Chili powder, also known as red pepper or cayenne pepper, has received some bad press lately because it’s on Whole30’s list of restricted food items.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy that spicy kick! With careful planning and clever substitutions, you can still eat your favorite meals without feeling missing out on anything.
Here are the substitutes for chili powder.
1. Ancho Chile Powder
Ancho chile powder is made from dried, ground ancho chiles. It has a mild heat with fruity undertones and a slightly sweet flavor, making it a great option for those who want to add a little heat to their dish without overwhelming it.
You can find ancho chile powder at most Mexican grocery stores or online.
If you don’t want to buy a whole container of ancho chile powder, you can also purchase it in bulk from Amazon.
2. Chipotle Pepper Powder
Chili powder is among the most common substitutes for chili powder used in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine.
It blends dried chili peppers, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano.
If you’re out of chili powder or can’t find it at your local grocery store, don’t worry! To make your own, mix equal parts dried chipotle chiles (smoked jalapeños work well) and ancho chiles (dried poblano peppers).
This is one substitute for chili powder that will work just as well in your recipe.
3. Paprika
Regarding substitutes for chili powder, paprika is probably the most similar in terms of flavor.
It’s made from dried peppers and has that characteristic heat and smokiness.
Paprika is also reasonably easy to find; it can usually be found in the spice aisle of your local grocery store. It is a good source of antioxidants and can help improve circulation.
It’s worth noting that if you use this spice to replace chili powder, you may want to adjust your recipes accordingly.
For example, instead of using one teaspoon of chili powder, try substituting it with 1/2 teaspoon of paprika and adding more cumin or coriander if needed.
If you’re looking for a chili powder substitute, paprika is a great option.
4. Harissa
A North African paste made with chili peppers, garlic, olive oil, and spices like cumin and coriander.
It can be used as a condiment, marinade, or sauce. You can find it in Middle Eastern markets or online.
Try red pepper flakes mixed with paprika and ground cumin in a pinch.
5. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a chili pepper that can be used as a spice or condiment.
It is usually ground into a powder form. The cayenne pepper plant is native to Central and South America.
Christopher Columbus brought the peppers to Europe in the 15th century.
Cayenne peppers are used in many cuisines, including Cajun, Creole, Chinese, Thai, and Indian dishes.
They are often used in spicy sauces, but they also make an excellent addition to any dish with tomato sauce.
6. Hot Sauce
Using hot sauce as a substitute for chili powder has become increasingly popular.
This is because it allows people who don’t like spice (or even want to avoid it) to enjoy chili recipes by providing that milder heat without the high levels of capsaicin in chilies.
7. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
Crushed red pepper flakes are common in pizzerias, making a great chili powder substitute.
They have a similar heat level to chili powder but also have a sweetness and fruitiness that can add depth to your dish.
Be careful not to use too much, as the flakes can be pretty spicy!
