Cayenne Pepper is a popular ingredient. It is one of the spices that can be replaced easily. If you are missing the Cayenne Pepper and don’t want to go to the grocery shop right now, you can choose from the best Cayenne Pepper Substitutes. We know that it is frustrating sometimes when you run out of ingredients. Almost every ingredient has its substitutes. Before knowing the substitute of Cayenne Pepper, we need to know what is Cayenne Pepper actually?
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What is Cayenne Pepper, Actually?
Cayenne Pepper is known as the king of medicinal herbs. This herb is being used for many years to treat many health problems. It is mostly grown in central and southern America. It is used in many different regional styles of cooking. Cayenne Pepper has an impressive nutrient profile which is beneficial for your health.
One tablespoon (5 grams) of cayenne pepper contains the following:
- Calories: 17
- Fat: 1 gram
- Carbs: 3 grams
- Fiber: 1.4 grams
- Protein: 0.6 grams
- Vitamin A: 44% of the RDI
- Vitamin E: 8% of the RDI
- Vitamin C: 7% of the RDI
- Vitamin B6: 6% of the RDI
- Vitamin K: 5% of the RDI
- Manganese: 5% of the RDI
- Potassium: 3% of the RDI
- Riboflavin: 3% of the RDI
8 Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper:
- May lower blood pressure
- Can reduce hunger
- May boost your metabolism
- May aid digestive health
- May help relieve pain
- May improve Psoriasis
- Easy to add to your diet
- May reduce cancer risk
What can I Substitute for Cayenne Pepper?
Cayenne Pepper is an easily replaceable ingredient. There are 15 substitutes for Cayenne Pepper you can use in your recipe. All these substitutes are well experimented with and work really well.
1. Red Pepper:
If you try to compare the Cayenne Pepper to the hot and dry spice, then there might be the only option of Red Pepper. You have seen the red pepper in a glass shaker at the pizza outlet. There might be a container of dry red pepper in your kitchen to stir the soup and shake over spaghetti. Red Pepper has some health benefits like Calcium, Vitamin A/C/E, iron, potassium, magnesium, etc. This can be a good Cayenne Pepper replacement.
2. Paprika:
Paprika and Cayenne Pepper have some similarities. Paprika is not spicy as Cayenne Pepper even after coming from the respective chilies. There are two types of Paprika available in the market named Sweet Paprika and Hot Paprika. Hot Paprika is similar to Cayenne Pepper at heat level. Paprika contains the same compound as found in pepper named capsaicin. This gives so many health benefits to our bodies. It has antioxidant properties. It also helps to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. Paprika also improves immunity. This can be used as a substitute for Cayenne Pepper.
3. Chili Powder:
Chili Powder is another option to add to your food. It is similar to Paprika and Cayenne Pepper. It is made from dried ground chili pepper. Sometimes, these peppers are smoked and darker which changes the flavor of your food. It also helps to lose weight and improves digestion. It also improves hair and skin. Definitely, you can use it as an alternative for Cayenne Pepper.
4. Chile de árbol:
Chile de árbol is quite similar to Chipotle Powder and also a good substitute for Gochugaru. It is available in powder, flakes, and paste. This spice is available in many stores at an affordable price. Chile de árbol gives Vitamin A and a moderate amount of Vitamin C. It contains some dietary minerals like calcium and iron. Chile de árbol also contains dietary fiber like most chili peppers.
5. Guajillo:
Guajillo is a maxican pepper. It is also known as a little gourd because of its shape. It is similar to Gochugaru because it’s tangy with moderate heat. Guajillo powder hits you instantly and tinges your throat for one and two minutes after the taste completely finishes. If you like Indian chilies like Kashmiri chili instead of Guajillo Powder then it’s fine otherwise, we have lots of Cayenne Pepper alternatives.
6. Thai Peppers:
Thai Pepper has high heat than Cayenne Pepper. This can be juicy and mostly used for salsa and hot sauces. These peppers are hard to find in dry and powdered form. Thai Pepper boosts immunity. It also reduces blood cholesterol and relief natural pain.
