There’s nothing like the taste of guajillo peppers. They are earthy, smoky, and slightly sweet – perfect for Mexican dishes.
But what if you can’t find them in your area? Or maybe they’re out of season? I used to struggle with this all the time until I started researching substitutes.
Now, I always have a few of these on hand so that I can make my favorite dishes anytime I want.
If you are looking for a guajillo pepper substitute, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
In this article, I’ll list 8 substitutes for guajillo peppers that will give your dish the same flavor profile. I’ll also give you tips on how to use them and provide examples of recipes that use each substitute.
Substitutes for Guajillo Pepper
- Ancho Pepper
- Pasilla Pepper
- Chipotle Pepper
- Puya Chile
- Cascabel Chilies
- Dried New Mexico Chilies
- Mulato chilies.
- California Chilies
Ancho Pepper
An ancho pepper is a great replacement for Guajillo peppers! It has a fruity, sweet flavor and a deep red color.
These peppers are low in heat (1,000-2000 SHU), but pack a lot of flavors.
When substituting an ancho pepper for a guajillo pepper, use a 1:1 ratio. So, if the recipe calls for one guajillo pepper, use one ancho pepper instead.
An ancho pepper is a good substitute for guajillo pepper in recipes that call for a little bit of heat, but not too much. So, if you’re making a chilli or enchilada sauce that needs just a little bit of spice, ancho pepper is a great choice.
Pasilla Pepper
If you’re out of guajillo pepper and need a substitute, try using pasilla pepper because they have a similar level of heat and are thin with wrinkled dark skin.
When substituting pasilla peppers for guajillo peppers, use a 1:1 ratio. For example, if a recipe calls for two guajillo peppers, use two pasilla peppers.
Pasilla peppers can be found in most supermarkets, so they are easy to get. They’re usually sold dried, so you’ll need to rehydrate them before using them in a recipe.
To rehydrate pasilla peppers, soak them in hot water for 30 minutes. Once they’re rehydrated, they can be used in any dish that calls for guajillo peppers.
Chipotle Pepper
Chipotle peppers are also a good option if you’re searching for a guajillo pepper substitute. Smoked and dry jalapeno chiles, chipotles have a similar flavor profile to guajillos. They’re slightly sweeter and not as spicy, but they’ll still give your dish the smoky, earthy flavor you’re looking for.
When deciding whether or not to use chipotles as a substitute for guajillos, it’s important to consider the other flavors in your dish. If you’re making a salsa or Mole sauce, chipotles will fit right in. However, if you’re making a dish with other strong flavors, such as garlic or onions, you might want to use a different pepper so as not to overwhelm the other flavors.
In terms of ratio, one chipotle pepper is equivalent to two guajillo peppers. So if your recipe calls for four guajillo peppers, you would use two chipotle peppers instead.
Puya Chile
Puya pepper is a great option! This pepper is similar in appearance to the guajillo, but it is typically spicier. It also has a fruity flavor that can add an extra level of depth to your dishes.
When substituting puya pepper for guajillo, use a 1:1 ratio. Keep in mind that puya pepper packs more heat, so you may want to use less if you’re sensitive to spice. With a heat level of 5,000 to 8,000 SHU, you should apply it with great discretion.
Puya chiles are a good substitute for guajillo peppers in recipes that call for a lot of heat, such as salsa or chili. They will give your dish the same earthy flavor, but with a lot more spice.
Just be careful not to use too many, as they can easily overwhelm the other flavors in your dish.
Cascabel Chilies
Cascabel chilies are a great alternative. They have a similar heat level and smoky flavor, making them a perfect replacement in any recipe.
Just be sure to use the cascabel chilies in a 1:1 ratio with the guajillo peppers.
Cascabel chilies are also great in various dishes, including chili, enchiladas, and mole. They are best used in dishes where the chili flavor is front and center, such as stews and sauces. So if you’re making any of these and looking for a guajillo pepper alternative, cascabel chilies are your best bet.
Dried New Mexico Chilies
One popular option is dried New Mexico chilies. These chilies have a similar flavor to guajillos, with traces of acidity and hints of dried cherry.
They also have a similar level of heat, making them a good choice for those who do not like their food too spicy.
Another benefit of using dried New Mexico chilies is that they are easy to find in most grocery stores.
So if you’re looking for a guajillo pepper substitute, dried New Mexico chilies are a great option.
Mulato chilies.
If you’re out of guajillo pepper and need a substitute, Mulato chili peppers are a great option. These peppers are not exactly as hot as guajillo, but they have a fruity, sweet, and earthy flavor.
They can be used in mole sauce and also rin place of guajillo chili powder in recipes
To substitute Mulato chili peppers for guajillo, use a 1:1 ratio. So, if the recipe calls for one guajillo pepper, use one Mulato chili pepper instead.
Keep in mind that the heat level will be different, so you may want to adjust the amount of chili pepper you use depending on your preferences.
California Chilies
California chilies are dry and ripen Anaheim peppers that have been smoked. They have a high heat level, but they also have a lot of flavors.
This makes them a great option for those who want to add some spice to their dish without losing the flavor of the dish itself.
In addition, California chilies can be used in a variety of dishes, making them a versatile option for those who want to experiment with different flavors.
Other Alternatives for Guajillo Peppers
If you want to add some heat to your dish, use the Thai bird’s eye chili or Habanero chili peppers as substitutes for the guajillo chili pepper.
These peppers have a high heat level and can be used in small quantities to add some spice to your dish.
Just be sure to use them sparingly, as they can easily overpower the other flavors in your dish.
Conclusion
There you have it! 8 substitutes for guajillo peppers that will give your dish the same flavor profile.
Next time you’re out of guajillo, you know what to do. Just reach for one of these substitutes, and your dish will be just as delicious.
Bon appetit!