5 Best Cubanelle Pepper Substitutes
As a chef who has used Cubanelle peppers in various dishes, I understand the unique flavor and mild heat they bring to any recipe.
However, sometimes it can be challenging to find these peppers or perhaps you may want to explore other options.
This is why I’ve created this list of my favorite substitutes for Cubanelle peppers. They are all similar in flavor and heat, but many are much more accessible.
What is Cubanelle Peppers?
Cubanelle peppers, also known as Cuban peppers or Italian frying peppers. They are a variety of sweet pepper commonly used in Caribbean, Latin American, and Italian cuisine.
They have a mild heat level, with a Scoville rating ranging from 0 to 1,000 SHU (Scoville Heat Units). They’re known for their sweet, slightly tangy flavor and thin, tender flesh, which makes them perfect for frying or roasting.
These peppers are typically light green in color, though they can turn red or orange when fully ripe. They are usually used in various dishes such as salads, stir-fries, or stuffed peppers, adding a subtle sweetness and a touch of heat.
What to Think About When Substituting Cubanelle Pepper
When substituting Cubanelle peppers in a recipe, there are several factors to consider:
- Heat level: Try to find a substitute with a similar Scoville rating to maintain the desired heat level in your dish.
- Flavor: Look for peppers with a sweet and slightly tangy flavor profile to mimic the taste of Cubanelle peppers.
- Availability: Choose a substitute that is readily available in your local grocery store or market.
- Size and shape: Consider the size and shape of the substitute pepper, as this may affect the final appearance and texture of your dish.
5 Best Cubanelle Pepper Substitutes
All the peppers on this list can be swapped at a 1:1 ratio with cubanelle pepper. Each pepper is low to no heat, but some differ slightly in flavor. Look for a flavor profile that will help enhance your recipe.
1. Banana Peppers (0 – 500 SHU)
Heat level: Mild
Flavor: Sweet, tangy
Banana peppers are an excellent overall alternative pepper that you can swap within nearly every recipe. They are a similar sweet and tangly flavor and they have a mild heat level with a Scoville rating of 0 to 500 SHU.
They are readily available and come in both yellow and red varieties, with the latter being slightly hotter and sweeter.
2. Anaheim Peppers (500 – 2,500 SHU)
Heat level: Low
Flavor: Sweet, slightly smoky
Anaheim peppers are a good substitute for Cubanelle peppers, offering a more heat level with a Scoville rating of 500 to 2,500 SHU. They have a sweet, slightly smoky flavor and are ideal peppers for being stuffed with a filling.
Anaheim peppers are widely available and can be found in both green and red varieties, with the red ones being slightly hotter and sweeter.
3. Bell Peppers (0 SHU)
Heat level: None
Flavor: Sweet, mild
Bell peppers are a heat-free option for those looking to substitute Cubanelle peppers. With a Scoville rating of 0 SHU, bell peppers offer a sweet and mild flavor they work as a great alternative for recipes don’t require heat.
Bell peppers are widely available and come in various colors, including green, red, yellow, and orange. Each color offers a slightly different flavor, with red bell peppers being the sweetest.
You can use these peppers as a no-heat alternative for stir-fries, salads and stuffed peppers.
4. Poblano Peppers (1,000 – 1,500 SHU)
Heat level: Low
Flavor: Earthy, slightly sweet
Poblano peppers are another option for substituting Cubanelle peppers. They offer a similar mild heat level with a Scoville rating of 1,000 to 1,500 SHU. They have an earthy, slightly sweet flavor with a little bit of heat.
Poblano peppers are commonly used in Mexican cuisine and can be found in many grocery stores.
5. Pimento Peppers (100 – 500 SHU)
Heat level: Mild
Flavor: Sweet, mild
Pimento peppers are another suitable option for substituting Cubanelle peppers, offering a similar mild heat level with a Scoville rating of 100 to 500 SHU. They have a sweet, mild flavor that can work well in spreads, roasting, salads, and as a stuffed pepper.
Pimento peppers are commonly used in Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine, and can be found in many grocery stores or farmers’ markets.
Conclusion
When looking for substitutes for Cubanelle peppers, there are several options to choose from. With many offering a similar mild heat level and sweet, tangy flavor profile.
Consider heat level, flavor, availability, and size and shape when choosing a substitute to ensure the best results in your dish.
Experiment with different substitutes to find the one that best suits your taste and your guests’ preferences.
More ingredient alternatives
- Fresno Chilies Substitutes
- Ancho Chili Powder Substitutes
- Guajillo Chiles Substitutes
- Anaheim Pepper Substitutes
- Chile de Arbol Substitutes
5 Best Cubanelle Pepper Substitutes
Ingredients
- Banana Peppers
- Anaheim Peppers
- Bell Peppers
- Poblano Peppers
- Pimento Peppers
Instructions
- Choice your favourite substitute from the ingredients above.
- Follow the preparation directions for your chosen substitute with the correct ingredient ratio.
