Guajillo VS Jalapeño: How Are They Different?

With their diverse shapes, sizes, and heat intensities, chili peppers offer a wide range of flavor profiles to choose from. Among the popular chili varieties in Mexican cuisine, Guajillo and Jalapeño peppers stand out as two of the most beloved choices. From adding zing to salsas to lending depth to soups, both peppers serve as essential ingredients in numerous Mexican dishes. We’re going to be comparing Guajillo and Jalapeño peppers and discovering which one will perfectly complement your recipe.

What are Guajillo Peppers?

The Guajillo pepper is a type of dried chili pepper that’s very popular in Mexican cuisine. It‘s a medium-sized pepper, between 3 and 5 inches in length, with a deep red color and tough, leathery skin. Guajillo peppers are mild to moderately hot, with a Scoville rating of between 2,500 and 5,000 SHU, and have a slightly sweet, smoky flavor with notes of dried cherry and raisin.

Guajillo peppers are actually the dried form of the Mirasol chili, which means “looking at the sun” in Spanish. The Mirasol chili is native to Mexico and is known for its bright, bold flavor and medium heat level. Once they’re harvested, the Mirasol chili is dried out, becoming the Guajillo pepper. This drying process is what gives the Guajillo pepper its characteristicly deep red color and tough, leathery skin and intensifies its flavor and heat.

These peppers are most commonly used in traditional Mexican sauces like adobo, mole, and enchilada sauce. They‘re often toasted and rehydrated before being used in these dishes, which really brings out their rich, complex flavor. Guajillo peppers can also be used to enhance soups, stews, and marinades for grilled meats.

What are Jalapeños?

The Jalapeño pepper is one of the most popular chili peppers in the world and is used in a huge variety of dishes. It‘s a small to medium-sized pepper, measuring between 2 and 4 inches in length, and is a dark green color. Jalapeño peppers are moderately hot, with a Scoville rating of between 2,500 and 8,000 SHU. They have a slightly sweet, grassy flavor.

Jalapeño peppers are used in a wide variety of dishes, including nachos, tacos, and chili. They are often sliced and used as a garnish but can also be pickled, stuffed, or roasted. When dried and smoked, Jalapeño peppers are known as chipotle peppers. These generally get used in Mexican cuisine to add smokiness and heat to dishes…

What are the Similarities Between Guajillo and Jalapeños?

While Guajillo and Jalapeño peppers have some notable differences, they also share several similarities.

Both peppers are commonly used in Mexican cuisine and are considered staples in many traditional dishes. They‘re versatile ingredients that can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from salsas all the way to soups.

Secondly, both Guajillo and Jalapeño peppers have a somewhat sweet flavor to them. Guajillo peppers have a smoky, fruity flavor, while Jalapeño peppers lean a bit more on the earthy side. This makes both of them a great addition to dishes that require a little bit of heat and sweetness.

Both of these peppers can easily be dried out and ground into a powder, which become ingredients in several Mexican spice blends. These can then be used to add a touch of flavor and heat to any type of dish that you choose.

Finally, both Guajillo and Jalapeño peppers can be used to spice up to a dish without overpowering the rest of the flavors. They‘re both considered to be mid-level heat, which makes them ideal for those who enjoy a bit of spice in their food but don’t want it to be too much.

What are the Differences Between Guajillo and Jalapeños?

While both options are popular ingredients in Mexican cuisine and more, there are several very noticable differences between these two peppers.
One of the most significant differences is their heat levels. Guajillo peppers are a little bit more on the mild side, with a Scoville rating of around 2,500 and 5,000 SHU. This means that they can add a hint of warmth to a dish without being too powerfully spicy. In contrast, Jalapeño peppers are considered moderately hot, with a Scoville rating between 2,500 and 8,000. While they‘re still relatively mild compared to some other chili peppers, they definitely pack a more noticeable punch of heat.

In terms of flavor, Guajillo and Jalapeño peppers also have very distinct differences. Guajillo peppers are semi-sweet and smoky, with notes of tangy fruit. They‘re often used in Mexican sauces, such as adobo, to add depth and complexity to the flavor profile. Jalapeño peppers, on the other hand, have a bright, fresh flavor with a hint of grassiness. They‘re often used to add a pop of heat and flavor to dishes.

When it comes to cooking with Guajillo and Jalapeño peppers, there are a few differences of use to keep in mind. Guajillo peppers are often used in dried form, either whole or ground. They‘re great for making sauces and marinades for meat dishes, as well as in stews and soups. Jalapeño peppers are typically used fresh or pickled and are often sliced up and added to many dishes for a burst of flavor and heat.

Finally, Guajillo and Jalapeño peppers are generally used to achieve different flavor profiles in a dish. Guajillo peppers are often used to add a more rich, complex flavor to things, while Jalapeño peppers are more for adding a bright, fresh flavor to dishes. Additionally, because Guajillo peppers are milder, they can be used to add something special to a dish without overpowering other flavors. Jalapeño peppers, though, are definitely more potent and add a significant kick of heat to a dish.