Oh, green peppers. They’re like the trusty sidekick in so many dishes, right?
Yet, sometimes you open the fridge and—bam—they’re not there.
Or hey, maybe you’re just not a fan. It happens! No green peppers? No problem.
We’ve got the hook-up with five stellar substitutes that keep your cooking game strong.
Each brings its own zing to the table, making sure you won’t even miss the original.
From the sweetness of bell peppers to the unexpected crunch of celery, we promise these swaps will keep your meals interesting.
Ready to shake things up? Let’s cut to the chase and dig in!
The 5 Best Substitutes for Green Peppers
If you are looking for something to give your dish a similar flavor and crunch as green peppers, but don’t have any at hand, here are the five best substitutes.
1 – Red or Yellow Bell Peppers
Red and yellow bell peppers are some of the most versatile vegetables around.
They have a variety of uses in cooking, from salads and sandwiches to stir-fries and sauces.
The bright, crunchy exterior makes them pleasant to eat raw, while their sweet taste really comes alive when grilled or roasted.
Red peppers tend to be milder, sweeter, and richer than yellow ones; however, both can be used interchangeably.
If you’re looking for a milder alternative to green bell peppers in your recipes, both red and yellow are great substitutes, thanks to their sweetness and punchy flavor.
Roast them on the stovetop or grill, stir-fry them with other veggies or add them raw to salads – whichever way you choose, these colorful peppers will bring out the best in any dish.
2 – Poblano Peppers
Poblanos peppers are a favorite in Mexican cuisine, with their mild and slightly smoky taste.
These beloved peppers have a pleasant heat level and a distinctive flavor that accents many dishes, such as chili Rellenos, fajitas, and tacos.
Although not quite as spicy as jalapenos, poblano peppers still add some kick to meals.
Their deep green color adds to the flavor as well; they are typically between two and five inches long in length, which gives them a slight crunch when cooked.
As an easy substitute for green bell peppers, poblanos can amp up the flavor of almost any dish.
Try chopping them in fajita stir fries with onions or stuffed with cheese – either way, you go, no meal will taste bland again.
3 – Jalapeno Peppers
Jalapeno peppers are a great addition to almost any Mexican-style dish.
They have an intense, spicy flavor that immediately makes any recipe more interesting and flavorful.
Jalapenos are also commonly used in a wide selection of condiments, salsas, and other sauces for added pizazz.
In terms of texture, jalapenos are slightly thicker than green peppers and can be enjoyed raw or cooked, depending on your preference.
For those who would like to substitute jalapenos instead of green peppers in a recipe, consider reducing the amount used as the spiciness level can be too overwhelming for some palates otherwise.
To control the heat level, remove the seeds before adding them to the dish — this will help make it easier to tolerate without sacrificing flavor.
4 – Pimento Peppers
Pimento peppers, also known as cherry peppers, are a variety of sweet pepper that grows two to three inches in length.
They can range from bright red to yellow-green in color when ripe and have a mild, sweet taste.
The flesh is softer and milder than jalapeños but still slightly spicy.
Pimento peppers are often roasted to enhance their flavor before being stored in jars, where they can be used as a spread or chopped and added to other dishes for extra flavor.
It makes a great substitute for green bell peppers in recipes such as stuffed peppers or fajitas because it provides a richer flavor.
You may want to reduce the amount of pimento pepper you use compared to green bell pepper in some recipes, depending on your taste preferences.
5 – Shishito Peppers
Shishito peppers are a unique variety of sweet pepper that has recently become popular due to their mild flavor and delightful texture.
These finger-length, thin-skinned peppers ooze a sweetness similar to bell peppers, yet they are so much more lively on the tongue.
Shishitos have an unmistakable fire to them, although the heat level varies with each individual pepper, so caution should be taken when eating.
A great way to utilize Shishito peppers is by substituting them in place of green bell pepper in any recipe; their mild kick can give the dish an extra edge of flavor.
Whether cooked or eaten raw, these delicious little morsels are certain to bring energy and spice to any meal.
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