18 Ideal Aleppo-Style Pepper Substitutes for Your Next Recipe

As a home cook or chef, it’s not uncommon to come across unique ingredients that are hard to find.

One of these ingredients is Aleppo-style pepper, a popular spice used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.

This pepper adds a subtle fruity, smoky, and earthy flavor to dishes and enhances your recipes’ aroma and visual appeal.

However, if you are out of this spice or can’t find it in your local store, don’t worry!

This post will share a list of 18 ideal Aleppo-style pepper substitutes that will elevate your dishes’ flavor and texture.

In short, " What can I use instead of Aleppo-style pepper?"

Marash pepper, Espelette pepper, Korean chili flakes, Hungarian hot paprika, Urfa Biber pepper, Smoked paprika, Crushed red pepper flakes, Ancho chili powder, Chipotle powder, Piment d'Espelette, Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes and many more.

What is Aleppo-style pepper, and what does Aleppo-style pepper taste like?

Aleppo-style pepper, also known as Aleppo pepper or Halaby pepper, is a type of chili pepper that originated from the region of Aleppo in Syria.

This is named after the city of Aleppo, which was historically renowned for its vibrant spice trade. Aleppo-style pepper is made from dried and coarsely ground red chili peppers, typically of the Capsicum annuum species.

The flavor is often described as fruity, tangy, and slightly sweet, with subtle undertones of cumin and a mild earthiness. 

The heat of Aleppo-style pepper is not overpowering, allowing the other flavors in a dish to shine through.

The distinctive flavor of Aleppo-style pepper is attributed to the specific cultivars of chili peppers used and the traditional drying and processing methods employed in the region.

The peppers are sun-dried, then coarsely ground to retain some texture and provide a unique consistency.

However, it’s crucial to note that the availability of authentic Aleppo-style pepper may be limited due to political and economic factors affecting the region.

As a result, various substitutes have emerged to replicate the distinctive flavor of Aleppo-style pepper in culinary applications.

Uses of Aleppo-style pepper

Aleppo-style pepper is a versatile spice that adds a unique flavor and mild heat to dishes. Here are some common uses of Aleppo-style pepper:

1. Seasoning for meats: Sprinkle Aleppo-style pepper on roasted or grilled meats such as chicken, beef, or lamb to enhance their flavor. It adds a little touch of heat and a distinctly fruity and tangy taste.

2. Salad dressing and dips: Add Aleppo-style pepper to salad dressings, vinaigrettes, or dips like hummus or yogurt-based sauces. It provides a subtle kick and depth of flavor to these preparations.

3. Roasted vegetables: Toss roasted vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes or cauliflower, with olive oil and Aleppo-style pepper before baking. It adds a delightful spicy-sweet flavor to the vegetables.

4. Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine: Incorporate Aleppo-style pepper into dishes from Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. It is commonly used in dishes like shawarma, kebabs, falafel, tabbouleh, and various mezze (appetizers).

5. Pizza and pasta: Sprinkle Aleppo-style pepper on homemade or store-bought pizzas to give them a mild heat and a unique flavor profile. It can also add to pasta sauces for a hint of spiciness.

6. Seasoning for roasted nuts: Toss roasted nuts, such as almonds or cashews, with Aleppo-style pepper, salt, and little olive oil for a flavorful and slightly spicy snack.

Where to buy Aleppo-style pepper?

If you searching for where to buy Aleppo-style pepper, there are a few different places you can go. Many specialty food stores carry it, as do some international grocery stores. 

You can also order online from many retailers that provide a variety of diverse flavors and types of Aleppo-style pepper.

Best Aleppo-style pepper substitutes with measurement

1. Marash pepper

If Aleppo-style pepper is not available in your local stores, Marash pepper is an excellent replacement.

Marash pepper also comes from Turkey and has almost the same flavor profile as Aleppo. It’s slightly spicier, but its fruity, almost smoky taste will give that beautiful flavor to your dishes.

