Don’t have Chipotle powder on hand? We’ve got your back with 13 different Chipotle powder substitute ingredients.
If you are a spicy food lover, you must have tasted this chili powder at least once. As you may know, every chili variation has its distinct level of spiciness, and Chipotle is no exception. You can’t expect the same taste and pungency, but we will help you with the closest alternatives.
Top 13 Chipotle Powder Substitute Ideas
1. Chipotle Paste / Seasoning / Flake
When it comes to Chipotle powder substitutes, what is the first thing you think of? Undoubtedly, other Chipotle-based products make perfect stand-ins, preserving the expected heat level.
You can use Chipotle paste, seasoning, or flake; they are all easily available in any grocery store. Even better, you can DIY Chipotle season at home with our simple guide at the end.
These smoky ingredients are indeed all-around; Pair them with seafood, fish, chicken, pork, beef, or veggie to spice up your dish! You will also want to toss it in pasta, stews, soups, salads, rice, or any recipes calling for a hot kick.
But our go-to recipe for a weekend party is Salmon fishcakes with Chipotle dip. Imagine the subtle and refreshing fish wrapped with a crispy coat dipping in the spicy, sour, and salty paste! You’d better make a huge batch, or your “little guests” will eat it up in no time.
Consuming Chipotle can lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of strokes and heart disease. What’s more, this pepper assists you in dissolving fibrin – an important element in blood clot production.
2. Ancho Powder
Ancho powder is simply smoked poblano peppers getting ground up, which will replace the smokiness of Chipotle powder.
But if pungency is what you are looking for, this substitute can’t satisfy you. Ancho powder leans to the sweeter side, though it bears a relatively mild spiciness of 1,500 SHU (Scoville heat unit).
This figure is nothing compared to Chipotle with 8,000 SHU, yet this powder will give you a fruity shade for more depth. You can utilize it in tacos, sandwiches, marinades, meat rubs, and especially grilled chicken or fish.
One more thing, Ancho powder comes in a darker hue than the original recipe. When adding to some fresh dishes like salads or pasta, it somewhat affects the visual appeal.
Ancho powder offers anti-inflammatory effects, speeding up metabolism. It’s also an excellent source of antioxidants to fight off free radical damages linked to cancer and heart disease reduction.
3. Fresh / Smoked Paprika
Paprika is no stranger to hot food fans in particular and the cooking community in general. It’s not an overstatement at all to say that you can come across this pepper in all grocery stores.
Fresh Paprika adds a gorgeous bright red hue to your dish while also jazzing it up with a spicy touch. Its flavor falls somewhere between the sweet and hot taste. However, we highly recommend smoked Paprika, as it fills in the smoky blank as well.
Throw this ingredient in any pork, beef, or chicken stews. Or you can use it in barbecue sauces, rubs, marinades, and egg dishes. We also love to sprinkle smoked Paprika on mac & cheese.
Believe us when we say that Paprika is a good companion for your weight loss attempt. It offers anti-obesity properties, cutting down the caloric intake and improving fat metabolism. Xanthophylls in Paprika are also positively linked to the reduction of abdominal fat.
4. Crushed Red Pepper
Crushed red pepper, or red pepper flakes, is a blend of capsicum annuum peppers. Don’t be confused with the name; we bet you all know it. Simply put, they are Bell, Fresno, Jalapeno, Anaheim, Cayenne, to name a few.
In most cases, Cayenne is the star in a crushed red pepper bottle you find in the supermarket. It will deliver you a serious punch of heat, along with a distinctly smoky hint.
Feel free to scatter red pepper flakes on pasta, soups, stews, stuffing, curries, stir-fries, pizzas, or sauces to send a spicy spirit to your dishes. Containing various peppers, this ingredient will not be that hot as Cayenne and offer you a fruity and sweet note.
In general, red peppers are chock-full of vitamin C, aiding in collagen formation, iron absorption, and wound healing. Even better, you will also benefit from the included beta-carotene and vitamin A for a healthy vision.
5. Aleppo Pepper
Don’t get it wrong. Aleppo is not a pepper name at all, yet it refers to the origin of this style. Aleppo-style pepper set its root in Syria, made of Halaby pepper by semi-drying, deseeding, coarsely grinding.
If you seek a Chipotle powder substitute that is more diverse in taste, this spice is the way to go. Aleppo pepper delivers a moderate heat level with an earthy touch and a cumin-like undertone. Sometimes, you will trace a fruity hint of tomatoes, significantly adding more dimensions to your recipes.
