Have you ever been in a situation where you were cooking and realized that you didn’t have any green chilies?
Maybe it was for a tamale recipe or even just some huevos rancheros.
Green chili peppers are a popular ingredient in many dishes from Mexican to Thai. If you want to substitute a green chili pepper, a number of different options can work.
It’s not the end of the world, but if you’re really craving that spicy kick, then this blog post is going to be your new best friend. This article will offer you 11 green chilies substitutes that can be substituted in a variety of dishes.
Read on to understand how you can use these handy ingredients in your recipes.
Table of Contents
11 Best Green Chilies Substitutes
The best substitutes for green chilies are banana peppers and anaheim peppers. You can also use bell peppers, Poblano peppers, and jalapeno peppers as green chilies substitute in most recipes.
1. Banana Pepper
The banana pepper is a very mild type of chili, and it actually gets its name from the fact that it resembles a small bunch of bananas in shape and color.
These long, thin, and slender peppers go great as an alternative for those who aren’t fond of spice.
If you want to avoid the spiciness associated with traditional green chilies, then this is probably your best bet for a substitution.
They’re often likened to pepperoncini and fit nicely into dishes where the texture is desired but the spiciness isn’t. It’s also used as part of pickling or other recipes where the other ingredients must be sliced thin.
2. Anaheim Pepper
A close cousin of the banana pepper and sometimes used interchangeably, this is another great mild choice.
This pepper is often referred to as a “long green chili” and is a mild pepper with a flavor similar to green bell pepper.
This chili has a slightly different flavor than its sister, but it can yield similar results when blended into sauces or other dishes where a sweetened spiciness is welcome.
Anaheim pepper has been used as an alternative for those who cannot eat spicy food or those who just don’t want the heat.
In addition to being a substitute for green chilies, it is also often used as an ingredient in dishes that call for jalapenos.
3. Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are obviously not spicy at all and while some bell peppers can be on the sweeter side, they come in a wide variety of flavors.
Bell peppers work well as an alternative to green chili when you’re looking for a smooth texture that isn’t too spicy. It’s important to note that different bell peppers have different flavor profiles; some are sweeter than others and some are more on the acidic side.
Here is some general information about bell peppers: Green, yellow, orange, and red bell peppers are all considered sweet peppers.
Red bell peppers can be on the sweeter side if they haven’t fully ripened on the vine but will become milder as they continue to grow. Yellow, orange, and green bell peppers will become sweeter as they age and ripen.
There are also some subtle flavor differences among the different colors, and red and yellow in particular can be spicier than green bells in some cases.
A combination of these three varieties may yield a fuller taste profile.
4. Poblano Pepper
Poblano peppers are a mild green chili pepper that originated in the state of Puebla, Mexico, and are known for their distinct flavor and meaty flesh.
This chili is actually quite spicy when it’s unripe, which makes it perfect for those who like the spiciness of traditional green chilies!
They can be used as an alternative to green chilies in sauces or when making authentic Mexican dishes such as chiles Rellenos. They go really well with chicken, beef, or pork and also offer a smoky flavor which is great for making salsas or mole sauce.
They are often used whole, but they can be dried and ground to make chili powder as well.
5. Jalapeno Pepper
Jalapeno peppers work well as a substitute for green chilies when looking for more of a medium-heat chili.
They have a nice flavor and are often used as an ingredient in many dishes, from Mexican to Thai cuisine.
Fresh jalapenos can be stuffed, sliced into salads or salsas, cut into strips to top off nachos and other dishes, pickled for sandwiches and sausage toppings, chopped for casseroles or made into cheese spreads, or chopped and added to pasta dishes.
Jalapeno peppers are also sold in cans (pickled) at most grocery stores.
6. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is one of the most commonly used chili powders and has found its place in many different types of cuisines.
It’s got enough spiciness to stand in for green chilies when they’re just too hot, but it doesn’t have that distinctive flavor that you would get from fresh green chilies.
Cayenne pepper is perfect for those who are looking to reduce their heat intake but don’t want to lose out on the flavor.
The spiciness of this chili powder can vary depending on how it’s made, but you can always adjust the spiciness according to your own personal preference.
This chili powder is especially good for making chili because it doesn’t add too much heat to the dish.
