7 Best Calabrian Chili Substitutes: Spice up your life!

One of the most common and easily accessible substitutes for Calabrian chilies is crushed red pepper flakes. Found in many kitchens these dried and crushed chili peppers are available in most grocery stores. They are made by drying and then crushing red chili peppers, such as Cayenne Peppers. They can range from mild to hot, depending on which pepper was used, and how many seeds have been included – so be careful!

While they may not have the same fruity undertones as Calabrian chilies, they do provide a similar level of heat. Use them sparingly at first and adjust according to your taste preference.

Crushed red pepper flakes are extremely versatile which allows you to use them in a variety of dishes. Sprinkle them over your favorite pizza, pasta sauces, or you can also add them to your marinades for an extra kick. The flakes add a nice touch of heat without overpowering the other flavors in your recipe.

If you’re looking for a substitute that adds a smoky flavor along with the heat, smoked paprika is an excellent choice. Made from dried and smoked red peppers, this spice brings a unique depth of flavor to your dishes. The smokiness of the paprika pairs well with a wide range of cuisines, from Spanish to BBQ-inspired dishes.

To use smoked paprika as a substitute for Calabrian chilies, start by adding a small amount to your dish. Then you can gradually increase the quantity according to your taste. Sprinkle it over roasted vegetables, mix it into your spice rubs, or you can also use it to season your grilled meats. The smoky undertones of the paprika will elevate your recipes and give them a distinct and flavorful twist.

For those who prefer a substitute that packs a punch, serrano peppers are an excellent choice. These Mexican peppers are known for their heat, which falls between jalapenos and habaneros. Serrano peppers have a bright and fresh flavor that can add a vibrant kick to your recipes.

To use serrano peppers as a substitute for Calabrian chilies, finely chop them or puree them to create a paste. Add the paste to your recipes to infuse them with heat and flavor. Serrano peppers work well in salsas, sauces, and also spicy cocktails. Just remember to adjust the quantity according to your heat tolerance.

[Scoville heat units – 10,000 – 23,000]

If you’re looking for a substitute that closely resembles the fruity undertones of Calabrian chilies, Aleppo pepper is an excellent choice. This Middle Eastern spice is made from dried and crushed Aleppo peppers and brings a unique flavor to your recipes. It has a moderate level of heat and a sweet and tangy flavor profile.

To use Aleppo pepper as a substitute for Calabrian chilies, sprinkle it over your dishes as a finishing touch. It pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and also dips and spreads. The fruity and tangy notes of the pepper will add a delightful twist to your recipes. They will also leave your taste buds wanting more.

For a substitute that brings both heat and a rich, smoky flavor, look no further than chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Chipotle peppers are dried and smoked jalapenos, and when combined with the adobo sauce, they create a robust and spicy flavor profile. Found in most supermarkets this is a versatile ingredient which is easy to add to your recipes.

To use chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, simply puree the peppers with the sauce and add it to your recipes. The smokiness of the chipotle peppers adds a depth of flavor to dishes like chili, stews, and even salad dressings. Be cautious when using this substitute, as it can be quite spicy. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your heat tolerance.

Harissa, a North African chili paste, can serve as a flavorful substitute for Calabrian chili in recipes. While Harissa and Calabrian chili have distinct origins and flavor profiles, they share a common element: spiciness. Harissa is made from a blend of dried chili peppers, spices like cumin and coriander, garlic, olive oil, and sometimes other ingredients like tomatoes or roasted red peppers. This mixture creates a complex, fiery, and slightly smoky flavor. This mixture also offers a similar heat level to that of Calabrian chili.

When using Harissa as a substitute for Calabrian chili, it’s essential to consider the additional flavors that come with Harissa’s ingredients. Depending on the recipe, the cumin, coriander, and other spices in Harissa might impart a different taste compared to the fruitier and more subtle undertones of Calabrian chili. Adjust the quantity of Harissa to achieve the desired level of spiciness.

Ultimately, while Harissa may not replicate the exact flavor of Calabrian chili, it can still infuse your dishes with a bold and captivating heat. This makes it a valuable alternative in recipes that call for the unique spiciness of Calabrian chili.

Use Cayenne pepper as a substitute for Calabrian chili, but remember there will be some differences. It is a widely available spice made from ground dried cayenne peppers, which are moderately hot and have a sharp, pungent flavor. On the other hand, Calabrian chili is known for its specific flavor profile that includes both heat and fruity undertones.

Cayenne pepper tends to be hotter than Calabrian chili, so use a smaller amount to avoid overpowering the dish with heat.

If you want to mimic the fruitiness of Calabrian chili, consider adding a touch of tomato paste or sun-dried tomatoes to your recipe. You could also add a bit of vinegar to mimic the tangy notes of Calabrian chili. Cayenne pepper has a strong flavor, so start with a small amount and gradually adjust based on your taste preferences.

Remember that the final result may not perfectly match the unique flavor profile of Calabrian chili, but using cayenne pepper as a substitute can still add a spicy kick to your dishes. It’s all about finding the right balance and adapting the recipe to your taste preferences.

[Scoville heat units – 30,000 – 50,000]