13 Best Cubanelle Pepper Substitutes That Most Cubans Are Unaware Of

The Cubanelle Pepper is a long, thin, green pepper. It tastes similar to bell peppers, but with a kick. It is taken from a plant that grows to be approximately two feet tall. Harvest the Cubanelle peppers when they are still green.

This pepper may be used in a variety of meals, including salads, spaghetti, and omelettes. It could also serve as a substitution for bell peppers when grilling or roasting dishes. If you run out, here are some substitutes you may attempt to discover in your kitchen.

1. Peperone Crusco
2. Shishito
3. Sweet Pepper
4. Pasilla Chile
5. Banana Pepper
6. Pimento
7. Anaheim Pepper

This article offers various potential replacements. Some, on the other hand, are better at reproducing the taste profile of Cubanelle.

But first, let’s figure out why they’re called Cubanelle peppers.

13 Best Substitute For Cubanelle Pepper

Because they are popular in Cuba, they are known as Cubanelle peppers. They are also known as Cuban peppers. They’re also known as Italian frying peppers since they become lovely and crispy after fried in a little bit of oil.

When Cubanelle peppers become brilliant red to orange-red, they are ripe. The pods should reach a length of 4 to 6 inches and a width of 2 inches. The peppers have a banana-like form, with a tapering to the points. The skin should be shiny when ripe.

Chefs love these peppers because they give a wonderful, substantial taste with a moderate amount of spiciness. Cubanelle peppers are extremely high in vitamins and minerals.

You might use Peperoni Crusco or Shishito as a replacement for cubanelle pepper. They will most likely supply you with the gently spicy and sweet combo that you want.

Peperone Crusco

This Italian red pepper is a mild substitute for Cubanelle peppers. It is mostly used as a flavor enhancer in side dishes.

Because of its low heat, it is suitable for both savory and sweet foods, such as chocolate and ice cream.

Shishito

At 1500 SHU on the Scoville scale, this pleasantly spicy pepper is somewhat hotter than the Cubanelle pepper. When this green Japanese favorite develops, it becomes green. It’s wrinkled and resembles ground cherries.

It’s great for stuffing and adding to dishes that call for grilling or frying. It may also be eaten raw as part of a salad or as a sauce.

Sweet Pepper

Bell pepper is another name for sweet pepper. It works well as a replacement for Cubanelle pepper. Although the SHU levels are similar, it is less hot than Cubanelle peppers.

You may use this alternative to flavor dishes, top pizza, and add spice to soup.

Pasilla Chile

On the Scoville scale, this replacement ranges from 1000 to 3999 SHU. As a result, it is somewhat hotter than Cubanelle peppers. It might be useful for individuals who desire additional zing in their meat meals.

Banana Pepper

It may be used in salads in place of Cubanelle Pepper. Banana pepper is a green, crunchy pepper that looks like Korean chili.

It should be noted, however, that it only gives the peppery side of Cubanelle. Banana peppers have a Scoville heat index of 0 to 500.

Pimento

Pimento is a popular red heart-shaped pepper that may be used in place of Cubanelle peppers. On the Scoville scale, it ranges from 100 to 500 SHU.

However, its peppery flavor and mild heat make it an ideal alternative for Cubanelle pepper.

Anaheim Pepper

If you want something a bit hotter while still delivering on the sweet and spicy flavor, try with the Anaheim pepper. At 500 to 2500 SHU on the Scoville scale, it is a milder variant of the New Mexico Chile.

It goes well with a variety of fast meals, including French fries, burritos, enchiladas, and burgers. It’s also great on rice.

Thai Prik Num

This light green chili pepper may also be used in place of Cubanelle peppers. This pepper is often consumed raw or pickled in Thailand. It is used in foods that do not need spice.

They have a similar shape to banana peppers since they are members of the same family. Choose the deeper green or red ones over the pale green ones if you want something hotter.

If you want to add taste and color without the mouth-numbing heat of peppers, use this as a replacement.

Poblano Peppers

Poblano peppers are native to central Mexico, although they may be found across the United States. They are similar to bell peppers but have more pointed bottoms. They are huge and, like Cubanelle peppers, may be used for stuffing.

Ancho peppers are the dried form of poblano peppers. Their Spanish name translates to “wide.” When the peppers are green, pick them. When they grow, though, they get crimson and hotter.

