Ghost Substitutes: The Complete Guide for Home Cooks
Can't find Ghost? Or maybe you're looking for a substitute with a little less heat? You're in the right place.
The Ghost is a extremely hot pepper with a heat level of 850,000-1,125,000 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 Ghost substitutes, ranked for home cooking.
Top 5 Ghost Pepper Substitutes Ranked
🥇 1. Trinidad Scorpion Butch T
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) (800,000-2,009,231 SHU)
How Much to Use: Use a little less Trinidad Scorpion Butch T
Why it Works: Offers a good balance of heat, flavor, and availability for most recipes.
🥈 2. Naga Morich
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) (1,000,000-1,598,227 SHU)
How Much to Use: Use a little less Naga Morich
Why it Works: Offers a good balance of heat, flavor, and availability for most recipes.
🥉 3. Infinity chilli
Best for: Best for maintaining the same heat level with a different flavor profile
Heat: Nearly identical heat (1,067,286-1,067,286 SHU)
How Much to Use: Use on a one-to-one basis
Why it Works: The Infinity chilli maintains a similar level of heat, making it an excellent substitute for most recipes.
4️⃣ 4. Dorset Naga
Best for: Best for maintaining the same heat level with a different flavor profile
Heat: Nearly identical heat (1,001,304-1,001,304 SHU)
How Much to Use: Use on a one-to-one basis
Why it Works: The Dorset Naga maintains a similar level of heat, making it an excellent substitute for most recipes.
5️⃣ 5. Komodo Dragon
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) (1,400,000-2,200,000 SHU)
How Much to Use: Use about ¾ of a Komodo Dragon for every Ghost
Why it Works: Offers a good balance of heat, flavor, and availability for most recipes.
Heat & Flavor Comparison Table
| Pepper | Heat (SHU) | Flavor Notes | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghost Pepper (Original) | 850,000-1,125,000 | N/A | Specialty stores |
| Trinidad Scorpion Butch T | 800,000-2,009,231 | N/A | Available in specialty stores or well-stocked supermarkets |
| Naga Morich | 1,000,000-1,598,227 | N/A | Available in specialty stores or well-stocked supermarkets |
| Infinity chilli | 1,067,286-1,067,286 | N/A | Available in specialty stores or well-stocked supermarkets |
| Dorset Naga | 1,001,304-1,001,304 | N/A | Available in specialty stores or well-stocked supermarkets |
| Komodo Dragon Pepper | 1,400,000-2,200,000 | N/A | Available in specialty stores or well-stocked supermarkets |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best substitute for Ghost?
The best substitute depends on your goal. The Trinidad Scorpion Butch T is the closest overall match. Best for when you want the same flavor profile but a noticeable step up in heat Use a little less Trinidad Scorpion Butch T.
Can I use jalapeño instead of Ghost?
Ghost Pepper is about 197.5x 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 Trinidad Scorpion Butch T 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 Ghost powder instead of fresh Ghost?
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.