Chipotle powder is a common ingredient in authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. It imparts a smoky, flavorful heat to dishes that are distinctly different from other chili powders.
But, it can be difficult to find in some areas. And replicating its taste seems impossible.
However, with these 15 substitutes, you’ll be able to get that same flavor in your dishes! We’ll provide the ratios to use as a substitute and also give examples of how we’ve used them.
So, let’s get started!
Substitutes For Chipotle Powder
- Smoked paprika
- Chili powder
- Ancho chiles
- Cayenne pepper
- Pasilla powder
- Gochutagru powder
- Adobe sauce
- Chipotle pepper
- Aleppo pepper
- Crushed red pepper
- Hot paprika
- Sweet paprika
- Piri Piri powder
- Guajillo powder
- Chipotle sauce
Smoked paprika
If you’re out of Chipotle powder and looking for a suitable substitute, smoked paprika is ideal. However, smoked paprika doesn’t contain the heat that Chipotle powder does. This makes it a perfect replacement if you want the flavor of smoked chili peppers without the spice.
Another benefit of using smoked paprika is that you can control the level of heat in your dish by adding hot sauce to the taste. So if you’re looking for a versatile substitute for Chipotle powder, smoked paprika is a great option.
Chili powder
Chipotle powder is a seasoning mix of different chilies that offers heat and flavor. It’s good for every recipe from chicken to chili.
Chili powder is a substitute for chipotle powder. The benefits of using the substitute are that it is lower in price and offers the same flavor.
Although it may not be an exact match in terms of heat level or smokiness, chili powder is still a great way to add some extra spice to your food.
Ancho chiles
Ancho chiles have a Scoville heat unit of 1000-2000, making them easily available and milder in flavor than other chili peppers.
Additionally, they can be used in a 1:1 ratio with chipotle powder. This makes it the perfect substitute for soups, stews, and salads.
It is easily available, and milder in flavor, making them the perfect substitute. Thanks to their availability and versatile flavor profile, ancho chiles are my go-to substitute for chipotle powder.
Cayenne pepper
For those who enjoy a little spice in their life, cayenne pepper is a great substitute for chipotle powder. Both cayenne and chipotle peppers are spicy. But cayenne has a heat rating of 50,000 SHU, while chipotle comes in at 10,000 SHU.
This means that you can use less cayenne pepper to achieve the same level of spiciness as you would with chipotle powder. In addition, cayenne pepper has a more complex flavor than chipotle powder. This makes it a great choice for those who want to experiment with different flavors in their cooking.
Of course, as with any spice, it’s important to use cayenne pepper sparingly at first to avoid overwhelming your taste buds. But once you get the perfect balance of spice and flavor, you’ll be glad you made the switch to cayenne pepper.
Pasilla powder
Pasilla powder has a milder flavor than cayenne, with a heat level of 1000-2500 SHU on the Scoville scale. In Mexican cuisine, pasilla powder is often used to give the dish more heat and flavor.
When substituting pasilla powder for chipotle powder, use a 1:1 ratio. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of chipotle powder, use 1 teaspoon of pasilla powder instead.
With its milder flavor and subtle heat, pasilla powder is an excellent substitute for chipotle powder in Mexican cuisine.
Gochutagru powder
Chipotle powder is a well-known seasoning used in Korean dishes. It is made from sun-dried chile peppers. And it has a unique flavor and heat.
Gochutagru powder is a similar spice that can be used as a substitute for Chipotle powder. It is available at most Asian grocery stores.
Gochutagru powder stands at an 8000 SHU on the Scoville scale. This means it is almost 80% more intense than Chipotle powder.
So, when substituting Gochutagru powder for Chipotle powder, use 1/2 teaspoon of Gochutagru powder for every 1 teaspoon of Chipotle powder called for in the recipe. This will provide the same amount of flavor and heat.
Adobe sauce
Adobe sauce is the perfect alternative for those who want the same level of heat as chipotle powder, but with a smoother texture. This perfect alternative is made by blending ground dried chiles, vinegar, and dried herbs into a smooth sauce.
The result is a potent condiment that can be used to add flavor to any dish! Plus, since adobe sauce is more concentrated than chipotle powder, you can use less and store it in the freezer for later use.
Adobe sauce can be used in a variety of dishes, including salad dressings and dips.
So if you’re looking for an alternative to chipotle powder that has a similar level of heat and flavor, give adobe sauce a try.
Chipotle pepper
A good substitute for chipotle powder is chipotle pepper. Chipotle peppers are dried, smoked chiles, and they have a similar flavor profile to chipotle powder.