Paint your dish with this burgundy color, and it ends up with a flavorful finish, recalling sun-dried tomato. You will want to use it in chicken marinades, rubs for meat or veggies, kebabs, beans, dips, and so on. Some bartenders even utilize Aleppo peppers to rim cocktail glasses for their rich flavor.
This spice is prized for its richness of folic acid, supporting new cell production and preventing DNA mutation that leads to cancer. One significant mineral is potassium, which can help lower water retention and blood pressure.
6. Piri Piri Seasoning
Piri Piri, meaning “pepper pepper” in Swahili, is a mixed seasoning that is sure to tickle your palate for its flavorsome ingredients. Paprika is the key component, along with a wide array of spices and herbs like garlic, onion, ginger, oregano, coriander, etc.
Paprika is in charge of the spiciness and smokiness, while others will provoke a burst of flavors, taking your dish to another level.
You can encounter this seasoning in various recipes, from burgers, sandwiches, salads, rolls, grilled vegetables to fried rice. But it will blossom when paired with oil and lemon juice in marinades for prawns, chickens, pork, or steak.
Piri Piri spice delivers an abundance of B-complex vitamins (B1, B2, B3), vital for organ functioning and stimulating enzymes to do their jobs. Other minerals in this seasoning, such as potassium, iron, and phosphorus, help to boost metabolism and body growth.
7. Cayenne Powder
Spice addicts, here comes your cup of tea! Cayenne pepper takes the crown on this list when it comes to spiciness. With the whopping rate of 30,000 to 50,000 SHU, Cayenne powder is not just a spice but a burst of heat indeed.
The powder contains smoked peppers, so it will bring out an earthy and smoky aroma reminiscent of its relative – Chipotle powder. This fiery spice is not for everyone, but we bet you will be hooked on this seasoning once you can stand the heat.
You can easily come across Cayenne powder in most Mexican-inspired recipes. So, whenever planning for a Mexican meal, remember this staple. You can also add a pinch of this seasoning to sauces, fried chicken, dry rubs, eggs, or seafood for a robust spice.
This pepper powder will fire up every single taste bud and boost your health at once. It comes with an anti-irritant effect that can ease stomach discomfort, cough, and sore throat. Also, Cayenne contributes to the enzyme and gastric acid production for better digestion.
8. Guajillo Powder
Another ideal ambassador in Mexican cuisine is Guajillo powder; It comes with a complex taste between sweetness and tanginess, along with a hint of pine and berry.
Guajillo’s heat falls on the lower end of the Scoville scale, so you can’t expect a hot punch in your dish. But the fruity and smoky scent akin to Chipotle makes it a comparable alternative. We suggest tossing it in soups, salsas, sauces, stews, or dry rubs for a cozy vibe.
Adding Guajillo powder to your diet equals vitamin C and B6 intakes. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant, doing wonders for your immunity and healing process. On the other hand, vitamin B6 is vital for metabolism and emotion regulation.
9. Pasilla Powder
Pasilla powder can be considered as an Ancho powder replica, both in taste and look. The mix of ground Pasilla comes out with an aubergine-like or black hue while delivering a mild pungency and a fruity touch recalling grape and berry.
This seasoning also gives you a subtle heat level, so feel free to serve it to your kids. You can jazz up your soups, salsa, sauces, tacos, or fish and poultry dishes with Pasilla powder. Like Ancho powder, its dark color will slightly alter the layout of your dishes.
Those with anemia (caused by iron deficiency) should consider adding Pasilla pepper powder to their dishes since it is packed with iron. This mineral also plays an essential role in hemoglobin formation – a protein aiding in oxygen-carrying.
10. Jalapeno Pepper
As mentioned, Jalapeno is the main ingredient of crushed red pepper, easily accessible and mildly hot. These chubby green fruits are commonly used in Mexico and the US, providing a sweet-spicy, fruity note and a juicy texture thanks to its thick flesh.
For its fresh flavor and aroma, people prefer serving it as a whole rather than a dried ground version. If you don’t have these fresh peppers on hand, a substitute for Jalapeno also does the trick.
You’d better chop them into small pieces if you are about to use them as a seasoning instead of Chipotle powder. Throw them in tacos, soups, salsa, salads, sauces, and pasta as a hot topping. You will also want to roast, sauté, or grill them to serve as a side dish.
Fresh Jalapenos are chock-full of folate, playing a significant role in red blood cell production and cell function. You will also receive a huge amount of vitamin K for healthy bones and improved blood clotting.
