Switching out Aji Amarillo for something else? Been there. We’re on a mission to find the best substitutes for this spicy staple. 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? Let’s get started.
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 adds depth to 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 | 1/4 to 1/2 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 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 chili powder substitutes.
2 – Guajillo Chili Powder
The next substitute on our list is guajillo chili powder. This spice comes from dried guajillo chilis that are ground into a fine powder. It has a similar fruitiness and subtle heat like Aji Amarillo.
In terms of flavor profile, 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 substitutes.
3 – New Mexico Chili Powder
When it comes to Aji Amarillo substitutes, New Mexico chili powder is another great option. It’s made from dried New Mexico chilis 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 our guide on New Mexico chili powder to find other alternatives.
4 – Cayenne Pepper
In terms of heat, cayenne pepper is pretty similar to Aji Amarillo. 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 profile 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 pepper substitutes article.
5 – Smoked Paprika
The beauty of smoked paprika 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 our guide on smoked paprika substitutes.
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, 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
Last but not least on our list is chili powder blend. It’s a mixture of different spices, including chili pepper, cumin, oregano, and garlic.
While it won’t give you the exact flavor profile 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.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.