7. Pasilla Pepper
Pasilla peppers are also known as chile negro, chilacate, or chile pasado.
These are dried forms of the bigger and milder poblano pepper. They have a spicy taste to them but they lack some of the heat that you would get from green chili peppers.
They work well when roasted and added to soups, stews, and other dishes.
8. Serrano Pepper
Serrano peppers are medium-heat chili pepper that is perfect when you want the spiciness of green chilies without too much heat.
They have a sharp flavor and can add spice to dishes such as ceviche, guacamole, salads, salsas, and more.
These chili peppers work well when chopped and added to sauces, but they can also be grilled or roasted for a smoky flavor.
Read More: Best Peppadew Pepper Substitutes
9. Chilli Powder
Chilli powder is made from ground dried chili peppers that are commonly used in Indian and Mexican cuisine.
It’s a great spice to have if you’re looking for something with the heat of green chilies but without their extra flavor.
This chili powder can be used for making curries, stews, salsa verde, soups, or even homemade chili.
10. Green Fresno Pepper
This is a mild chili pepper that’s a little spicier than bell peppers, but not as hot as jalapeno or serrano.
It has thin walls and light green skin and can be used fresh, dried, chopped, or minced. This chili has a nice flavor to it and works well in dishes such as Asian stir-fries, casseroles, stews, and fajitas.
11. Red Chilies
Red chili peppers, also known as cayenne pepper, are a good substitute for green chilies.
They’re hot and spicy, but not nearly as flavorful as other types of chili peppers. However, they add a nice amount of heat to dishes such as soups or steamed vegetables.
When using red chili peppers instead of green chili peppers, you should be careful that your dish doesn’t get too spicy.
The spiciness of the red chili pepper will vary depending on how it’s made, so you’ll want to sample your dish before adding more chili powder.
It is not recommended to substitute green chilies with hot red chili peppers because they can alter the flavor of the dish.
What Are Green Chilies?
Green chili peppers are the fruit of plants in the Capsicum genus.
This plant species is both spicy and edible, which makes it a popular ingredient in many different types of dishes.
Green chilies are not limited to any one type of cuisine, they can be used in Mexican, Italian, and even Thai dishes.
Though green chili peppers can be harvested at any time in their growing cycle, they are often picked when still unripe, which makes them somewhat crunchy and highly flavorful.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does green chilies taste like?
Green chilies, like other types of chili peppers, have a spicy and slightly sweet taste.
These types of peppers are also known for their subtle flavors which can add extra taste to dishes without too much heat.
Can you substitute green chilies with red chilies?
Yes, you can substitute green chilies with red chilies. However, do not try to completely replace the green chili as it will result in a dish that is too spicy and hot.
Green chilies are usually harvested earlier and are a lot milder than red chili.
The spiciness of the green chili can vary depending on how it’s made, but they usually have a subtle flavor to them with a hint of sweetness.
What you can do is mix both types together in your dish or use one as a replacement for the other.
Are poblano peppers the same as green chillies?
They are both types of chili peppers, but they are not the same. A poblano pepper is milder than a green chili pepper, but it has more flavor.
The spiciness of these types of chili peppers also varies depending on how it’s made. If you want to substitute green chilies with poblano peppers in your dish, be careful that you’re not adding too much of it.
Poblano peppers are usually used in Mexican dishes such as chiles Rellenos or salsas. They can also be grilled and added to salads or sandwiches.
Can you substitute jalapenos for green chilies?
Yes, you can substitute jalapenos for green chilies. Jalapenos are a bit spicier than green chilies, so you may want to use less jalapeno than you would green chili.
How do you take the heat out of green chiles?
Unfortunately, there is no surefire way to take the heat out of green chilies. What you can do is remove the seeds from the pepper as it usually contains some of the spicinesses. You can also soak them in a bowl of water with a bit of salt added to it.
By doing this, the peppers will release their capsaicin which is what gives them their heat.
This method should work as long as you don’t rinse or wash the peppers afterward.
Final Words
In summary, you can substitute green chilies with other ingredients, but be careful not to completely alter the flavor of your dish by using too much or too little of what you’re substituting with.
So, now you know how to substitute green chilies with other ingredients. I hope this post helps you out next time you find yourself in a cooking situation where you need an ingredient but don’t have it!
