5 Of The Best Substitutes For Aleppo Peppers You Need To Try

There are lots of different peppers out there and each one has a different level of spice that works incredibly well for lots of different recipes.

Most peppers can be used interchangeably, so even if you can’t find the one you are looking for, you are sure to find a fantastic substitute. 

Aleppo pepper is one of the best chili peppers you can use in your recipes because it has an incredibly unique flavor profile that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.

But if you are making a recipe that calls for Aleppo peppers and you don’t have any available, this can be quite stressful. 

But don’t worry! We are here to help. We have put together a list of 5 of the best substitutes for Aleppo peppers.

Some of the substitutes on this list include Cayenne pepper, Pasilla chili Powder, and Pimento de Padron. 

5 Best Substitutes For Aleppo Peppers

Each of the substitutes on this list is perfect to use when you can’t get hold of the real thing. The flavors of course won’t be exactly the same, but these substitutes are definitely as close as you are going to get! 

Next time you are making a recipe that calls for Aleppo peppers, give some of these substitutes a try for yourself. In some cases, you might even find that you enjoy the substitutes more! 

What Do Aleppo Peppers Taste Like?

Aleppo peppers are a type of chili pepper that originates from Syria. They are typically dried out and then crushed into flakes or powder and they are generally used as spices for cooking. 

They have a mild to moderate level of spiciness, but they are not as spicy as peppers such as habaneros or sequins. They have both a smoky and sweet taste and this is one of the reasons why they are so popular. 

Nutritional Value of Aleppo Peppers

Aleppo Peppers Substitutes

1. Pimento de Padron

Also known as Spanish Peppers, Pimento de Padron is a type of pepper that very closely resembles the Aleppo pepper. 

In terms of heat, the Pimento de Padron can measure anywhere between 1,000 and 5,000 Scoville units on the heat scale. 

Pimento de Padron is such a good substitute for Aleppo peppers because it has a very quick cooking time and an exceptionally rich flavor.

Even though they aren’t as spicy as the real thing, they will still add a delicious level of heat to your dish. 

Though these peppers are native to Spain, they have actually been grown in California since about 1968 and they are quite easy to find in grocery stores, or anywhere that specializes in herbs and spices. 

2. Pasilla Chili Powder

Pasilla Chili Powder is made from dried pasilla chilies and the powder is quite similar to Cayenne pepper. It is one of the milder chilis you can buy, but that doesn’t take away from how versatile and delicious it is. 

This type of chili powder has a very rich taste but it doesn’t have as much heat, so it is perfect for anyone who wants a bit of spice in their meal without it being too overpowering. 

If you really want to get the most out of the flavors that can be found in Pasilla Chili Powder, it’s recommended that you add it to your dish towards the end of the cooking process. You can even leave it out of the cooking process altogether and just sprinkle it on at the end. 

You will need to experiment with this one a little bit to find a quantity of chili powder that works best for you and your dish. 

3. Ancho Chili Powder

Ancho Chili Powder is made from anchos, which are actually dried poblanos. They are deep red in color and will add a fantastic coloring to your overall dish. 

Though this chili powder does not have as much heat as Aleppo peppers, it does have a very intense smoky richness, that really makes up for its lack of spice.

If you use too much of this powder, that smoky richness can overpower the dish, so just keep that in mind when adding it in. 

It’s also in your best interest to add the Ancho Chili Powder to your dish later on in the cooking process.

The reason it is recommended is that if Ancho chili powder is cooked for too long, it will burn. This also goes for keeping it exposed to a higher temperature. 

Ancho Chili Powder is a wonderful substitute for Aleppo peppers. Even if it’s a bit milder in heat, the smoky richness really makes up for that! 

4. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes are typically made from the seeds and peppers of Cayenne peppers, but there are a few other variations made with different red peppers too. 

If you are looking for a pepper that is closer in spice level to Aleppo peppers, then Crushed Red Pepper Flakes might be just what you are looking for.

Their heat can range from anywhere between 30,000 and 50,000 Scoville units on the heat scale. 

One important thing to remember, however, is that there are lots of different varieties of cayenne peppers and red peppers and they all vary in heat, so just use the above numbers as a guideline. 

Crushed Red Peppers are best used when you want to bring out the heat in your dish rather than focus on adding more flavor. 

5. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne Pepper is a type of chili powder that is used in many different dishes all over the world. It is popular because of its intense flavor and heat and it’s perfect for anyone who really loves spicy dishes. 

Cayenne Peppers are known for their red appearance, but it is important to note that you can sometimes find them in white or yellow when they are still unripe. 

If you do use Cayenne Peppers as a substitute for Aleppo Peppers, you may find that your dish actually comes out a bit milder than it would if you used the original pepper! 

Popular Recipes That Call For Aleppo Peppers

Turkish Eggs

This recipe basically consists of Greek yogurt and poached eggs, and while that might sound like a strange combination, it isn’t one to miss! This is a popular recipe that incorporates Aleppo Peppers into the dish. 

Beef & Aubergine Fatteh

If you are looking for a dish that is absolutely rich in flavor, then you are going to love this Beef & Aubergine Fatteh. It is creamy, spicy, and filled with delicious ingredients that will fill you up and satisfy your food cravings. 

Fried Semolina-Crusted Aubergine With Honey

If you are looking for a recipe that is a bit healthier but still tastes incredible, then you are going to love this one!

These fried aubergines are coated in a delicious drizzle of honey and fried in semolina. You won’t be able to get enough of this recipe when you try it for yourself! 

Conclusion

So there you have it! 5 of the best substitutes for Aleppo Peppers you need to try! Finding a good substitute with the same level of spice is tricky, but these substitutes should do a good job. 

Next time you need to make a dish that calls for Aleppo Peppers, give these substitutes a try. You may even find that you prefer the substitutes, and they will add a unique flavor to your dish!