The temps are hot and the peppers are ripening in the garden. We have a few bell pepper plants this summer and one jalapeño plant (because I’m dying to pickle some)! As we get more familiar with summer gardening, I’m scoping out fun to recipes to save. These serrano pepper recipes are my first go round.

CONTENTS

Serrano Pepper Recipes

It’s funny to think of sweet bell peppers as being in the same family as the killer spicy peppers too, but they are! While not universally true, the smaller (thinner and shorter) the pepper, the more punch it has.

So a big poblano pepper has a bit more heat than a bell pepper. Then a jalapeño. Then a serrano…

What are Serrano Peppers

Serrano peppers are hot chile peppers. They get their name from the mountain ridges in Mexico. They’re popular in Mexican cuisine—only second to the jalapeño pepper in popularity. You might find serranos in Southeast Asian cuisine, however. They’re quite versatile.

Serrano pepper vs jalapeno

Serrano peppers and jalapeño peppers are often confused – until the heat hits. Both peppers are often sold in their green form – its least spicy form. They’re actually fully ripe when they turn red! Serrano peppers are usually thinner and a bit shorter but 2-4x spicier!

Are serrano peppers hotter than jalapeño?

Yes! Could you substitute serrano peppers for jalapeños? Yes, but you’ll want to cut the amount way back to adjust for the much higher heat level.

Spicy peppers can be made mild by removing the seeds and veins. You can also rinse them in water and or vinegar to dilute the heat. And remember that not all peppers are created equally – some pack more punch than others.

serrano peppers substitute

Just like above, jalapeños could be used in place of serrano. They are less spicy, so if you want that kick, you’ll want to adjust the mount by 2-4x as many jalapeños.

How to Prepare Serrano Peppers

Wash

This oen is no brainer. I will say that after handling peppers, it’s very important to wash your hands thoroughly to get any hiding spice off your finger tips!

Slice

Using a knife (a paring knife is great for this), cut the peppers in half, longwise to reveal the rib and seeds. Cut off the stem.

Deseed (if desired)

I usually deseed hot peppers. You can use your paring knife to cut (away from you) the ribs and seeds off as that’s where the bulk of the spice is hiding. Again – up to you.

Serrano Pepper Recipes

Chilaquiles Verdes

Enjoy this traditional chilaquiles verdes recipe. Crispy corn tortillas drenched in a flavorful homemade green sauce and served with cheese, cream, and onions. This authentic Mexican recipe is so easy to make and the perfect Sunday brunch for your family!

Mango Shrimp Ceviche w. Avocado

This Mango Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado (Ceviche de Camaron y Mango) is perfect for summer when you’re looking for a light and fresh bite.

Try this as a breakfast ceviche on toast!!

Serrano Salsa

Filled with tangy tomatillos, spicy serrano peppers, fresh onion, garlic, and cilantro, this homemade Serrano Salsa recipe will have your taste buds singing! It’s the perfect flavorful addition to all your favorite Mexican dishes!

This would be perfect with Mexican shredded beef. Made in the crockpot, it’s so yummy. Enjoy these together in tacos or on nachos!

Serrano Pepper Infused Vinegar

Love hot sauce? This easy hot pepper vinegar is a homemade hot sauce made with fresh chili peppers infused in vinegar.

Chili Lime Vinaigrette

Make your meal amazing with this easy chili-lime vinaigrette! It’s versatile-great to use them as salad dressing, as a marinade or as a dip.

Add this to your salad dressing repertoire and put it on the list for the best salad toppings!

Spicy Yogurt Mint Chutney

This delicious mint yogurt chutney will become your go-to because it can easily boost the taste of your dishes! Smooth, creamy, and with a delightfully spicy kick!

Spicy Diavola Pizza Recipe

Spicy Diavola Pizza is THE way to add heat to your pizza night! Spicy peppers and salami, melty mozzarella and basil make this Italian pizza a keeper

Thai Drunken Noodles

Thai Drunken Noodles are a fun takeout favorite recipe that you can make at home. Full of flavor and spice and absolutely delicious.

Need a sip to calm the heat from these recipes? Try a flavored lemonade or one of these summer mocktails, including this ginger beer mocktail!

How to Store Serrano Peppers

Storing them in the Refrigerator

Store serrano peppers in your vegetable drawer. Avoid a plastic bag to limit molding!

Freezing Serrano Peppers

Thoroughly wash and dry your peppers. Freeze them whole, indiviudally, or chopped. When freezing, I always like to lay items separated on a silpat on a sheet pan for a few hours, so items don’t stick together during freezing. Them transfer to a sealed container.