Chili powder is a spice blend that typically contains a variety of ground chilies along with other seasonings like cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and salt. It adds a signature spicy-smoky flavor to many Mexican and Southwestern dishes like chili con carne, fajitas, tacos, enchiladas, and more. However, if you find yourself without this staple spice, there are plenty of chili powder substitutes you can use instead.
Why Replace Chili Powder?
There are a few main reasons you may need to find a chili powder substitute:
- You ran out of chili powder and don’t have any on hand
- You need a recipe to be milder tasting
- Someone you are cooking for is allergic or sensitive to one of the spices in chili powder
- You want to avoid the sometimes bitter flavor of ground chilies
- You want to enhance the flavor profile with additional spices
- You want to make your own homemade version from fresh chilies
Luckily, with a variety of dried herbs and spices in your pantry, it’s easy to approximate the flavor of chili powder blend. You can also make chili powder substitutes milder or spicier to suit your tastes and the particular dish. Keep reading for what to use instead!
Spicy Chili Powder Replacements
If you want to mimic the spicy, bold flavor of chili powder, opt for another blend of ground dried chilies or chili-based spices. Some great spicy substitutes include:
Ancho Chili Powder
Ancho chili powder is made from smoked and dried poblano peppers. It provides a mild heat that is richer and slightly sweeter than generic chili powder. Use a 1:1 substitution ratio in recipes.
Chipotle Chili Powder
Chipotle chilies are smoked and dried jalapeños. The powder has a deep, smoky spiciness and is great in dishes like chili, tacos, and enchiladas. Use about 3/4 teaspoon chipotle powder per 1 teaspoon regular chili powder called for.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a ground version of spicy cayenne chilies. It adds fiery heat to dishes. Use about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of cayenne for every 1 tablespoon of chili powder. Combine with other spices for a more complex flavor.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
Crushed red pepper flakes are dried and crushed chilies, like cayenne or bird’s eye chilies. They bring intense heat and bright spice. Use about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper per tablespoon of chili powder. Start with less until you gauge the heat level.
Paprika
Smoked paprika adds a touch of mild sweet heat. Use it in a 1:1 ratio for regular chili powder, or start with 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for every 1 teaspoon chili powder called for.
Ground Chipotles
Smoked and dried chipotle chilies ground into a powder are an amped up substitute for regular chili powder. Use 3/4 teaspoon for every 1 teaspoon chili powder.
California Chili Powder
This blend contains ground chilies and spices like cumin, garlic, and oregano. It makes a great flavor match for recipes calling for traditional chili powder. Use a 1:1 ratio.
New Mexico Chili Powder
This chili blend includes New Mexican chilies like ancho, pasilla, and cayenne for mild heat. The sweetness pairs well with cumin, garlic, and oregano. Replace at a 1:1 ratio.
Korean Chili Flakes (Gochugaru)
These dried Korean chili flakes provide vibrant red color and flavor that is sweet yet spicy. Use 3/4 teaspoon for every 1 teaspoon chili powder.
Milder Chili Powder Alternatives
For less heat in recipes calling for chili powder, try these more mild substitutions:
Ground Cumin
Cumin is an earthy, warm spice that features heavily in chili powder. Use about 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin for every 1 tablespoon chili powder needed. Combine with a pinch of cayenne if you want light heat.
Taco Seasoning
Premade taco seasoning contains spices like cumin, garlic powder, oregano, and onion powder with just mild chili powder. Substitute 1:1 for recipes where you want less kick. You can also make homemade taco seasoning with a lower amount of chili powder than most recipes call for.
Cumin and Coriander Blend
These two savory, citrusy spices mimic the flavor profile of chili powder without much heat. Mix 2 teaspoons of each for every 1 tablespoon chili powder required.
Tmari (Japanese All-Purpose Seasoning)
This umami seasoning has notes of garlic, onion, seaweed, ginger, and sesame. It adds rich flavor without heat. Use a 1:1 ratio for chili powder.
Ground Ancho Chilies
Mild, earthy ancho chilies can replace some of the heat in chili powder. Use 2 parts ancho chili powder to 1 part chili powder in the recipe.
Chili Powder Substitute Blends
For the closest match to chili powder’s flavor, make your own custom blend using a combination of the following spices:
Custom Mild Chili Powder
| Spice | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground Cumin | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic Powder | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Onion Powder | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Dried Mexican Oregano | 2 teaspoons |
| Paprika | 2 tablespoons |
| Ground Ancho Chili Pepper | 2-3 teaspoons (to taste) |
Mix together the above amounts based on how much chili powder you need to replace. Start with less ancho powder and add more if you want more heat.
Custom Spicy Chili Powder
| Spice | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground Cumin | 3 tablespoons |
| Garlic Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Onion Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Dried Oregano | 1 tablespoon |
| Paprika | 3 tablespoons |
| Cayenne Pepper | 2-3 teaspoons (to taste) |
| Chipotle Chili Powder | 1-2 teaspoons (to taste) |
Combine the amounts above based on the chili powder amount needed. Adjust the cayenne and chipotle powders to increase or decrease the heat and smokiness.
Whole Chilies
Another option is making your own homemade chili powder by grinding dried chilies in a blender or spice grinder. Some good chilies to use include:
- Ancho chilies – Sweet, mild heat
- Chipotle chilies – Smoky and hot
- Arbol chilies – Very spicy
- Guajillo chilies – Notes of berry flavor
- New Mexican red chilies – Bright acidic heat
Remove stems and seeds first for milder chili powder. For a complete homemade blend, you can add a teaspoon each of cumin, oregano, and garlic powder. Adjust amounts to suit your tastes.
Conbclusion
With common spices and chilies, it’s easy to replicate the spicy-smoky flavor of chili powder in your recipes. Go with a 1:1 ratio of spices like smoked paprika or ancho chili powder for a milder result. Amp up the heat with cayenne, chipotle powder, or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also make custom chili powder blends with a combo of spices like cumin, oregano, garlic, and your preferred dried chilies. Whether you run out, want more control over the heat level, or need to accommodate an allergy, these handy substitutions will give a similar taste to chili powder.