The 21 Best Aji Amarillo Paste Substitutes That You Should Try

Aji Amarillo paste is a flavorful, versatile ingredient that can be used in many different dishes. However, if you’re looking for a substitute for Aji Amarillo paste, don’t worry – there are plenty of great options out there.

Some good substitutes for Aji Amarillo paste include chipotle peppers, lime powder, and habanero peppers.

What are Some Good Aji Amarillo Paste Alternatives?

If you can’t find Aji Amarillo paste, or if you’re looking for a substitute, there are plenty of great options out there. Here are some of the best substitutes for Aji Amarillo paste:

1. Chipotle Peppers

Chipotle peppers are a variety of smoked chili pepper that can be a great substitute for Aji Amarillo paste.

While Aji Amarillo paste is typically made with fresh chili peppers, chipotle peppers are made with dried, smoked jalapeño peppers. This gives them a unique flavor that can be very helpful in adding depth to dishes.

Additionally, chipotle peppers are usually readily available in most grocery stores.

2. Roasted Poblano Peppers

Poblano peppers are a common ingredient in Mexican cuisine. They are usually smoked or roasted and can be found fresh, canned, or dried.

Poblano peppers have a similar flavor to Aji Amarillo peppers, making them a good substitute for the paste. When used in place of the paste, poblano peppers will give the dish a slightly smokier flavor.

In addition, poblano peppers are typically milder than Aji Amarillo peppers, so they may not be suitable for dishes that require a lot of heat.

3. Dried or Frozen Aji Amarillo Chiles

Aji Amarillo chiles are a common ingredient in Peruvian cuisine. These brightly colored peppers have a distinctively fruity flavor with a hint of spiciness.

While fresh peppers can be difficult to find outside of Peru, dried or frozen chiles are a good substitute. When rehydrated, the peppers will regain much of their original flavor and can be used in the same way as the fresh peppers. Frozen chiles can also be thawed and used in cooked dishes.

However, they may not have quite the same flavor as fresh or dried chiles. nonetheless, either option is a good way to add the distinctive taste of Aji Amarillo to your cooking.

4. Scotch Bonnet Peppers

Scotch bonnet peppers are a popular ingredient in Caribbean cuisine. They are often used as a substitute for Aji Amarillo paste, which is difficult to find outside of South America.

Scotch bonnet peppers are similar in appearance and have a similar flavor profile as Aji Amarillo. In addition, they are widely available in grocery stores.

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As a result, they make an excellent substitute for Aji Amarillo paste.

5. Habanero Peppers

Habanero peppers are a good substitute for Aji Amarillo paste, and they offer a similar level of heat and flavor. The habanero pepper is a type of chili pepper that originates from the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico.

The habanero pepper is also significantly more flavorful than the Aji Amarillo pepper.

If you’re looking for a hot pepper paste that packs a punch, habanero peppers are a great option.

6. Serrano Pepper

Serrano pepper is a good substitute for Aji Camarillo paste. They have a similar flavor, with a little more heat.

If you can’t find Aji Camarillo paste, serrano pepper is a good choice.

Just be sure to remove the seeds and veins before using them. Otherwise, they will be too hot.

7. Bishop’s Crown Pepper

Looking for an alternative to Aji Amarillo paste? Bishop’s Crown peppers may be a good option. These peppers are native to Central and South America, and they have a similar flavor profile to Aji Amarillo peppers.

Bishop’s Crown peppers are typically quite fiery, so they may not be suitable for everyone.

However, if you can handle the heat, these peppers can make a great addition to stir-fries, sauces, and other dishes.

8. Fresno Pepper

If you’re looking for a substitute for Aji Amarillo paste, consider using Fresno pepper. This pepper is just as versatile as Aji Amarillo, and it has a similar flavor profile.

Fresno peppers are hotter than Aji Amarillo peppers, so you may want to use less of them in your recipe. However, the extra heat can also be a welcome addition.

9. Paprika

Aji Camarillo paste is a staple ingredient in many Latin American dishes. The bright orange condiment is made from a type of chili pepper that is native to the region. However, due to its limited availability outside of Latin America, paprika is often used as a substitute.

Paprika is made from a different type of chili pepper, but it has a similar flavor profile. In addition, paprika is widely available and relatively inexpensive.

As a result, it is an ideal substitute for Aji Camarillo paste. While it may not be authentic, paprika will still give your dish the spice and flavor that you are looking for.

10. Carrot Powder

Carrot powder is a good substitute for Aji Amarillo paste. It has a similar nutritional value, and it is a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Carrot powder is also a good source of fiber, and it helps to regulate blood sugar levels. In addition, carrot powder is low in calories and fat, and it is rich in antioxidants.

Aji Amarillo paste can be difficult to find, and it can be expensive. Carrot powder is a good alternative to Aji Amarillo paste, and it is readily available at most grocery stores.

11. Criolla Sella

Criolla Sella is a Peruvian chile pepper that can be used as a substitute for Aji Camarillo paste. The Criolla Sella pepper is similar in size and shape to the Aji Camarillo pepper, but it has a slightly different flavor.

When used as a substitute, Criolla Sella pepper gives dishes a slightly fruity flavor. In Peru, Criolla Sella peppers are typically used in ceviche, but they can also be used in other dishes such as stews and salads.

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12. Guntur Sannam

Guntur Sannam is a chili pepper that is commonly used in Indian cuisine. The chili pepper is named after the city of Guntur in Andhra Pradesh, India.

