scale, so the heat is mild and not as hot as cayenne, but it will still deliver a mild and flavorful touch of spiciness.

You can add chipotle powder to chili, taco, and any Mexican sauce, but it also works well with cuisines from other regions.

How To Substitute

Use a 2:1 ratio when replacing cayenne paper with chipotle powder.

9. Thai Peppers

Thai chili peppers are another fantastic option you can try if you don’t have cayenne pepper.

Although there are many varieties of Thai peppers, most of them often have a very spicy taste, with a Scoville heat unit ranging from 50,000 to 100,000. 

They are usually used fresh and ground into a paste. Traditionally, Thai peppers are used for curries and all kinds of sauces, but you can add them to just about any dish that calls for cayenne pepper.

How To Substitute

Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing cayenne pepper with Thai peppers.

10. Habanero Powder

Cayenne pepper is a favorite with fans of spicy food, but if you don’t mind taking that heat up a touch, habanero powder is a great substitute.

The little habanero peppers used to make this powder pack a punch when it comes to hotness and are one of the spiciest peppers in the world.

They typically lie between 100,000 to 350,00 on the Scoville scale, so if heat is what you’re after, habanero will certainly deliver but also bring a touch of fruitiness. 

How To Substitute

Use half a teaspoon of habanero powder for each tablespoon of cayenne pepper.

11. Fresh Habanero Pepper

If you can’t get habanero powder, feel free to use fresh habanero pepper. It is a great substitute for cayenne pepper, and much like the powder, it will deliver an intense level of heat. 

You can use fresh habanero pepper for nearly any dish that calls for cayenne pepper.

It works well in sauces and stews, but if you want to use it for things like marinades or dressings, you’ll need to either chop it into fine sizes or blend it into a paste.

How To Substitute

Use one fresh habanero pepper for each tablespoon of cayenne pepper.

12. Aji Amarillo

Aji amarillo is a spicy chili pepper of Peruvian origin. It is characterized by its distinct bright yellow color. 

This yellow chili has a fruity flavor but also imparts a mild heat similar to cayenne pepper when added to food. However, it adds a subtle golden hue to food, so it won’t give you the same fiery red color of cayenne pepper.

You can find fresh aji amarillo in the produce section of most grocery stores and specialty Latin stores, but it is also widely available in the form of paste. You can add aji amarillo to sauces, salads, and many meat dishes. 

How To Substitute

Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing cayenne pepper with aji amarillo.

13. Hot Sauce

If you’re in a bind and need a substitute that’s easily available and likely already in your kitchen, then hot sauce is a great substitute you can use. 

It will bring a similar touch of heat to your dish, and it is versatile enough to be added to anything. However, you’ll need to use a fairly spicy hot sauce if you want the same level of heat. Tabasco and spicy sriracha are great options. 

How To Substitute

Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing cayenne pepper with hot sauce.

14. Sambal Oelek

If you like the idea of using something saucy as a replacement for cayenne pepper, then sambal oelek is another great option you can try.

It is a savory chili paste commonly used in Indonesian cooking, and it is made from a variety of chili peppers. 

Sambal is not extremely spicy, but it will deliver a mild touch of heat to your dish.

How To Substitute

Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing cayenne pepper with sambal oelek.

15. Harissa Paste

Harissa paste is another great alternative you can use in place of cayenne pepper. It is a North African chili paste made from a base of red chilis, garlic, oil, and spices. It has a mildly spicy taste with other rich flavors and aromas. 

You can use harissa paste for pretty much any dish that calls for cayenne pepper. However, you may need to slightly reduce the quantity of spices in your dish as harissa is already made from a variety of spices

How To Substitute

Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing cayenne pepper with harissa paste.

16. Tabasco Pepper

Tabasco pepper is a great substitute you can use in place of cayenne pepper. It is a great option to try if you’re making a dish that requires fresh cayenne pepper. 

Tabasco peppers are fairly spicy and have a smoky tomato-like flavor, so they are an ideal option for sauces, soups, or stews

How To Substitute

Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing cayenne pepper with tabasco pepper.

17. Pasilla Pepper

Pasilla pepper is a great substitute you can use in place of cayenne pepper. It is essentially the dried form of chilaca chili, and it is a very popular ingredient in Mexican dishes like mole. 

Pasilla peppers have a decent amount of heat, but they are not overly spicy, making them a great option for anyone who is not the biggest fan of extremely hot food.

How To Substitute

Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing cayenne pepper with pasilla pepper.

