Serrano Peppers

Capsicum annuum Vegetable, Chili Pepper

Serrano Peppers Vegetable, Chili Pepper

At a Glance

  • Category Vegetable, Chili Pepper

The Forktionary Angle

"The Verdant Fire Starter"

Definition

Small, vibrant green chili peppers with a distinct bright, fresh flavor and significant heat, commonly used in Mexican cuisine.

Average Length 1-4 inches
Preferred Climate Warm, tropical and subtropical regions
Scoville Heat Units 10,000-23,000 SHU

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Serrano Peppers are:

Fresh Bright Grassy Pungent Fiery

Chef’s Secret

For a milder heat in salsas, remove the seeds and white pith. For maximum heat, finely mince the entire pepper, including seeds.

Best Substitutes

Jalapeño

less heat, thicker flesh
Ratio 1:1

Thai Chili

more heat, different flavor profile
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose firm, glossy peppers without blemishes or soft spots. The brighter the green, the fresher.

Recipes Using Serrano Peppers

Onions Presentation Vegetables Onions

Adela's Salsa

This incredibly flavorful salsa recipe comes from a cherished friend, Adela, a Mexican coworker. Adela's salsa is a workplace legend—a vibrant explosion of fresh ingredients that elevates any meal. While precise measurements are a mystery even to Adela, this recipe captures the magic after several experimental batches. Get ready for a simple yet sensational salsa, perfect for dipping tortilla chips or topping your favorite Mexican dish! It's the taste of authentic Mexican sunshine in every bite.

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Meat Main Dish Time To Make Curries

Beef Curry With Spinach Palak Ghost

This incredible Beef Curry with Spinach, inspired by a Hamburg Indian chef, is a flavor explosion you won't believe! The unexpected combination of tender beef and vibrant spinach creates a depth of taste that's simply addictive. Perfect for Indian food lovers, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers restaurant-quality results. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unforgettable dish!

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Low Fat Sauces Condiments Etc Oamc Freezer Make Ahead

2Bleu's Sweet Thai Chili Sauce Super Easy

Transform your garden-fresh peppers into a vibrant, medium-heat Thai chili sauce! This incredibly versatile recipe is perfect for drizzling over broiled cod, adding zing to your favorite dishes, or even surprising your taste buds as a warm ice cream topping. Easily adjustable for heat level, this recipe is also ideal for canning or making ahead of time – perfect for gifting! Double, triple, or even quadruple the recipe to share the deliciousness.

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Vegan Vegan Main Ingredient Asian

Amazing Peas Indian

Experience a vibrant explosion of flavor with this incredible Indian peas recipe, inspired by Madhur Jaffrey's World Vegetarian. Quick, easy, and bursting with authentic spices, this dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Get ready to impress your taste buds!

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Vegan Vegetarian Dietary Course

Avocado Chutney

Experience a burst of fresh flavors with this vibrant Avocado Chutney, inspired by Jeffery Alford and Naomi Duguid's "Flatbreads and Flavors." Perfect for when avocados are at their peak, this chutney elevates simple puris and dosas to a whole new level. Its creamy avocado base is complemented by the subtle sweetness of coconut, the tang of lime, and a spicy kick from chilies. A must-try recipe for adventurous home cooks!

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Spicy Low Carb Very Low Carbs Preparation

Atomic Buffalo Bites

Get ready for a flavor explosion! These Atomic Buffalo Bites are addictive, easy-to-make bacon-wrapped peppers with a spicy kick. Inspired by a friend's recipe, this recipe is incredibly versatile – customize the meat and spice level to your liking. Prepare for a fiery and delicious experience!

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Inexpensive Time To Make Preparation Poultry

Authentic Enchiladas Verde

Unleash your inner chef with this authentic Enchiladas Verde recipe, passed down through generations of the Valadez family! This vibrant dish features tender shredded chicken simmered in a rich, smoky tomatillo salsa verde. Learn the secrets to perfectly fried tortillas and a mouthwatering sauce that will leave you craving more. Get ready for a fiesta of flavor!

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Cuisine Oaxacan One Dish Meal Dietary

Chicken And Lime Soup Vegan

A vibrant and zesty Mexican-inspired soup bursting with flavor! Jalapeños and lime create a perfect spicy-citrus combination in this hearty vegan recipe. Easily customizable – feel free to add portabello mushrooms or your favorite veggies for extra depth. Spice level adjustable to your liking. Get ready for a delicious and satisfying meal in just 40 minutes!

