Chili powder is a powerful spicy seasoning that can add a ton of flavor and heat to your recipes, from chili to tacos to marinades to delicious homemade sauces. The heat level of chili powder can vary depending on the type and amount of chili peppers used. Some chili powders are quite mild, while others can be extremely hot.
However, what do you do when you run out of this crucial ingredient? Don’t worry because there are plenty of great chili powder substitutes out there that can save the day. Let’s have a quick run-through of some of them. We have cayenne peppers, paprika, ground cumin, taco seasoning, red pepper flakes, and much more waiting to be picked by you.
These are only a few of the many options I have lined up for you, so take a back seat and stop worrying about what to use, as I’ll go into the nitty gritty of all of these alternatives to chili powder. But before I do, let’s first cover what this powder is.
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What Is Chili Powder?
Chili powder is a spice blend made by mixing ground chili peppers with other spices such as cumin, garlic powder, and oregano. It’s a delicious staple spice in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine and is commonly used in dishes such as chili con carne, tacos, and enchiladas.
Chili powder is not just about adding heat to your dishes; it also brings a unique flavor profile to the table. The blend of spices used in chili powder may differ, but it typically contains cumin, garlic powder, and oregano. This combination creates a savory, slightly smoky taste with a subtle hint of sweetness that elevates the overall flavor of your recipe.
The heat level in chili powder largely depends on the blend of chili peppers utilized during its preparation. Some chili powders are mild, while others can be incredibly spicy. It’s also not as potent as pure chili pepper powder. This means that you may need to use more chili powder if using its purer form.
What Type Of Cuisine Is It Most Common In?
Chili powder is used in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, where it adds a spicy kick and smoky flavor to dishes like chili con carne, tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas. In chili con carne, for example, chili powder is used to season the ground beef, tomatoes, and beans. Similarly, in tacos, chili powder is added to the meat filling, while in enchiladas, it’s used to flavor the sauce.
However, chili powder is not exclusive to Mexican cuisine, as in Indian cuisine, it’s an essential component of spice blends like garam masala and is used in dishes like chicken tikka masala and butter chicken.
Even in Middle Eastern cuisine, it’s used in spice blends like baharat, which are also used to flavor grilled meats, stews, and soups.
Best Chili Powder Substitutes
Homemade Chili Powder
Making your own homemade chili powder is a great way to add a unique and personalized touch to your cooking. Not only does it allow you to control the heat level and flavor profile, but it also ensures that you are using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Plus, the process of creating your own chili powder can be a fun and rewarding experience as you experiment with different combinations of spices and herbs to achieve the perfect blend.
Chipotle Chile Powder
1 teaspoon of chili powder = 1/2 teaspoon of chipotle chile powder
Chipotle chile powder is a spice that brings a unique and smoky flavor to your dishes, as it’s made from smoked and dried jalapeño peppers. The smokiness comes from the peppers being smoked over wood, typically oak or pecan, imparting a rich, earthy flavor and a deep red-brown color to the powder.
Whether you are making tacos, enchiladas, or even scrambled eggs, chipotle chile powder can add a delicious smoky flavor to your food. Even rubs, sauces, and dressings have been made with tasty and spicy powder.
Paprika
1 teaspoon of chili powder = 1 teaspoon of paprika
Paprika is an amazing substitute for chili powder, but always keep in mind the overall flavor of your dish when using it. While paprika can add a delightful sweet and smoky taste to your meals, it may not be suitable for every recipe.
For example, if you’re making a spicy chili or a hot sauce, paprika isn’t the best choice since it’s not as hot as chili powder. In these cases, opt for another popular swap, cayenne peppers or another hot pepper, to achieve the desired level of spiciness.
Another thing to keep in mind is the type of paprika you are using. There are several types of paprika available, including sweet, smoked, and hot varieties. Each type has a different flavor profile and heat level, so choosing the right one for your recipe is important.
Let’s say, for instance, you’re making a dish that requires a smoky flavor. You may want to use smoked paprika, but on the other hand, if you are making a dish that requires a mild and sweet flavor, sweet paprika will be your best bet.
