Can't Find Cheongyang chili? Try These 5 Perfect Substitutes
Can't find Cheongyang chili? Or maybe you're looking for a substitute with a different flavor profile? You're in the right place.
The Cheongyang chili is a hot pepper with a heat level of 10,000-10,000 SHU.
We've analyzed dozens of chili peppers to find the best replacements for any situation. Whether you need something milder, hotter, or smokier, here are the top 5 Cheongyang chili substitutes, ranked for home cooking.
Top 5 Cheongyang chili pepper Substitutes Ranked
🥇 1. Serrano
Best for: Best for when you want the same flavor profile but a noticeable step up in heat
Heat: Significantly hotter (a good step up) (10,000-23,000 SHU)
How Much to Use: Use about ¾ of a Serrano for every Cheongyang chili
Why it Works: Offers a good balance of heat, flavor, and availability for most recipes.
🥈 2. Hungarian Wax
Best for: Best for slightly toning down the heat while keeping the pepper flavor
Heat: Slightly milder (1,000-15,000 SHU)
How Much to Use: Use on a 1-to-1 basis for volume and flavor
Why it Works: The Hungarian Wax maintains a similar level of heat, making it an excellent substitute for most recipes.
🥉 3. Dedo de Moca
Best for: Best for maintaining the same heat level with a different flavor profile
Heat: Nearly identical heat (10,000-10,000 SHU)
How Much to Use: Use on a one-to-one basis
Why it Works: The Dedo de Moca maintains a similar level of heat, making it an excellent substitute for most recipes.
4️⃣ 4. Aleppo
Best for: Best for maintaining the same heat level with a different flavor profile
Heat: Nearly identical heat (10,000-10,000 SHU)
How Much to Use: Use on a one-to-one basis
Why it Works: The Aleppo maintains a similar level of heat, making it an excellent substitute for most recipes.
5️⃣ 5. Jalapeño
Best for: Best for maintaining the same heat level with a different flavor profile
Heat: Nearly identical heat (1,000-20,000 SHU)
How Much to Use: Use on a one-to-one basis
Why it Works: The Jalapeño maintains a similar level of heat, making it an excellent substitute for most recipes.
Heat & Flavor Comparison Table
| Pepper | Heat (SHU) | Flavor Notes | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheongyang chili pepper (Original) | 10,000-10,000 | N/A | Specialty stores |
| Serrano Pepper | 10,000-23,000 | N/A | Available in specialty stores or well-stocked supermarkets |
| Hungarian Wax Pepper | 1,000-15,000 | N/A | Available in specialty stores or well-stocked supermarkets |
| Dedo de Moca | 10,000-10,000 | N/A | Available in specialty stores or well-stocked supermarkets |
| Aleppo Pepper | 10,000-10,000 | N/A | Available in specialty stores or well-stocked supermarkets |
| Jalapeño Pepper | 1,000-20,000 | N/A | Available in specialty stores or well-stocked supermarkets |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best substitute for Cheongyang chili?
The best substitute depends on your goal. The Serrano is the closest overall match. Best for when you want the same flavor profile but a noticeable step up in heat Use about ¾ of a Serrano for every Cheongyang chili.
Can I use jalapeño instead of Cheongyang chili?
Yes! Jalapeño is actually one of our recommended substitutes for Cheongyang chili. Cheongyang chili pepper is about 2x hotter than jalapeño, so jalapeño will be significantly milder. You'd need to use more jalapeño, but the flavor profile may not match well.
How do I adjust the heat level when substituting?
Start with less than you think you need—you can always add more heat, but you can't take it away! If your substitute is milder, add more gradually and taste as you go. If it's hotter, start with half the amount and build up. Remember that cooking method also affects heat: boiling reduces spice, while frying intensifies it.
Will the flavor be the same?
No substitute is ever a perfect 1-for-1 match in flavor. The Serrano is the closest you'll get. Others may fundamentally change the flavor of your dish—but often in a delicious way! Consider whether you're substituting for heat, flavor, or both.
Can I use Cheongyang chili powder instead of fresh Cheongyang chili?
Yes, but the flavor will be different. As a general rule, ¼ teaspoon of dried pepper powder is roughly equivalent to one fresh pepper. However, you'll miss the fresh, crisp texture and bright flavor. Powder works best in spice rubs, soups, and slow-cooked dishes where texture isn't critical.