The Guntur Sannam chili pepper is similar in appearance to the Aji Camarillo chili pepper. The Guntur Sannam chili pepper is typically red in color and has a slightly sweet taste.

Additionally, the Guntur Sannam chili pepper has a moderate level of heat, making it a good substitute for the Aji Camarillo chili pepper in recipes.

When substituting the Guntur Sannam chili pepper for the Aji Camarillo chili pepper, it is important to use a smaller amount of the Guntur Sannam chili pepper, as it is more potent.

13. Jalapeno Pepper

If you’re looking for a substitute for Aji Amarillo paste, the jalapeno pepper is a good option. Aji amarillo paste is a Peruvian condiment made from the Aji amarillo chili pepper. It has a slightly fruity flavor and a mild to medium level of heat. 

Jalapeno pepper can provide a similar flavor profile, with a bit more heat. When substituting jalapeno pepper for Aji Amarillo paste, start with less and add more to taste. You may also want to seed the pepper to reduce its heat level.

Keep in mind that jalapeno peppers can vary in heat, so taste as you go and adjust accordingly.

14. Poblano Pepper

Poblano peppers are a popular choice for Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes, thanks to their mildly spicy flavor. Aji Amarillo paste is a common ingredient in Peruvian cuisine, and it has a similar heat level to poblano peppers.

As a result, poblano peppers make a good substitute for Aji Amarillo paste in many recipes.

15. Lime Powder

Aji Amarillo paste is a key ingredient in many Peruvian dishes, providing both flavor and color. However, the paste can be difficult to find outside of Peru. Fortunately, lime powder makes an excellent substitute.

The powder has a similar tartness to the paste, and it can also be used to add brightness and color to a dish. When substituting lime powder for Aji Amarillo paste, it is important to use a light hand. Too much powder can make a dish overly sour or bitter.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the flavor of Peruvian cuisine even if you can’t find Aji Amarillo paste.

16. Onion Paste

 A good substitute for Aji Amarillo paste is onion paste. Onion paste can be made by blending onions in a food processor or blender until they form a smooth paste. The onion paste can then be used in any dish that calls for Aji Amarillo paste.

While the flavor will be different, the onion paste will still provide the necessary color and flavor to Peruvian dishes.

17. Aleppo Pepper

Aleppo peppers have a moderate level of heat, with a fruity and slightly smoky flavor. This makes them a good substitute for Aji Amarillo paste, which is a common ingredient in Peruvian cuisine.

The fruity flavor of the Aleppo peppers can help to balance out the heat, making it a good substitute for the paste.

18. Cheongyang Pepper

Cheongyang peppers are a type of chili pepper that is native to Korea. These peppers are typically used in pickled form, but they can also be made into a paste.

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Cheongyang peppers have a similar flavor profile to Aji Amarillo peppers, and they can be used as a replacement in recipes that call for Aji Amarillo paste.

When substituting Cheongyang peppers for Aji Amarillo paste, it is important to keep in mind that the peppers will be more pungent.

As a result, you may need to use less of the paste to achieve the desired flavor.

19. Piquante Pepper

Piquante pepper is a good substitute for Aji Amarillo paste. It has a similar flavor profile, with notes of citrus and spice.

In addition, piquant pepper is also quite spicy, making it ideal for dishes that call for Aji Amarillo paste.

While it may not be an exact replacement, piquante pepper is a good way to add both flavor and heat to Peruvian-inspired dishes.

20. Manzano Pepper

Manzano peppers are a type of chili pepper that is native to South America. These peppers are quite spicy, with a flavor that is similar to Aji Amarillo peppers.

As a result, they make an excellent substitute for Aji Amarillo paste in recipes.

When substituting Manzano peppers for Aji Amarillo paste, it is important to use them sparingly. Too much pepper can easily overpower a dish.

21. Aji Limon

Aji lemon is a good substitute for Aji Amarillo paste. Aji Amarillo is a Peruvian chili pepper that has a yellow color. The flavor of the Aji Amarillo is fruity with a bit of heat, while the Aji lemon has an intense citrus flavor.

If you can’t find Aji Amarillo paste, you can use Aji lemon in its place. When substituting, use half as much Aji lemon as you would Aji Amarillo. 

Related Questions

What is Aji amarillo paste?

Ají Amarillo paste is a traditional Peruvian ingredient made from yellow chili peppers. The peppers are roasted and then pureed into a thick paste, along with garlic, cumin, and other spices.

The resulting paste has a deep yellow color and a fiery, spicy flavor. It is commonly used in Peruvian dishes such as ceviche, as well as in many other Latin American cuisines.

How hot is Aji Amarillo paste?

Aji Amarillo paste is quite spicy, with a heat level that ranges from moderate to hot. The exact level of heat will vary depending on the peppers that are used to make the paste, as well as how much pepper is used in the recipe.

If you are sensitive to spice, you may want to start with a small amount of

How long does Aji Amarillo paste last after opening?

Once opened, the paste can last anywhere from two to three weeks in the refrigerator.

For best results, store the paste in an airtight container, and be sure to use a clean utensil when scooping it out. 

Conclusion

Aji Amarillo paste is a popular ingredient in Peruvian cuisine, but it can be difficult to find outside of Peru. If you’re looking for a substitute, habanero peppers or lemon powder make good replacements and can be found at most grocery stores.

With these substitutes, you can create dishes that are reminiscent of traditional Peruvian food without having to leave home.