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What to use instead of malagueta pepper

Quick answer

The closest option is Bird's eye chilli, rated good. A small, hot, thin-skinned chilli of the same or a neighbouring species, and it behaves the same way in oil, vinegar or a fresh sauce.

It will not do for: A Brazilian cook who knows the difference in a side-by-side tasting.

All recorded options

Ranked by suitability. Ratios are given only where they are defensible, and always with their basis — by weight or by volume — because spice densities differ.

Bird's eye chilli

Good match

Use: 1× by volume — Chilli for chilli, fresh or steeped in oil or vinegar.

A small, hot, thin-skinned chilli of the same or a neighbouring species, and it behaves the same way in oil, vinegar or a fresh sauce.

How the replacement compares on each sensory axis
FlavourAromaColourHeat
closecloseclosesimilar

Works for

  • Molho de pimenta
  • Chillies in oil or vinegar
  • Moqueca

Does not work for

  • A Brazilian cook who knows the difference in a side-by-side tasting
Sources: Established culinary practice

Cayenne pepper

Situational

Ground cayenne can supply the heat of malagueta in a cooked moqueca, and none of the fresh, green sharpness of the fruit.

How the replacement compares on each sensory axis
FlavourAromaColourHeat
partialdifferentclosesimilar

Works for

  • Heat in a cooked stew

Does not work for

  • Table sauces and chilli oil, which need whole fresh fruit
Sources: Established culinary practice

Full malagueta pepper profile · All substitutes