The 5 Best Substitutes for Naga Morich (Ranked by Chefs)
Can't find Naga Morich? Or maybe you're looking for a substitute with a little less heat? You're in the right place.
The Naga Morich is a extremely hot pepper with a heat level of 1,000,000-1,598,227 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 Naga Morich substitutes, ranked for home cooking.
Top 5 Naga Morich Substitutes Ranked
🥇 1. Trinidad Scorpion Butch T
Best for: Best for maintaining the same heat level with a different flavor profile
Heat: Nearly identical heat (800,000-2,009,231 SHU)
How Much to Use: Use on a one-to-one basis
Why it Works: The Trinidad Scorpion Butch T maintains a similar level of heat, making it an excellent substitute for most recipes.
🥈 2. 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 a little less Komodo Dragon
Why it Works: Offers a good balance of heat, flavor, and availability for most recipes.
🥉 3. Ghost
Best for: Best for slightly toning down the heat while keeping the pepper flavor
Heat: Slightly milder (850,000-1,125,000 SHU)
How Much to Use: Use on a 1-to-1 basis for volume and flavor
Why it Works: The Ghost maintains a similar level of heat, making it an excellent substitute for most recipes.
4️⃣ 4. Naga Viper
Best for: Best for maintaining the same heat level with a different flavor profile
Heat: Nearly identical heat (1,382,118-1,382,118 SHU)
How Much to Use: Use on a one-to-one basis
Why it Works: The Naga Viper maintains a similar level of heat, making it an excellent substitute for most recipes.
5️⃣ 5. Infinity chilli
Best for: Best for maintaining the same heat level with a different flavor profile
Heat: Slightly milder (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.
Heat & Flavor Comparison Table
| Pepper | Heat (SHU) | Flavor Notes | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naga Morich (Original) | 1,000,000-1,598,227 | N/A | Specialty stores |
| Trinidad Scorpion Butch T | 800,000-2,009,231 | 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 |
| Ghost Pepper | 850,000-1,125,000 | 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 |
| 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 Naga Morich?
The best substitute depends on your goal. The Trinidad Scorpion Butch T is the closest overall match. Best for maintaining the same heat level with a different flavor profile Use on a one-to-one basis.
Can I use jalapeño instead of Naga Morich?
Naga Morich is about 259.8x 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 Naga Morich powder instead of fresh Naga Morich?
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.