Ratio or measurement: A teaspoon of Marash pepper is equivalent to a teaspoon of Aleppo pepper.

2. Espelette pepper

This pepper is a little milder than Aleppo-style and arrives from the Basque region of France. Its mild heat makes it perfect for dishes where you don’t want too much spice. 

Nevertheless, it retains its fruity, almost sweet taste that closely resembles that of Aleppo.

Ratio or measurement: A teaspoon of Espelette pepper is equivalent to a teaspoon of Aleppo pepper.

3. Korean chili flakes

These chili flakes are similar to Aleppo-style pepper in flavor and texture, but they are much spicier.

They are an excellent replacement for Aleppo-style pepper, especially if your dish needs a bit more heat.

You can use them in equal amounts to Aleppo pepper without changing the flavor profile of your dish.

4. Hungarian hot paprika

Unlike sweet paprika, which has a mild flavor profile, hot paprika adds a lot of heat to your dishes.

It has a slightly earthy, almost smoky flavor that closely resembles that of Aleppo-style pepper. Use hot paprika sparingly because it’s pretty spicy.

Ratio or measurement: A teaspoon of hot paprika is equivalent to a teaspoon of Aleppo pepper.

5. Urfa Biber pepper

Urfa Biber pepper comes from Turkey and has a slightly smoky, raisin-like flavor with a little heat.

It’s a little milder than Aleppo-style pepper and is perfect for those looking for less spicy pepper alternatives.

Ratio or measurement: A teaspoon of Urfa Biber pepper is equivalent to a teaspoon of Aleppo pepper.

6. Smoked paprika

Smoked paprika comes in sweet and hot varieties. The hot variety is a suitable replacement for Aleppo-style pepper because it has a similar smoky taste that closely resembles that of Aleppo.

Ratio or measurement: A teaspoon of smoked paprika is equivalent to a teaspoon of Aleppo pepper.

7. Chipotle powder

Chipotle powder comes from smoked jalapeño peppers and has a great smoky, spicy flavor that closely resembles that of Aleppo.

Ratio or measurement: It's slightly spicier, but you can use it in equal amounts without changing the flavor profile of your dish.

8. Crushed red pepper flakes

These flakes come from dried chili peppers and are a great alternative to Aleppo-style pepper, especially if you want something more generic.

They are spicier than Aleppo pepper, so adjust your recipe accordingly.

9. Piment d’Espelette

This pepper comes from the same region in France as the Espelette pepper, but it’s milder and slightly sweeter. 

Its flavor profile is almost identical to that of Aleppo-style pepper, making it an ideal replacement if you can’t find Aleppo pepper.

10. Paprika

If you’re looking for a mild, sweet, and earthy flavor that’s similar to Aleppo-style pepper, paprika is an excellent option.

This spice is made from the dried and finely ground pods of different types of pepper. Hungarian and Spanish paprika are the most popular varieties, offering a range of smokiness and heat intensity.

Ratio or measurement: Use a 1:1 ratio with Aleppo-style pepper in your recipes.

11. Red Pepper Flakes

If you prefer a spicier kick and a deeper red color, try red pepper flakes as a substitution for Aleppo-style pepper.

Ratio or measurement: Use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for 1 teaspoon of Aleppo-style pepper.

This versatile spice can be found in most grocery stores, and you can adjust the heat level to your liking.

12. Harissa Paste

If you want a complex blend of flavors, try harissa paste as a substitute for Aleppo-style pepper. This North African condiment is a mix of chili peppers, garlic, coriander, cumin, and other spices.

It adds a pungent, smoky, and tangy taste to your dishes. 

This versatile spice can be found in most grocery stores, and you can adjust the heat level to your liking.

Ratio or measurement: You can use 1 tablespoon of harissa paste for 1 teaspoon of Aleppo-style pepper.

13. Ancho Chili Powder

For a smoky and fruity taste, consider using ancho chili powder instead of Aleppo-style pepper.

