If you’re a fan of banana peppers, you know that they add the perfect amount of sweetness and heat to any dish, but sometimes you may find yourself out of a particular type of pepper.
Whether you’re out of banana peppers, plenty of banana pepper substitutes will work just as well in your recipe.
Here are some of the best alternatives for various types of peppers.
What are banana peppers? What does banana pepper taste like?
Banana peppers are sweet pepper with a mild flavor and bright yellow-orange color.
Banana peppers are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as dietary fiber, making them a nutritious addition to any meal.
They can be eaten fresh or pickled for a slightly spicy and tangy taste.
The color is often the deciding factor when shopping for these peppers, as they come in shades ranging from white to orange to red.
In terms of heat, banana peppers measure between 0-500 SHU on the Scoville scale (compared to bell peppers at 0 SHU).
This makes them significantly milder than many other popular hot peppers such as jalapeños and habaneros.
What do banana peppers use for?
Banana peppers are most commonly used in salads, sandwiches, pizzas, salsas, and sauces. Their mildness allows them to be used to add flavor without too much heat.
They’re also a tasty topping for many different dishes, including burgers and hot dogs.
Pickled banana peppers are especially popular and can be purchased at most grocery stores in the condiment aisle.
Best banana pepper substitute
1. Bell Peppers – an ideal banana pepper substitute
If you’re looking for a sweet, crunchy substitute for banana peppers, look no further than bell peppers.
Bell peppers come in various colors, but we recommend using red or yellow bell peppers as they are the sweetest.
They are one of the most commonly used types of peppers in cooking. They have a sweet, mild flavor that pairs well with many different ingredients.
Simply slice the bell pepper into thin strips and add it to your dish.
2. Pimento Peppers – good banana pepper alternative
Pimento peppers are a variety of chili pepper that is milder than most other chili peppers. They have a sweet, slightly nutty flavor that makes them a great substitute for banana peppers.
Pimento peppers can be found jarred, canned, or fresh. If you’re using fresh pimento peppers, simply remove the stem and seeds and slice them into thin strips.
3. Cubanelle- cheaper alternative for banana pepper
Banana peppers are a popular ingredient in many recipes, but they can be difficult to find in stores.
Fortunately, Cubanelle peppers make a great substitution. Cubanelles have a similar flavor and texture to banana peppers, but they are more widely available.
In addition, Cubanelles are typically less expensive than banana peppers.
Cubanelle peppers are often roasted with onions and garlic for an easy side dish. They can also be cooked until they become soft and then blended into salads, sandwiches, sauces, soups, and stews as a flavor enhancer.
They can be added in whole slices or chopped finely for a more subtle flavor.
When cooked in this way, their mild taste adds depth of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Cubanelles also makes an excellent stuffing pepper when combined with ground beef or sausage along with other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
So if you’re looking for a tasty and affordable way to add some spice to your dishes, reach for a Cubanelle pepper instead of banana pepper. You won’t be disappointed.
4. I use Padron Peppers to replace banana pepper
If you’re looking for a delicious pepper to add to your next meal, you may want to consider the padron pepper.
Originally from Spain, the padron pepper has a mild flavor with just a hint of heat. This creates it a fantastic choice for those who are looking for a little bit of spice without being overwhelming.
The padron pepper is also relatively easy to find, making it a convenient option for home cooks.
Padron chilis can also be used in a variety of other dishes, like stir-fries, soups, salads, tacos, and more. They can even be added to cheese plates or eaten as an appetizer with a dip of your choice.
Padron chilis are also great for pickling – just make sure you blanch them first! You can also get creative and use them to infuse olive oil, which is perfect for drizzling on salads or finishing off a dish.
So if you’re looking for a tasty and versatile pepper to add to your next meal, be sure to give the padron pepper a try.
5. Fresno Chilies
For those who want a little spice in their life, the Fresno chili is a great substitute for the banana pepper.
A member of the Capsicum annuum family, the Fresno chili is similar to the jalapeño in appearance but with a bit more heat.
Named for the city of Fresno, California, where it was first grown, the Fresno chili is now widely cultivated in Mexico, South America, and the southwestern United States.
With their bright color and distinctive flavor, Fresno chilies are a welcome addition to any spice lover’s arsenal.
When used as a substitute for banana peppers, Fresno chilies will add a bit of extra zing to any dish. Just be sure to remove the seeds and ribs before chopping, as this is where most of the heat is concentrated.
6. Use Beaver Dam pepper instead of banana pepper
Beaver Dam peppers are a type of chili pepper that is named for the city of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, where they were first grown.
These peppers are typically yellow or green when mature and have a milder flavor than most other types of chili peppers. As a result, they are often used as a substitute for banana peppers in recipes.
If you are looking for milder chili pepper to use in your cooking, then the Beaver Dam pepper is a good choice.
Beaver Dam peppers can be found in many grocery stores, and they can also be grown at home.
7. Cayenne Pepper Substitutes give a similar flavor to a banana pepper
Cayenne pepper is a hot chili pepper with a fiery flavor. It is usually sold dried and ground into powder form; however, it can also be bought fresh.
If you’re looking for a cayenne pepper substitute, try using any of these options:
8. Poblano peppers
There are a few ways you can substitute poblano peppers for banana peppers. To start, you can use equal amounts of poblano pepper when replacing the banana pepper in recipes.
For instance, if a recipe calls for one cup of diced banana peppers, then use one cup of diced poblano peppers instead.
The amount may vary depending on your taste preference or desired level of spiciness.