18. Chile De Arbol

If you want something with a bit more heat, then chili de Arbol is a fantastic cayenne peper substitute you can try. This thin and smoky Mexican pepper packs a punch when it comes to heat and flavor.

Chili de Arbol ranges between 15,000 to 30,000 on the Scoville scale, so it is going to give you a similar level of heat as cayenne pepper.

How To Substitute

Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing cayenne pepper with chile de Arbol.

19. Guajillo Chili

Guajillo is another popular dried pepper you can use in place of cayenne peper. It is fairly spicy and has a Scoville heat unit ranging from 2500 to 5000. 

Guajillo has a smoky and slightly fruity flavor which works well in most dishes that call for cayenne pepper.

How To Substitute

Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing cayenne pepper with guajillo chili.

20. Jalapenos

Jalapenos are a lovely substitute to use in place of cayenne pepper. However, since they are usually sold fresh, they work best when you’re making things like sauces, stews, and soups where they can seamlessly blend into the dish. 

However, you can also get jalapeno powder if you want something with a similar texture to cayenne pepper.

Whichever one you choose, you’ll get a fresh earthy taste similar to bell peppers but with a lovely touch of heat.

Jalapenos are also not as spicy as cayenne pepper, so they are an excellent option for anyone who’s not a fan of spicy food.

How To Substitute

Use a 2:1 ratio when replacing cayenne pepper with jalapenos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cayenne Pepper The Same As Chili Powder?

Cayenne paper is not the same thing as chili powder. Cayenne paper is made purely from cayenne chili peppers, while chili powder is usually made from different varieties of chili peppers.

So, they usually taste somewhat different.

Can I Substitute Tabasco Sauce For Cayenne Pepper? 

You can use tabasco in place of cayenne pepper. It is made from tabasco peppers which are within the same range of hotness as cayenne pepper on the  Scoville scale.

So, it will give you a similar peppery taste.

Are Red Pepper Flakes A Good Substitute For Cayenne Pepper? 

Red pepper flakes are a good substitute for cayenne peppers because they are in the same level of spiciness as cayenne pepper and tend to impart a similar level of heat to most dishes.

What Spice Is Closest To Cayenne Pepper?

The closest spice to cayenne pepper are red pepper flakes, hot paprika, and chili powder are the closest spice to cayenne pepper. 

Can I Use Cumin Instead Of Cayenne Pepper? 

Although cumin brings a certain level of warmth to food, it is not a good substitute for cayenne pepper, so you cannot use it in place of cayenne pepper.

This is because cumin isn’t a peppery spice and will not give you the same spicy taste as cayenne pepper. However, you can use chili spice blends that contain cumin.

Is Cayenne Pepper And Paprika The Same Thing? 

Cayenne pepper is not the same thing as paprika. Although the two commonly come in a red grounded powder that looks similar, they are made from different things and taste different. 

Cayenne paper is made purely from chili peppers and is somewhat spicy. Meanwhile, paprika is usually made from a blend of different sweet peppers that are not really spicy.

How Spicy Is Cayenne Pepper?

Cayenne paper is fairly spicy and typically ranges between 30,000 to 50,000 on the Scoville scale.

20 Best Cayenne Pepper Substitutes To Spice Up Any Dish

Prep Time

10

minutes

Cooking Time

20

minutes

Total Time

30

minutes

Cayenne pepper is a popular spice used in many dishes. But what do you do if you’re out of cayenne pepper or don’t have any on hand? Check out these substitutes for cayenne pepper.

Ingredients

• Red Pepper Flakes

• Chili Powder

• Hot Paprika

• Serrano Peppers

• Gochugaru

• Gochujang

• Black Pepper

• Chipotle Powder

• Thai Peppers

• Habanero Powder

• Fresh Habanero Pepper

• Aji Amarillo

• Sambal Oelek

• Harissa Paste

• Chile De Arbol

• Tabasco Peppers

• Pasilla Pepper

• Guajillo Pepper

• Hot Sauce

• Jalapenos

Directions

• Pick any substitute you prefer from the lists above.
• Follow the recipe instructions for your preferred substitute and use the proper ratio required while cooking.

Recipe Video

• Author
• Recent Posts

Jess Smith

Hi, my name is Jess Smith, and I love cooking in my spare time. Around three years ago, I decided to give up my day job as a teacher to pursue my passion for food. While I have enjoyed sharing tips and tricks on Social Media, I have decided to expand my horizons through this blog.

Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.

I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!

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