Scotch bonnet is an easy way to add fiery heat to various dishes – especially those with Caribbean influences. But they’re not the easiest form of chilli to find. So, what do you use instead?
Best: Habanero Peppers
Habanero peppers are the best substitute for Scotch bonnet peppers. They share a similar heat level and fruity flavour profile. Habaneros are a bit more fiery but provide a comparable balance of heat and tropical fruitiness, making them an excellent alternative in dishes where Scotch bonnet is called for.
How to Use
- Use habanero peppers in the same quantity as Scotch bonnet peppers.
- Remove the seeds and membrane to reduce heat if desired.
- Ideal for Caribbean, Latin American, and spicy Asian cuisines.
Cheapest: Jalapeño Peppers
Jalapeño peppers are a more affordable and milder substitute. While they lack the intense heat and fruity complexity of Scotch bonnet peppers, they are widely available and can add a moderate level of spice to dishes.
How to Use
- Use more jalapeño peppers than you would Scotch bonnet to achieve a similar heat level.
- They can be used in both raw and cooked forms, in salsas, sauces, and marinades.
Tastiest: Thai Bird’s Eye Chili
Thai bird’s eye chilli offers a delicious alternative with a different kind of heat. These chillies are intensely spicy and have a sharp, biting heat. They lack the fruity notes of Scotch bonnet but provide an exciting heat profile that can enliven many dishes.
How to Use
- Use less bird’s eye chilli than Scotch bonnet due to their higher heat level.
- Finely chop and add to curries, stir-fries, and sauces for an intense heat.
Most Accessible: Red Pepper Flakes
Red pepper flakes are a readily available substitute that can provide heat, although they lack the unique fruity flavour of Scotch bonnet. They are a practical choice in many kitchens and can be used to add a general spiciness to dishes.
How to Use
- Start with a small amount and adjust according to taste.
- They are best used in cooked dishes like stews, soups, and sauces.
Most Unusual: Serrano Peppers and a Pinch of Paprika
Serrano peppers combined with a pinch of paprika offer an unusual but effective substitute. Serrano peppers provide a bright, crisp heat, while paprika adds a hint of sweetness, mimicking the complex flavour profile of Scotch bonnet peppers.
How to Use
- Use serrano peppers in a higher quantity than Scotch bonnet due to their milder heat.
- Add a pinch of paprika to introduce a subtle sweetness.
- This combination is great in salsas, marinades, and Caribbean-inspired dishes.