Cayenne Pepper
1 teaspoon of chili powder = 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper is one of the most popular spices on the list that’s made from dried and ground cayenne peppers, which are known for their fiery heat and intense flavor. The spice is named after the city of Cayenne in French Guiana, where it was first cultivated and traded.
Aside from its culinary uses, cayenne pepper is also believed to have numerous health benefits. It’s said to help boost metabolism and aid in weight loss, as well as improve digestion and reduce inflammation.
Some people also use cayenne pepper as a natural remedy for pain relief, particularly for conditions like arthritis and muscle pain. It’s even believed to have immune-boosting properties, as well as the ability to help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Ground Cumin
1 teaspoon of chili powder = 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
Ground cumin is a subtle spice with a warm and earthy flavor that can add a certain richness to whatever recipe it’s used for. It’s commonly used in Mexican, Indian, and Middle Eastern cuisine and is a great option for those who want to add a smoky flavor to their dishes without making them too spicy.
It can be used in soups, stews, and curries, though its heat level will be different. Cumin is not as hot as chili powder, so you may need to add additional spices or peppers to remedy this. It may also lack the same depth of flavor as chili powder, so experiment with other spices and seasonings for a better and personalized taste.
Taco Seasoning
1 teaspoon of chili powder = 1 teaspoon of taco seasoning
Taco seasoning is a flavorful blend of spices commonly used in Mexican cuisine to season meat for, you guessed it, tacos, burritos, and other dishes. It typically contains a combination of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and other seasonings.
While chili powder is often used in recipes that call for a spicy kick, taco seasoning can be used as an equally effective substitute for chili powder to add a similar depth of flavor but without the heat. It’s also a pre-made blend, which saves time and effort in measuring and mixing individual spices.
This seasoning can also add a unique flavor profile to dishes that may not be achievable with chili powder alone. For example, adding cumin and paprika can give the dish a smoky and earthy flavor, while garlic and onion powder can provide a savory and aromatic touch.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
1 teaspoon of chili powder = 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes
Crushed red pepper flakes are a well-known spice made from dried and crushed red chili peppers. They add a powerful spice and flavorful kick to many dishes, such as pizza sauces, chili, and stir-fries. However, the spiciness level can vary depending on the type and amount of chili peppers used.
Besides their culinary uses, crushed red pepper flakes are also believed to have some nifty little health benefits. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and C, iron, and potassium.
Some research even suggests that consuming spicy foods like crushed red pepper flakes may help to increase metabolism and promote weight loss. However, too much consumption can cause digestive problems and may worsen certain health conditions, such as acid reflux or irritable bowel syndrome.
Ancho Powder
1 teaspoon of chili powder = 1/2 teaspoon of ancho powder
Ancho powder is a spice made from dried and ground ancho chili peppers, commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It has a smoky flavor with a mild to medium level of spiciness and can be used in various dishes, including enchiladas, tacos, and mole sauce.
This powder is also another good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and C, as well as potassium. Ancho powder also contains antioxidants, which help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Research also shows that consuming foods high in antioxidants may reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.
Hot Sauce
1 teaspoon of chili powder = 1/4 teaspoon of hot sauce
Hot sauce is a beloved and popular condiment made from chili peppers, vinegar, and other ingredients. It’s used to add a quick dollop of heat and flavor to dishes like wings, tacos, and eggs. It can even be incorporated into delicious sauces, marinades, and dressings, allowing for greater control over the spiciness level of the dish.
Choose a brand that contains only natural ingredients, as some hot sauces may contain additional ingredients like sugar or preservatives. It can even be quite salty, so adjusting the amount of salt in the recipe may be necessary.
Cajun Seasoning
1 teaspoon of chili powder = 1 teaspoon of cajun seasoning
Cajun seasoning is the ultimate spice blend that’s commonly used in Louisiana cuisine. It typically contains other options on this list, like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and other seasonings. This combination allows it to add a unique flavor profile to the dish that may not be achievable with just chili powder alone. This spice is also a pre-made blend, which saves time and effort in measuring and mixing individual spices.