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Low Carb Main Dish Healthy 2 Cuisine

Best Chicken Or Steak Fajitas Ever

Craving restaurant-quality fajitas in just 30 minutes? Rachel Ray's legendary recipe delivers! Sizzle juicy chicken or steak with vibrant peppers and onions, then top with fresh pico de gallo. Customize the spice level to your liking – even picky eaters will love these! Get ready for the best fajitas you've ever tasted.

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Bacon North American Dinner Party Canadian

Bacon N Pinto Beans

Elevate your BBQ with these incredible Bacon & Pinto Beans! Slow-cooked to perfection, these beans develop an unbelievably rich flavor that gets even better overnight. Perfect alongside hamburgers, ribs, or your favorite BBQ fare. Prepare them a day ahead for maximum flavor – it's worth the wait! Serve with a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying BBQ meal.

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Time To Make Steam Low In Something Chicken Breasts

4 Alarm Salsa Chicken

Spice up your life with this fiery 4 Alarm Salsa Chicken recipe! This incredibly flavorful dish is guaranteed to impress. Tender chicken is simmered in a vibrant, zesty salsa for a meal that's both easy and unforgettable. Perfect for weeknight dinners or exciting gatherings, get ready for rave reviews!

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Poultry Course Preparation Main Ingredient

Melanie's Chicken Chili

Tired of the same old chili? Melanie's Chicken Chili is a vibrant, customizable recipe that lets you unleash your inner chef! Inspired by a beloved family recipe, this version uses chicken for a lighter twist, allowing you to use whatever ingredients you have on hand. No two batches are ever alike, making it perfect for experimenting with different flavors and spice levels. Ditch the canned chilies and their artificial flavors – this recipe prioritizes fresh, bold tastes. Get ready for a hearty, flavorful chili that's perfect for a cozy night in or a fun gathering with friends! This recipe is a celebration of culinary freedom – your pantry is your playground!

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Meat Mexican Spicy Occasion

Awesome Beef Enchiladas

Get ready to experience pure enchilada bliss! This recipe delivers unbelievably flavorful beef enchiladas, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. While corn tortillas are traditional, we're embracing the richness of flour tortillas for an extra-decadent touch. Feel free to add black beans to the meat mixture for added heartiness. This recipe is easily customizable to your preferences – make it your own!

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Low Carb Preparation North American 60 Minutes Or Less

Atomic Buffalo Turds

Ignite your taste buds with Atomic Buffalo Turds! These fiery appetizers pack a serious punch with their spicy serrano pepper base and savory sausage filling. For the truly brave, we use habaneros – but jalapenos offer a milder alternative for those with a slightly less adventurous palate. Wrapped in crispy peppered bacon and grilled to perfection, these are the ultimate spicy snack for your next gathering. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Cuisine Heirloom Historical 15 Minutes Or Less Sauces

Best Damn Guac Ever Guacamole

Tired of boring guacamole? This recipe explodes with flavor! Forget those bland, 3-ingredient versions. We're taking your guacamole game to the next level with a vibrant blend of fresh ingredients and zesty spices. Get ready for the BEST guacamole you've ever tasted – perfect for parties, game day, or a simple weeknight snack!

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Szechuan Main Ingredient Chinese Meat

Ants Climbing A Tree Ma Yi Shang Shu

Experience the fiery delight of Ants Climbing a Tree, a wildly popular Sichuan noodle dish! This easy-to-follow recipe delivers a mouthwatering explosion of flavor, with tender noodles coated in a rich, spicy sauce. The secret? Lee Kum Kee spicy bean sauce (ma po sauce) – a must-have ingredient! Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding or omitting chili peppers. Get ready for a culinary adventure that's both fun and incredibly satisfying. Serve with rice for a complete meal.

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Cuisine Preparation Cuisine Vegetables

Artichoke Pad Thai

Craving Pad Thai but want a lighter, vegetarian twist? This Artichoke Pad Thai recipe delivers! Hearty artichoke hearts replace meat, creating a vibrant and flavorful dish that's surprisingly satisfying. Made with delicious rice noodles, a zesty sauce, and fresh herbs, this recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight meal or a fun weekend lunch. Get ready for a taste of Thailand – without the heaviness!

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