They can be used in soups and stews but should be used sparingly as they can impart quite a bit of heat. When substituting chipotle peppers for chipotle powder, start with half as much pepper and add more to taste. This will help you avoid making your dish too spicy.
Overall, using a chipotle pepper is a great way to get an authentic Chipotle flavor without having to track down the powder.
Aleppo pepper
Aleppo pepper is a middle eastern chili pepper that is frequently used in cuisine from that region. It has a deep red color and a moderate level of heat. And has a rating of about 10,000 SHU on the Scoville scale.
When substituting Aleppo pepper for Chipotle powder, use half the amount called for in the recipe. This will provide the same level of heat without overwhelming the other flavors in the dish.
In addition, Aleppo pepper has a slightly fruity flavor that can enhance the taste of many dishes. So if you’re looking for a substitute for Chipotle powder that will add its own unique flavor to your cooking, give Aleppo pepper a try.
Crushed red pepper
If you’re all about the heat, then crushed red pepper is a great substitute for chipotle powder. This spice is made from dried, red chili peppers. And is typically mixed with jalapeno, bell, Anaheim, and Fresno peppers to give it a complex flavor.
It’s perfect for topping pizzas, stir-fries, and pasta dishes. Plus, it’s an easy way to add a little extra heat to your food without overpowering the other flavors.
But, when substituting Chipotle powder with crushed red pepper, ensure to use less than the recipe calls for.
Hot paprika
If you’re looking for a substitute for Chipotle powder, hot paprika is a good option. It’s the hottest variety of paprika. So it will add some serious flavor and heat to whatever dish you’re making.
You won’t need to use as much hot paprika as you would Chipotle powder. So start with a smaller amount and add more to the taste.
Hot paprika is a versatile spice that can be used in all sorts of dishes, from soups and stews to grilled meats and vegetables. So if you’re out of Chipotle powder, don’t worry – hot paprika will do the trick!
Sweet paprika
Sweet paprika is the most common variant of paprika. And it has a mild, fruity flavor with a hint of bitterness.
Sweet paprika can be used as a substitute for chipotle powder in many dishes, such as chili, enchiladas, and tacos. It will provide a similar flavor profile, but it will be milder and less spicy.
In addition, sweet paprika can be used to add color and flavor to soups, stews, and sauces!
Piri Piri powder
Piri Piri powder is a mixture of hot spices like cayenne pepper, paprika, and ginger. It’s often used as a seasoning for meat. It can be a great substitute for chipotle powder in certain dishes.
The benefits of using Piri Piri powder include its fiery flavor and versatility. You can use it to add heat to stews, soups, and sauces, or you can use it to create a spicy rub for chicken, pork, or beef.
When substituting Piri Piri powder for chipotle powder, start with a small amount and add more to the taste. This fiery spice is not for the faint of heart.
Guajillo powder
Mexican cuisine is known for its rich, tangy flavors, and one of the key ingredients is chipotle powder. This spice is made from dried mirasol peppers. And has a moderate to medium level of heat, with a Scoville rating of 2500-5000 SHU.
While it can be difficult to find in some areas, guajillo powder makes an excellent substitute. Additionally, the guajillo pepper has a slightly sweet, fruity flavor that helps to round out the spice of the dish.
When substituting guajillo powder for chipotle powder, use a 1:1 ratio. This will ensure that your dish has the correct level of spice and flavor.
Chipotle Sauce
The chipotle sauce has a similar taste profile to chipotle powder, with a similar level of heat. In addition, it is more flavorful, due to the addition of other ingredients such as tomatoes and onions.
Most importantly, the chipotle sauce is easy to find in stores, making it a convenient substitute for chipotle powder. It can be used in dips and sauces or added to other dishes to give them a touch of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closest chipotle powder substitute?
The chipotle pepper is one of the closest chipotle powder substitutes. As the chipotle powder is made from chipotle pepper, both of these ingredients share the same taste. Moreover, the heat level of both of these spices is also the same.
Is chipotle pepper the same as cayenne pepper?
No, chipotle pepper and cayenne pepper are not similar at all. Chipotle pepper has a medium heat level. Meanwhile, cayenne pepper has a 50000 SHU score. In other words, cayenne pepper is 10 folds hotter than chipotle pepper.
In conclusion
There are tons of chipotle substitutes available in the market. All of them will give your dish a smoky, spicy flavor. But, each substitute has its own unique flavor profile that you should take into account.
When substituting chipotle powder for another spice, be sure to use the correct ratio. And start with a small amount, as some of these spices can be very potent!
With a little trial and error, you’ll be able to find the perfect substitute for your dish.