Top 10 Best Thai Bird's Eye Chili Substitutes and How to Use Them

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Have you ever been making a recipe only to see that it calls for a bird's eye chili (also known as Thai chili) and you realize you don't have any? No worries, you can use one of these 10 bird's eye chili substitutes!

Back in the day I did not have regular access to bird's eye chilies and had to learn to use Thai chili substitutes in my cooking. I often used jalapenos or serrano peppers as they are the most widely available and easy to substitute.

Today, many grocery stores carry them, so it's not as much a concern...until I forget to buy them and am in the middle of a dish! Then one of these great substitutes helps me out in a pinch.

Jump to:

• What is a Thai Bird's Eye Chili (Thai Chili)?
• Recipes Using Bird's Eye Chilies
• Find the Best Bird's Eye Chili Substitutes
• 💬 Comments

What is a Thai Bird's Eye Chili (Thai Chili)?

Birds eye chili peppers (also called prik kee noo) is a small, fiery chili pepper originating from Thailand. It measures about 50,000 to 100,000 on the Scoville Heat Scale, making it an incredibly spicy pepper. It has a floral, peppery, slightly fruity flavor and is often used in Thai cooking. Read more about scoville heat units.

Bird's eye chilis starts out green and turns a red/orange color when it is ripe and ready to use. They are relatively small in size, thin and about 1-2" in length. Be careful if you get one in a dish, the amount of heat can ruin your night if you don't like that spicy kick!

Recipes Using Bird's Eye Chilies

• Nuoc cham (Vietnamese dipping sauce)
• Pla Goong (spicy shrimp salad)
• Panang curry paste
• Massaman curry paste
• Malaysian butter prawns
• Thai beef salad

Find the Best Bird's Eye Chili Substitutes

Without further ado, below are some of the opt substitutes you can use when you can't get your hands on these chilies.

Serrano Peppers

Serrano peppers are an excellent substitute for a bird's eye chili as their level of heat is comparable, with just slightly less heat. With a Scoville rating ranging from 10,000 to 23,000, Serrano peppers still have a fiery kick, but not quite as intense as the bird's eye chilies. These peppers have a slightly fruity and earthy flavor, making them versatile in many different cuisines.

Jalapeño Pepper

If you're looking for a milder alternative, jalapeno peppers are a great alternative. With a Scoville rating of 2,500 to 8,000, jalapeños add a moderate heat that won't overpower your dish. They have a more mild, grassy flavor that makes them perfect for those who enjoy just a hint of spice without the intense kick of Thai bird's eye chilies.

Chili Flakes (Crushed Red Pepper Flakes) or Chili Powder

For a convenient and shelf-stable substitute, chili powder or chili flakes are both great options option. Made from dried red peppers, using red pepper flakes allow you to control the spice level easily. Sprinkle them into your dishes during cooking or at the table to add heat gradually. Keep in mind that red pepper flakes lack the fresh, vibrant flavor of Thai chilies, but can work in a pinch.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is another shelf stable alternative to bird's eye chilies. With a Scoville rating of 30,000 to 50,000, cayenne delivers a lot of heat. Its earthy and slightly sweet flavor can enhance the taste of various dishes, although it lacks the bright freshness of Thai chilies.

Scotch Bonnet Peppers

While Scotch bonnet peppers (bonney pepper) can be used as a substitute for bird's eye chili due to their extreme heat level (100,000 to 350,000), they do have a distinct flavor that tends to be sweeter than a Thai chili. This flavor difference may change the overall taste of the dish, so you want to be sure you know the flavor profile before making the swap.

Anaheim Peppers

For those who prefer a mild heat with a touch of sweetness, Anaheim peppers are an excellent substitute. With a Scoville rating ranging from 500 to 2,500, Anaheim peppers provide very mild heat without overwhelming spiciness. Their thin flesh and mild flavor makes them great for a variety of dishes.

Habanero Peppers

If you're a spice enthusiast seeking a more intense heat level, habanero peppers are a great substitute. With a Scoville rating between 100,000 and 350,000, habaneros are a HOT pepper. Exercise caution when using them, as their fruity and floral notes can easily overpower a dish. Adjust the quantity according to your spice tolerance.

Chili Paste

A chili paste or chili sauce, such as sambal oelek or gochujang, can be an excellent alternative for adding both heat and depth of flavor. These pastes often contain a blend of chili peppers, garlic, and other ingredients, providing a well-rounded spice profile that complements Southeast Asian cuisine very well.

Crushed Black Pepper

While it doesn't replicate the unique flavor of Thai bird's eye chilies, crushed black pepper can still contribute a subtle heat to your dishes. Use black pepper when you don't have access to other chili options. Black pepper pairs well with many different cuisines and won't typically overpower a dish (unless you use too much).

Dried Arbol Chilies

Dried arbol chilies bring a nice smoky heat to your dishes. With a Scoville rating between 15,000 and 30,000, these chilies are hotter than a lot of fresh alternatives. Soak them in hot water before use to rehydrate and incorporate them into your recipes for a bold flavor profile. They do have a slightly different flavor profile (smoky, sweet and earthy), so take that into consideration when using as a substitute.

So whether you forgot to buy them, can't find them, or need a milder substitution, one of these bird's eye chili substitutes is sure to work for you!