In this recipe, what is a possible substitute for serrano pepper?
In this recipe, I enjoy the mix of spices: serrano, cilantro, mint, cinnamon...
Next time we'll cook it, we won't have serrano available. What could be a substitute for it?
Ideally this substitute is not hard to get in Europe...
Note the serrano's contribution to the dish. They're not opened. They're not eaten. They simmer with the rest of the ingredients perhaps adding some taste.
EDIT: Thanks for the suggestions. I now realize that substitute may not have been the best wording. Given the constraints, a simple s/serrano/xxxx/ replacement may not do ☺
Best Answer
The closest thing that's at all common in grocery stores in my experience is just a jalapeño. There might be some alternatives, but I think they'd be even harder to find than serranos. (This is based on my experience in the US, but I'm guessing it'll be true in Europe too.)
Failing that, just use green bell pepper. The flavor is similar, minus the heat, and you can make up the heat with whatever you want, like cayenne or another mostly-just-hot ground chili.
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Quick Answer about "In this recipe, what is a possible substitute for serrano pepper?"
If you need an alternate pepper that is similar to the serrano, reach for jalapeño peppers! Jalapeños are slightly less spicy than serranos, but still have a decent kick to help add heat to your meal. They are also a similar color and shape, although serrano peppers are typically smaller.Can I use cayenne pepper instead of serrano?
If you want to go up a notch in terms of heat, you can use fresh cayenne pepper, but it has comparatively more heat (30,000-50,000 SHU) and adds a forward flavor to your recipe. Use 1 teaspoon of dried cayenne pepper in place of 3 teaspoons of serrano chili.Can I substitute a jalapeno for a serrano?
Can I substitute serrano for jalapeno? The quick answer is \u201cYes, go for it!\u201d as they aren't as different as people think they are! Their flavor is quite similar, so I tend to use them interchangeably. But you'll definitely want to get familiar with the differences in their heat levels.Pickled Serrano Peppers
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Answer 2
You want something hot and very slightly herby, without smoke. For heat, a moderate amount of cayenne is the easiest option. For the herby notes, I might go with something like marjoram or rosemary, but frankly given the cilantro and mint I probably wouldn't bother.
Answer 3
If you have an Asian market, the fresh ground chili paste found there is a reasonable substitute for serrano peppers. I use 'Sambal Oelek' brand, with a rooster on the label: 
It's somewhat hotter than serrano, but not habanero hot. A teaspoon per dish will kick things up a notch, with a fairly rich pepper flavor.
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