This is made from dried and ground poblano peppers, offering a mild to medium heat level. It adds depth and richness to stews, soups, and marinades.

Ratio or measurement: Use 1 tablespoon of ancho chili powder for 1 teaspoon of Aleppo-style pepper.

14. Urfa Biber

For a unique and exotic taste, try Urfa Biber as a substitute for Aleppo-style pepper. This Turkish spice is made from dried and crushed chili peppers, offering a subtle sweetness and a raisin-like flavor.

It’s perfect for meat, vegetable, and grain dishes. 

Ratio or measurement: Use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of Urfa Biber for 1 teaspoon of Aleppo-style pepper.

15. Crushed Dried Marash Pepper

If you want a more authentic flavor that’s similar to Aleppo-style pepper, try crushed dried Marash peppers. This Turkish pepper offers a fruity and mild heat level, making it suitable for a wide range of dishes.

Ratio or measurement: You can use a 1:1 ratio for substitution.

16. Gochujang

If you’re a fan of Korean cuisine, you can use gochujang as a substitution for Aleppo-style pepper.

This fermented spicy paste is made from chili peppers, rice, and soybeans, offering a unique umami flavor and a medium heat level. It’s great for marinades, stir-fries, and dipping sauces.

Ratio or measurement: Use 1 tablespoon of gochujang for 1 teaspoon of Aleppo-style pepper.

17. Baharat Spice Mix

If you want a Middle Eastern-inspired flavor, use Baharat spice mix as a substitute for Aleppo-style pepper. 

This blend contains a mix of coriander, cumin, cinnamon, black pepper, allspice, and cardamom, offering a complex and aromatic taste. It’s perfect for meat, poultry, and rice dishes.

Ratio or measurement: Use 1 tablespoon of Baharat spice blend for 1 teaspoon of Aleppo-style pepper.

18. Ras el Hanout

For a North African-inspired flavor, try using Ras el Hanout as a substitute for Aleppo-style pepper.

This spice blend contains a mix of over 20 different spices, offering a robust and aromatic taste. It’s perfect for tagines, couscous, and roasted vegetables.

Ratio or measurement: Use 1 tablespoon of Ras el Hanout for 1 teaspoon of Aleppo-style pepper.

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Can you substitute Aleppo pepper for chili powder?

Yes, you can substitute Aleppo pepper for chili powder in certain recipes, but it’s important to note that there will be some contrasts in flavor and heat level.

Aleppo pepper has a distinctly fruity and tangy taste with a moderate level of spiciness, while chili powder typically has a blend of various chili peppers with a more generic and intense heat.

When substituting Aleppo pepper for chili powder, consider the following:

Flavor: Aleppo pepper has a unique flavor profile that includes fruity and tangy notes. Chili powder, on the other hand, tends to have a more robust and generic chili flavor.

Remember that your dish’s flavor may be slightly different when using a substitute.

Heat level: Aleppo pepper is generally milder in terms of heat compared to chili powder.

If you like a spicier dish, then you need to adjust the quantity of Aleppo pepper or supplement it with additional spices or chili flakes to achieve the desired level of heat.

Texture: Aleppo pepper typically has a coarser texture compared to fine chili powder. If the texture is a concern, you may consider grinding Aleppo pepper in a spice grinder to achieve a finer consistency before using it as a substitute.

Conclusion on Aleppo-style pepper substitute

In summary, these 18 ideal Aleppo-style pepper substitutes can help you elevate your dishes’ flavor and aroma without compromising on the quality and authenticity of your recipes. 

Whether you prefer a milder or spicier kick, a fruity or smoky taste, or a North African or Middle Eastern-inspired flavor, there’s always a substitute that fits your cooking needs. 

Remember to adjust the measurements and heat levels according to your taste and recipe requirements. 

With these substitutes, you can explore new flavors and cuisines and impress your guests with your culinary skills.

FAQs on Aleppo-style pepper substitute