Green peppers are a popular vegetable for cooking. They’re used in many dishes for their slightly bitter and spicy taste.
But what do you do when you don’t have any green peppers? Do you give up on your dish or maybe swap with another type of pepper?
I’m guessing you’d rather choose the latter idea? But then what do you use as a replacement?
There are a few substitutes that you can use that will give your dish the same flavor profile. In this article, we’ll discuss the best substitutes for green pepper and how to use them. Read on!
Green Pepper Substitutes
- Cubanelle peppers
- Poblano
- Cubanelle peppers
- Yellow bell peppers
- Jalapenos
- Anaheim peppers
- Orange bell peppers
- Red bell peppers
- Pimentos
- Purple bell peppers
- Onions
- Zucchini
Cubanelle peppers
Cubanelle peppers are long and thin, with a yellow-green color that turns red when overripe. They have a sweet taste, with a little bit of heat.
Cubanelles are a good substitute for green peppers because they have a similar flavor and texture. Their versatility make them an even more desirable substitute.
Cubanelles can be used in many different dishes, including salads, stir-fries, and stews. They are good for roasting, stuffing, frying and can work in salads or pizza.
They make for quick cooking and are also a good source of vitamins A and C.
Poblano
Poblano peppers are a great substitute for green peppers. They have a similar earthy flavor and the same shape, but they’re also a bit spicier and sweeter when cooked.
Plus, they’re usually cheaper than green peppers, so you can save a few bucks by using them instead.
Just be warned that they’ll add a little bit of heat to your dish, so use them sparingly if you’re not a fan of spice.
Yellow bell peppers
Yellow bell peppers are a good substitute for green peppers because they have a similar flavor. However, they’re not as spicy as green peppers.
They’re also sweeter and have a slightly fruity taste.
Yellow bell peppers are a good addition to salads, stir-fries, and stews. You can also use them in place of green peppers in salsa or pizza.
Just be aware that they will change the color of your dish.
They are a good source of vitamins A and C, and they also contain antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage.
Jalapenos
Jalapenos are a medium heat chilli, typically used as a replacement for green peppers.
Jalapenos add a nice touch of spice to dishes, without being too overwhelming. They are easy to find in most grocery stores. And you can remove the seeds and ribs to reduce the spiciness, if you’re not into spicy food.
Jalapeno peppers can be used in many dishes such as salsa, guacamole, taco salads, and quesadillas. So, if you are looking for a little extra flavor in your dish, Jalapenos may be the perfect substitution for you!
Anaheim peppers
Anaheim peppers are a suitable substitute for green peppers because they have thick walls and a mild fruity taste.
They are also good for mild chili and spicy dishes and can be found in most grocery stores – they are typically sold in the produce section.
Anaheim peppers can also be grown in home gardens. They typically range in size from six to eight inches long and three to four inches wide. Anaheim peppers are typically green, but they can also be red, orange, or yellow.
Anaheim peppers are typically harvested from late summer to early fall.
Orange bell peppers
Orange bell peppers are a good substitute for green peppers because they have a similar sweetness.
They are also a good source of vitamin C and can be found in most grocery stores.
You can use them in many dishes, including salads, stir-fries, stews, and salsa. They also work as a garnish or in place of green peppers in recipes.
Orange bell peppers can be used as a replacement when you want to add a pop of color to your dish and when you want to reduce the amount of spice in your dish.
Orange bell peppers have less flavor than red ones. They are also sweet, so you can eat them raw or cooked.
Red bell peppers
Red bell peppers are the most used substitutes for green peppers. They have a very sweet flavor and come in different colors like yellow and orange.
The benefits of using this substitute are that it is less spicy than the green pepper and has a sweeter taste. This can be good for people who do not like the heat of the green pepper.
Another benefit is that Red bell peppers are more nutritive. They contain twice the amount of Vitamin C than green peppers and are a good source of lycopene, which is an antioxidant linked to lower rates of some cancers.
If you want to use red bell pepper as a substitute for green pepper, it is best to use one that is ripe. Ripe red bell peppers will be soft and have a bright color.
You can also use red bell peppers that are not ripe, but they will not be as sweet and their flavor will be more intense.
When substituting red bell peppers for green peppers, you should also take into account that red bell peppers cook faster than green peppers. So, you might want to reduce the cooking time.
Pimentos
Pimentos are a sweet, red, heart-shaped chili pepper that is similar in flavor and size to a red bell pepper. They are often found fresh or bottled and can be used as a green pepper substitute in many dishes.
They also have a high sugar content, which gives them their characteristic sweetness. When using pimentos as a green pepper substitute, it is important to keep this sweetness in mind.
Pimentos can add a touch of sweetness to savory dishes, so be sure to adjust the other ingredients accordingly.
However, the sweetness of pimentos can also be a welcome addition to sweet dishes such as pies and cakes.
Purple bell peppers
Purple bell peppers are a great substitute for green peppers. They have a slightly less sweet flavor than other bell peppers, which makes them a great choice for dishes where you want a little bit of sweetness without going overboard.
They can be used in salads or any other raw dish, and they’re also a great choice for cooked dishes where you want a little bit of color contrast.
One downside of purple bell peppers is that they can turn grey when cooked, so if you’re looking for a pepper that will stay purple when cooked, you’ll need to use another variety.
Onions
Onions may not be the first vegetable that comes to mind when you’re thinking about green peppers, but in some cases, they can be used as a tasty and versatile replacement.
So, if a recipe calls for diced green peppers, you can use an equal amount of diced onions.
Onions lose their sharp taste and become sweet when they’re cooked, so they can be a good choice if you’re looking for a milder flavor.
Additionally, onions come in a variety of colors, so you can use them to add visual interest to your dish. Just keep in mind that because onions are slightly larger than green peppers, you may need to use fewer of them in order to achieve the desired results.
Whether or not you choose to use onions as a substitute for green peppers will depend on your personal preferences and the other ingredients in your recipe. But if you’re looking for a versatile and flavorful option, onions are definitely worth considering.
Zucchini
This squash has a sweet and nutty flavor with a mild vegetable taste. It’s also a versatile ingredient that can be used in sweet or savory dishes.
While it’s not an exact replacement for green peppers, it can add a similar sweet and savory flavor to your dish.
Zucchini is also a good alternative if you’re looking for a lower-calorie option. This vegetable is mostly water, so it’s a good way to add bulk and volume to your dish without adding many calories.
Plus, it is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. So, if you’re looking for a healthy and flavorful substitute for green peppers, zucchini is a great option.
In Conclusion
As you can see, there are a variety of green pepper substitutes that you can use in your cooking.
Each option has its own unique flavor and texture, so it’s important to choose the right one for your dish.
Be sure to take into account the other ingredients in your recipe, as well as your personal preferences, when making your decision.
With a little trial and error, you’ll be sure to find the perfect green pepper substitute for your next meal.
Now that you know all about green pepper substitutes, it’s time to put them to the test! So, go ahead and experiment with different ingredients until you find the perfect combination for your dish. Bon