7 Aji Amarillo Substitutes: Spice Up the Recipes

Switching out Aji Amarillo for something else? Been there.

We're on a mission to find the best substitutes for this spicy staple (a Peruvian yellow chili pepper, Capsicum baccatum).

Do we have personal experience with this?

Absolutely. One time, we ran out of Aji Amarillo right in the middle of preparing dinner.

So, what did we do? We got creative and found alternatives that were just as delicious, if not better.

We've tried and tested a mix of spices that can fill the void when you're fresh out. Ready to spice things up in your kitchen without breaking a sweat?

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7 Easy Substitutes for Aji Amarillo

For those who are not familiar, Aji Amarillo is a yellow-orange chili pepper that's commonly used in Peruvian cuisine. It has a fruity and slightly spicy flavor that improves dishes like ceviche, stews, and sauces.

Substitute	Taste	Texture	Ratio	Suitable Dish
Ancho Chili Powder	Mild, slightly sweet	Fine powder	1:1	Chili, stews, sauces
Guajillo Chili Powder	Mild, slightly sweet	Fine powder	1:1	Chili, stews, sauces
New Mexico Chili Powder	Mild, slightly sweet	Fine powder	1:1	Chili, stews, sauces
Cayenne Pepper	Hot, spicy	Fine powder	¼ to ½ teaspoon	Chili, stews, sauces
Smoked Paprika	Smoky, slightly sweet	Fine powder	1:1	BBQ, stews, sauces
Chipotle Chili Powder	Smoky, spicy	Fine powder	1:1	BBQ, stews, sauces
Chili Powder Blend	Complex, slightly sweet	Fine powder	1:1	Chili, stews, sauces

1 - Ancho Chili Powder

First, let's talk Ancho Chili Powder. This is dried poblano pepper (Capsicum annuum) grounded into a fine powder.

It has a mild heat with smoky, sweet undertones.

We've found it's a great swap for Aji Amarillo. Use the same amount in your recipes as you would with Aji Amarillo.

Need a good dish suggestion? Try it in your next stew or sauce.

It'll give your meal a subtle kick without overpowering it.

If you're curious about other substitutes, check out this article on ancho chile options for depth.

2 - Guajillo Chili Powder

The next substitute on our list is guajillo chili powder. This spice comes from dried guajillo chilis (Capsicum annuum) that are ground into a fine powder.

It has a similar fruitiness and subtle heat like Aji Amarillo.

In terms of flavor, it's quite close to Aji Amarillo and can be used in a 1:1 ratio in your recipes. We recommend using this substitute in dishes that call for Aji Amarillo paste, as the texture will be more similar.

If you also want to read about our other top picks, check out this article on guajillo pepper alternatives for color.

3 - New Mexico Chili Powder

New Mexico chili powder is another great option. It's made from dried New Mexico chilis (Capsicum annuum) that are grounded into a fine powder.

It has a similar heat level to Aji Amarillo and can be used in equal amounts. However, it has a slightly smokier flavor that will give your dishes an extra layer of depth.

Want more substitutes? Check New Mexico chili alternatives for mild heat to find other alternatives.

4 - Cayenne Pepper

In terms of heat, cayenne pepper is pretty similar to Aji Amarillo (about 30,000-50,000 Scoville Heat Units). Both pack a good punch without being overwhelmingly spicy.

So, if you're looking for a substitute that will add some heat to your dish, cayenne pepper is the way to go.

However, keep in mind that cayenne pepper has a different flavor than Aji Amarillo. It's more peppery and less fruity, so it may not be the best option for dishes where Aji Amarillo's unique flavor is essential.

Our favorite use? Sprinkling it over avocado toast for a spicy kick.

If you're curious about more ways to substitute, check the cayenne swap options for heat article.

5 - Smoked Paprika

The beauty of smoked paprika (made from smoked pimentón peppers, Capsicum annuum) is that it adds a smoky flavor without adding too much heat. It's a great substitute for Aji Amarillo if you're looking for a similar depth of flavor.

However, keep in mind that smoked paprika doesn't have the fruity notes that Aji Amarillo does, so you may need to adjust your recipe accordingly.

Need more options? Check smoked paprika swap ideas for depth.

6 - Chipotle Chili Powder

If you're a fan of smoky and spicy foods, chipotle chili powder is an excellent substitute for Aji Amarillo. It's made from dried and smoked jalapeño peppers (Capsicum annuum), which add a unique smoky flavor to dishes.

Use it in equal amounts as Aji Amarillo in your recipes. However, keep in mind that this substitute will add more heat than fruity notes to your dish.

Intrigued? Check our full guide on chipotle chili powder substitutes.

It's a must-read for spice lovers!

7 - Chili Powder Blend

It's a mixture of different spices, including chili pepper, cumin, oregano, and garlic (often including ground chili varieties like ancho or cayenne).

While it won't give you the exact flavor as Aji Amarillo, it's an excellent substitute if you want to add some heat and depth to your dish without overpowering it.

We recommend using a 1:1 ratio in your recipes. However, keep in mind that this substitute may alter the overall taste of your dish compared to using Aji Amarillo.

For more on chili powder blends, check our guide on chili powder substitutes.