11. Hot Sauce
We’ve all tried hot sauce at least once, and the best thing about this tasty condiment is that you can buy it at any store or even make it at home. Hot sauce is a perfect combination of chili peppers, vinegar, salt, garlic, onion, and more. There is no one-for-all recipe for a good hot sauce, so let your creativity flow when DIY it.
This blend of spices promises a deep and complex flavor profile, sending your dish a pungent kick and a wide array of other tones.
This is an all-around ingredient that you can add to any recipe. Even the simplest way to enjoy hot sauce can blow a fresh wind to the dish; some drops on the morning eggs or pair with mayonnaise for an all-purpose dip.
Regardless of the chili type you use, hot sauce bears a richness of capsaicin. This substance is known for widening and relaxing blood vessels, which reduces blood pressure.
12. Adobo Seasoning
Another mixed spice that can take the place of Chipotle powder is Adobo seasoning. This spice contains Paprika, black pepper, salt, onion, and other dried herbs.
As you may know, Paprika makes a proper stand-in for Chipotle powder, so there is no reason for Adobo seasoning can’t get the job done. It will add more flavor dimensions to your dish due to its combination of components, especially the spiciness and herby scent.
You can utilize this spice for veggies, beans, sauces, soups, or stocks. But let us introduce our secret paste. Mix Adobo seasoning with bitter orange juice, lime juice or vinegar, and olive oil, and you have a destined match for any fish, poultry, or meat.
Apart from the health perks of Paprika, you will benefit from the abundant minerals of this seasoning, thanks to the presence of garlic and herbs. Iron, calcium, and manganese are just a few to name.
13. Black Pepper
Black pepper stands in the last position of our list owing to its different roots. These small berries can replace Chipotle powder in a pinch since they are both spicy and smoky.
However, if you do care about spice, you will know the difference. While Chipotle fires up your palate only, black pepper seems to go deeper with little pungency lingering in the sore throat and boasts a warmer shade.
Grind black pepper and sprinkle it on soups, stews, salads, sauces, stir-fries, vegetables, pasta, meat, or fish and see how it glorifies your dish.
Whole black peppers work just fine if you can stand its extreme heat, and they will slightly fall behind ground black pepper when adding flavor.
Black pepper stands out with its superior anti-inflammatory properties, reducing the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and fatal cancer. But bear in mind that high-dose intake can adversely impact your health, particularly upsetting your stomach and leading to gastric problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Chipotle Powder And Chipotle Seasoning The Same?
Many people mistake Chipotle powder for Chipotle seasoning, but there are some differences.
Chipotle seasoning, of course, contains Chipotle powder, yet there are many other “powerful” ingredients adding to its flavor like cumin, salt, garlic, and herbs. So, it will display more shades rather than the typical spiciness and smokiness of Chipotle powder itself.
2. How To Make Homemade Chipotle Powder?
If you fall for Chipotle powder and want to stick to it only, let’s DIY!
Chipotle is the star of this spice, so start by picking these red chilies.
Choose the smooth red and firm fruits without any bruises. Do you know how to control the spiciness of the powder? Here’s the trick! If you want a big bang of heat, go for bigger and darker ones; otherwise, pick smaller and brighter peppers and deseed them.
Next, you will need a smoker for the rest of the process. Set the smoker at about 200°F with good ventilation. Smoking time varies between 3 to 12 hours, based on your preference for smokiness.
After smoking, grind them into powder. And you are on set! This process is indeed time-consuming, but your time will be worth it since you can tailor the heat and smokiness of the final powder.
3. How To Make Homemade Chipotle Seasoning?
As promised, here is a simple guide to making Chipotle seasoning. It will come in handy when you expect a more diverse spice profile while still retaining a hint of Chipotle.
Ingredients:
- Crushed Chipotle – 1/2 tbsp
- Chili powder (Chipotle powder would be best) – 1 tbsp
- Smoked Paprika – 1 tbsp
- Ground cumin – 1 tsp
- Garlic powder – 1 tsp
- Dried oregano – 1 tsp
- Ground coriander – 1 tsp
- Sea salt – 1/2 tsp
All you need to do is mix them together and store them in an airtight jar. It can last for 4 months.
Conclusion
Don’t hesitate to try all the Chipotle powder substitute options above. Though each of them brings you a different shade of spiciness, you will be satisfied.
Why? The secret is that the included capsaicin will trick your brain into releasing the happy chemical – Endorphins – and fill you with excitement from head to toe. We bet that you will fall in love with them, as long as it’s spicy!