These peppers are somewhat spicy. As a result, they are hotter than Cubanelle peppers. You may use them to add a bit extra spice to your cuisine.

Jalapenos

Jalapenos may also be used in lieu of Cubanelle peppers. They resemble chili peppers. As a result, their forms vary from those of Cubanelle peppers. They have a mild taste, similar to Cubanelles, but with a more earthy flavor character.

In salads and salsas, jalapenos may be used in place of Cubanelles. They are hotter. spicy, before utilizing the pepper as an ingredient, you may need to make it less spicy by removing its pits and ribs.

Paprika

Paprika is a mild pepper that may be purchased crushed or dried rather than fresh. If you’re seeking for a Cubanelle pepper alternative, skip the Hungarian paprika.

This version is a bit spicier than you may need. It also has a particular taste due to the paprika being powdered and dried. As a consequence, the taste is smokey.

So, unless you’re looking for something altogether different, it may not be a decent alternative for Cubanelle peppers in that manner.

So, although paprika may be used as a replacement, it should only be used as a last option.

Bell peppers

Because bell peppers may be used in lieu of poblanos, they can also be used in place of cubanelle peppers. They are milder than poblanos but have the same taste and look.

When compared to colorful bell peppers, anticipate a robust, but less sweet, taste. Because of their size, they may be stuffed.

New Mexico Chilis

Red New Mexico chillis have an earthy sweetness that might function as an alternative for Cubanelle. They may be roasted for 5 to 10 minutes over medium heat or incorporated raw to your recipe.

Cubanelle Pepper Substitute Related FAQs

Are Cubanelle peppers the same as Poblano peppers?

Although both peppers are mild, they are not the same. Cubanelle peppers have a sweeter flavor and a thinner peel. They are light green while young and become red as they grow, unlike Poblano peppers are already red when picked.

They have an earthy taste and a medium-high heat level, making them significantly spicier.

It is feasible to locate one of each kind with about the same degree of spice. Nonetheless, Poblanos have a SHU high of 2500, whereas Cubanelle peppers have a SHU peak of 1000.

Can you eat Cubanelle peppers raw?

Yes, they are appropriate for folks who just want a little of spiciness. The Cubanelle pepper has a modest Scoville heat rating of 1000 SHU. As a result, you may consume these peppers fresh or cooked.

When uncooked, they are crunchy and have a sweet tint to their spiciness. They’re also great on salads and snacks.

Where are Cubanelle peppers often used?

Cubanelle peppers are often used in Central American cooking. They are frequent visitors to Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. They should be easy to obtain in US stores, since they are becoming more common. Of course, the replacements mentioned in this post might give you with a similar experience.

Are Cubanelle peppers the same as banana peppers?

Cubanelle peppers are not the same as banana peppers, however the latter may be used as a replacement in recipes. The two peppers have a similar appearance and may have comparable intensity and taste. As a result, they may act as stand-ins for one another. Cubanelles, on the other hand, are sweeter.

Is it wise to stuff Cubanelle peppers?

Cubanelle peppers are often used in salads and casseroles. They may also be found in yellow mole sauce, pizza toppings, and stuffings.

They are used in meals that would normally use bell peppers. So, even if you’re not acquainted with Cubanelles, you can get a sense of what they’re used for.

These peppers are also ideal for stuffing. Cubanelle peppers are thin and long. They are not spicy and do not thicken when fried. You may add your preferred blend. The filled peppers may then be baked or grilled.

What are the reasons you need substitutes for Cubanelle peppers?

Cubanelle peppers are rather simple to get by. Although they are more often supplied from Central America, they are also widely available in American stores. However, the following are some excellent reasons to look for substitutes:

• You ran out of Cubanelle peppers while cooking.
• You didn’t properly store your peppers, and they withered before their time.
• You want something spicy than Cubanelle peppers but won’t ruin the flavor of your food.
• You want a distinct color palette for your salads and garnishes.
• They are not sold at your neighborhood grocery or farmers market.

Can you grow your own Cubanelle peppers?

While there are many alternative replacements for the Cubanelle pepper, you may still use it. You could even opt to cultivate your own. Your peppers will attain maturity in 70 to 80 days.