9. Anaheim pepper- decent banana pepper replacement
Anaheim peppers can be substituted for banana peppers in a variety of dishes. The flavor is milder and slightly sweeter than banana peppers, so you may need to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Start by using half the amount of Anaheim pepper compared to banana pepper and then taste and adjust as needed.
When cooking with Anaheim peppers, it’s also important to note that they take longer to soften than banana peppers, so you may need to cook them longer if they are part of a sauce or stir-fry dish.
Additionally, the skin on an Anaheim pepper is thicker than the thinner-skinned banana pepper, so keep that in mind when prepping your ingredients.
Overall, substituting Anaheim for banana peppers is easy and will add a milder, slightly sweeter flavor to your dish. Enjoy!
10. Try Shishito pepper to replace banana pepper
If you’re looking for a pepper to add a little spice to your dish, but don’t want the heat of a banana pepper, then shishito peppers are a good choice.
These Japanese peppers are thin-skinned and have a mild flavor, with just a hint of spice, similar to Padron peppers. They’re also very versatile and can be used in various dishes.
One popular way to cook them is to char them on a grill or in a hot pan, which brings out their sweetness. Shishito peppers can also be used in stir-fries, salads, or as garnish.
So next time you’re looking for a pepper to add some flavor to your dish, but don’t want the heat of a banana pepper, give shishito peppers a try.
11. Friggitello
Friggitello peppers can be used as a substitute for banana peppers in many recipes. They have a similar flavor profile but are slightly hotter, with a hint of sweetness and spice.
To substitute friggitello peppers for banana peppers, you should use the same amount as you would use the banana pepper (1:1 ratio).
When adding them to salads or sandwiches, slice them thin like you would with any other pepper.
If using them in cooked dishes, it is best to remove the seeds and ribs prior to cooking. This will allow for more even cooking and distribution of heat throughout your dish.
Friggitello peppers can also be pickled just like banana peppers – simply pack whole, stemmed peppers into jars and fill them with a brine mixture made from vinegar, sugar, and spices.
12. Hungarian wax pepper- similar in appearance to banana peppers
Hungarian wax peppers, also known as hot wax peppers or banana peppers, are a type of chili pepper that ranges in color from yellow to orange to red.
The yellowish-orange variety is the most common, and it is often used as a substitute for banana peppers in recipes.
Hungarian wax peppers are named for their waxy appearance, and they have a thin skin that is easy to remove.
These peppers are typically 2-3 inches long and have a mild to medium heat level. When used in cooking, they can add a touch of sweetness and spice to any dish.
Hungarian wax peppers are versatile ingredients that can be used in a variety of recipes, making them a great addition to any kitchen pantry.
13. Korean chili peppers – an excellent banana pepper substitute
When substituting Korean chili peppers for banana peppers, it is important to consider the heat level of each pepper.
Korean chili peppers are generally much hotter than banana peppers, so you should use less than the amount called for in your recipe. Start with half the amount of Korean chili peppers and then add more if needed.
If your recipe calls for a milder version, remove the seeds from the Korean chili peppers before adding them to your dish.
FAQs on banana pepper substitute
Q1. Are banana peppers the same as pepperoncini?
No, banana peppers are not the same as pepperoncini. Banana peppers are a type of mild chili pepper with a sweet flavor and a bright yellow-orange color. Pepperoncini, on the other hand, are Italian pickled peppers that have a mild flavor with some tanginess from the brine.
They typically have wrinkly skin and an orange-yellow hue. While both types of peppers are relatively low on the heat scale and can be utilized to add flavor to dishes without being overwhelmingly spicy, they still have distinct differences in taste and texture.
Both banana peppers and pepperoncini can be used for various culinary purposes, such as adding spice to sandwiches or pizzas, but their individual flavors may work better for different dishes.
For example, banana peppers can be great for adding a sweet and tangy flavor to a dish, while pepperoncini are better suited for adding more of a briny taste. Depending on the recipe, either type of pepper can help take your meal to the next level.
Q2. Are cherry peppers similar to banana peppers?
Cherry peppers and banana peppers are both members of the pepper family, but they have some key differences. Cherry peppers are typically smaller and more round than banana peppers. They also tend to be more pungent, with a distinctively sharp flavor.
Banana peppers, on the other hand, are slightly milder and have a more curved shape. They get their name from their yellowish-brown color, which is similar to that of a ripe banana.
When it comes to cooking, cherry peppers are often used in pickling or canning recipes, while banana peppers are more commonly used fresh in salads or as toppings on a pizza.
Q3. What are the Best sides for Korean chili pepper?
Korean chili pepper paste, also known as gochujang, is a savory and spicy condiment that can be used to add flavor to many dishes. Some of the best sides for Korean chili pepper paste include:
1. Rice: White or brown rice is a great base for any dish served with gochujang, as the nutty flavors bring out the sweetness of the sauce.
2. Kimchi: The sourness and spiciness of kimchi pair perfectly with sweet gochujang, creating an interesting combination of flavor profiles.
3. Noodles: Gochujang-infused noodles make for a hearty meal packed with flavor. Whether cooked in a skillet or served cold, noodles are the perfect side dish for your gochujang-infused dishes.
4. Vegetables: Whether cooked or raw, adding vegetables to your gochujang dish will bring a fresh and crunchy element that helps to balance out the heat of the sauce. Popular vegetable sides include bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots, and zucchini.
5. Fried Foods: Gochujang is delicious when used in marinades for fried foods such as chicken, beef, and fish. The rich flavor of the sauce combined with the crispy texture of fried food creates an irresistible combination.