7. Serrano:
Serrano Peppers are easily available in almost every grocery store around the world. It is smaller in size but gives higher heat than the Jalapeno. It can be frozen and dehydrated for a long time usage. Serrano Peppers are rich in vitamins A and C. It has a powerful antioxidant that fights off disease.
8. Jalapeño:
Jalapeno is similar to Sarrano. It is mild in taste as compared to the Cayenne Pepper. If you don’t want to make your dish too spicy then it would be the best Cayenne Pepper Substitute for you. Jalapeno boost eyesight. It also controls the blood sugar level and helps to reduce weight. Jalapeno contains capsaicin which is a natural pain reliever.
9. Gochugaru:
If you like to eat spicy food then Gochugaru would be a good Cayenne Pepper substitute for you. Gochugaru is a Korean name. It is mostly used in Korean dishes. Gochugaru chilies are first dried in the sunlight and then grind to make powder. It is smoky in taste.
10. Chipotle Powder:
Chipotle powder is basically jalapeno chilies that are ripped out of the moisture inside them. When it turns to the red color, it is ready to be in the manufacturing for Chipotle Powder. It can be sweet, smoky, and spicy at the same time. It takes too many days of making Chipotle powder. It doesn’t come out with much quantity of powder. Chipotle has some health benefits too. It helps in digestion and improves metabolism. It also helps you to lose weight.
11. Chile Pasilla:
Chile Pasilla is almost closer to the Gochugaru than the other Cayenne Pepper substitute. Chile Pasilla is not hot as Gochugaru. If your priority is to give color to your food, you shouldn’t use Chile Pasilla. There is a reason behind not using Chile Pasilla for color, it is dark in color and affects the authentic appearance of the dishes. Chile Pasilla treats diabetes as well as maintains heart health.
12. Tabasco Pepper:
Tabasco Pepper is not easy to find. It is juicy in nature and mostly used for salsa and hot sauces. This is a good substitute for Cayenne Pepper because it has the same heat profile. It is rich in vitamin C and B complex. It helps to boost immunity from viral disease. As we told you that it’s juicy in nature so be aware when you cut it into pieces so that it won’t hurt your fingers that have a little injury. Otherwise, we have lots of the best possible Cayenne Pepper replacements for you.
13. Black Pepper:
Black Pepper is a hot spice. It is mostly found in the southern part of India. It has some colorful variations of black, green, white, and red. Black Pepper is helpful to increase eyesight. It has some cancer-fighting properties. It lowers the cholesterol level of the body and is high in antioxidants.
14. Green Cayenne Pepper:
Green Cayenne Pepper is the younger version of Red Cayenne Pepper. It has some grassy flavor and a milder taste than the Red Cayenne Pepper. It is hard to find the Greener version of Cayenne Pepper. It may improve Psoriasis. It is helpful in digestion. It may reduce the risk of cancer.
15. Aji Pepper:
Aji Peppers are mostly found in red and orange colors. It may be different in taste because of its hotness. We are suggesting you please determine the taste of Aji Pepper before using it for your dish. It has some antioxidant properties. It also reduces cholesterol and weight. This can be the best substitute for Cayenne Pepper.
FAQ:
Is paprika and cayenne pepper the same?
Both paprika and cayenne pepper are different. Still, they have some similarities. Paprika and cayenne pepper are different spices but originated from dried chilli peppers and then grounded into orange color powder.
Does cayenne pepper keep cats away?
Yes, cayenne pepper keep cats away. Cats don't like the smell of cayenne pepper, you can simply save your garden by spreading cayenne pepper or spraying it al around in your garden.
Is cayenne the same as chili pepper?
Cayenne Pepper is moderately hot and chili pepper. It belongs to South America. Cayenne are usually skinny, red, and somewhat winkled skin.
Now, you know the best Cayenne Pepper Substitute. You can choose according to what you have in the kitchen or you can also buy from amazon. Please! comment down below your questions, and let us know how much informative is this article for you. 🙂
