Komodo Dragon Substitutes: The Complete Guide for Home Cooks
Can't find Komodo Dragon? Or maybe you're looking for a substitute with a little less heat? You're in the right place.
The Komodo Dragon is a extremely hot pepper with a heat level of 1,400,000-2,200,000 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 Komodo Dragon substitutes, ranked for home cooking.
Top 5 Komodo Dragon Pepper Substitutes Ranked
🥇 1. Trinidad Scorpion Butch T
Best for: Best for slightly toning down the heat while keeping the pepper flavor
Heat: Slightly milder (800,000-2,009,231 SHU)
How Much to Use: Use on a 1-to-1 basis for volume and flavor
Why it Works: The Trinidad Scorpion Butch T maintains a similar level of heat, making it an excellent substitute for most recipes.
🥈 2. Naga Morich
Best for: Best for slightly toning down the heat while keeping the pepper flavor
Heat: Slightly milder (1,000,000-1,598,227 SHU)
How Much to Use: Use on a 1-to-1 basis for volume and flavor
Why it Works: The Naga Morich maintains a similar level of heat, making it an excellent substitute for most recipes.
🥉 3. Naga Viper
Best for: Best for slightly toning down the heat while keeping the pepper flavor
Heat: Slightly milder (1,382,118-1,382,118 SHU)
How Much to Use: Use on a 1-to-1 basis for volume and flavor
Why it Works: The Naga Viper maintains a similar level of heat, making it an excellent substitute for most recipes.
4️⃣ 4. Dragon's Breath
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) (2,480,000-2,480,000 SHU)
How Much to Use: Use a little less Dragon's Breath
Why it Works: Offers a good balance of heat, flavor, and availability for most recipes.
5️⃣ 5. Infinity chilli
Best for: Best for slightly toning down the heat while keeping the pepper flavor
Heat: Noticeably milder (1,067,286-1,067,286 SHU)
How Much to Use: Use on a 1-to-1 basis for volume and flavor
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Komodo Dragon Pepper (Original) | 1,400,000-2,200,000 | 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 |
| Naga Viper Pepper | 1,382,118-1,382,118 | N/A | Available in specialty stores or well-stocked supermarkets |
| Dragon's Breath Pepper | 2,480,000-2,480,000 | 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best substitute for Komodo Dragon?
The best substitute depends on your goal. The Trinidad Scorpion Butch T is the closest overall match. Best for slightly toning down the heat while keeping the pepper flavor Use on a 1-to-1 basis for volume and flavor.
Can I use jalapeño instead of Komodo Dragon?
Komodo Dragon Pepper is about 360x 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 Komodo Dragon powder instead of fresh Komodo Dragon?
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.