Scotch bonnet peppers are a versatile and flavorful ingredient used in many cuisines around the world. Though small in size, these peppers pack a powerful punch of heat and fruitiness. Learning how to use scotch bonnets can open up many culinary possibilities. Here’s an in-depth look at the many uses for scotch bonnet peppers.
What are Scotch Bonnet Peppers?
Scotch bonnet peppers are a variety of hot chili pepper native to the Caribbean islands as well as Guyana in South America. They are named for their resemblance to the traditional Scottish bonnet hat. Other common names for this pepper include boabs bonnets, Caribbean red peppers and ball-of-fire peppers.
Compared to habanero peppers, scotch bonnets tend to be slightly smaller and pack even more heat. On the Scoville scale, which measures chili pepper heat, scotch bonnets range from 100,000 to 350,000 Scoville heat units. For comparison, a jalapeno pepper measures around 2,500 to 8,000 units. So scotch bonnets can be over 40 times hotter than jalapenos.
Despite their fiery spice, scotch bonnets have a distinct fruity flavor. They are described as having notes of citrus, berry and apple. This makes them a versatile ingredient in many global cuisines.
Using Whole Scotch Bonnet Peppers
Whole scotch bonnet peppers can be used in many savory and sweet preparations. Here are some of the most popular ways to use them:
Marinades and Rubs
Adding 1-2 whole scotch bonnets to a meat, fish or vegetable marinade infuses spicy flavor throughout. Try blending scotch bonnets with garlic, onion, oil and vinegar or citrus juice for a quick marinade. The peppers can then be strained out before marinating. Be sure to wear gloves when handling whole peppers to avoid skin irritation.
Whole, dried scotch bonnets make an excellent addition to spice rubs for meats. After drying the peppers, grind them into a powder to blend with herbs, salt, pepper and spices for homemade dry rubs.
Pickling and Brining
Pickling scotch bonnets in vinegar is a tasty way to preserve them and turn up the flavor in condiments like hot sauce and relish. Leave 1-2 peppers whole or slice into rings, and submerge in vinegar with spices like garlic, mustard seed and dill.
For a spicy brine, add a few whole scotch bonnets to jars of pickles, sauerkraut or kimchi. The peppers will infuse the brine with heat.
Soups and Stews
Add 1-2 whole scotch bonnets while simmering pots of chili, curry, gumbo or other stewed dishes. Remove the peppers before serving for concentrated spicy flavor that isn’t overpowering. Take care when adding whole peppers to avoid very spicy bites.
Baking
When baking breads or desserts, add a whole scotch bonnet to the batter or dough for subtle heat. Try adding 1-2 peppers to muffin, scone or cake batters. Or create a spicy fruit cobbler with whole scotch bonnets baked into the filling. Just be sure to remove the peppers before eating.
Chopped Scotch Bonnet Peppers
Chopping scotch bonnets releases more of their flavorful oils and spice. Here are some ways to use chopped scotch bonnets in cooking:
Salsas and Hot Sauces
Chopped scotch bonnets are ideal for mixing into fresh salsas, chutneys and hot sauces. Be sure to remove the seeds and membranes first to control the heat level. Start with 1/4 pepper chopped finely and add to your favorite sauce recipe for a fiery kick.
Curries and Stir Fries
Add minced scotch bonnets to Thai, Indian or Caribbean curries and stir fries. The peppers add fruity spice that pairs well with coconut milk, spices like cumin and turmeric and aromatic ingredients like ginger, lemongrass and makrut lime leaves.
Marinades and Rubs
Like whole peppers, chopped scotch bonnets infuse tons of flavor into meat and vegetable marinades. Try a scotch bonnet jerk marinade for chicken, pork or fish. Chopped peppers also give an extra kick to wet or dry spice rubs.
Sautéed Veggies
For spicy sautéed vegetables, add some minced scotch bonnet when cooking. Try it in dishes like stir fried green beans, sautéed squash or spicy fried okra. Just be careful not to overdo it with the chopped pepper or the dish may end up too fiery hot.
Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauces and Pastes
Blending scotch bonnets into cooked sauces and pastes allows the flavor to mellow while still packing spice. Here are some ways to use scotch bonnet pepper purées:
Flavor Bases
Make a spicy scotch bonnet paste to use as the flavor base for soups, stews and sauces. Sauté 1-2 chopped peppers in oil over low heat until softened. Then transfer to a blender with a bit of the cooking oil and blend to a smooth paste. Add to dishes for extra heat and depth.
Hot Sauces
Creating your own scotch bonnet hot sauce is easy and delicious. Simmer chopped peppers in vinegar and seasonings until softened. Then purée until smooth. Bottle and use on everything from eggs to sandwiches.
Marinades and Glazes
Blend scotch bonnets into marinades for a spicy kick. Try mixing peppers with oil, vinegar, herbs and spices. Brush the marinade over meats or vegetables before cooking. You can also reduce pepper sauces into a sticky glaze.
Mayonnaise
Give mayonnaise a flavor and heat boost by blending in scotch bonnet sauce or paste. Try adding scotch bonnet mayo to sandwiches, burgers, tacos and more.
Dried and Powdered Scotch Bonnets
Drying scotch bonnet peppers amplifies their fruity flavor while concentrating their spice. Here are some ways to use dried and powdered scotch bonnets:
Rubs and Seasonings
Add punch to any homemade rub by blending in dried and powdered scotch bonnets. Try a jerk chicken rub with scotch bonnet powder, or a Cajun blackening seasoning with scotch bonnet flakes.
Flaky Salt
Make your own spicy flaky finishing salt by grinding dried scotch bonnets with sea salt flakes. Sprinkle over meats, vegetables, eggs and more right before serving.
Rim Salt
Rim cocktail glasses with a blend of scotch bonnet powder and salt for a spicy, flavorful margarita or Bloody Mary. Just be cautious around eyes and lips!
Hot Oil
Infuse oil with heat and flavor by simmering dried scotch bonnet flakes in neutral oil. Try using scotch bonnet chili oil for stir fries, drizzling and more.
Scotch Bonnet Pepper Recipes
Here are some recipe ideas that highlight scotch bonnet peppers:
Jamaican Jerk Chicken
This Caribbean grilled chicken dish gets its signature spicy-sweet flavor from a marinade made with scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, brown sugar and spices.
Scotch Bonnet Hot Sauce
Blend scotch bonnets with carrots, onion and vinegar for a tasty homemade hot sauce. Adjust the pepper amount to your desired spice level.
Thai Red Curry
Scotch bonnets pair perfectly with the complex flavors of Thai red curry paste. Use them to make an authentic, spicy coconut curry.
West African Peanut Stew
This hearty African peanut stew is flavored with scotch bonnets, tomatoes, sweet potatoes and spices for delicious heat.
Mango Scotch Bonnet Salsa
The sweetness of mango balances the heat of scotch bonnets in this tropical fruit salsa. Spoon it over grilled fish or meats.
Storing Scotch Bonnet Peppers
To maintain freshness and flavor, properly store scotch bonnets:
- Whole fresh peppers keep for up to 1 week refrigerated in a paper bag.
- Store dried peppers in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
- Scotch bonnet sauces and pastes freeze well for several months in airtight containers.
- Fill hot sauces in sterilized bottles, adding vinegar as an extra preservative.
Safety Tips for Handling Scotch Bonnets
When working with scotch bonnets, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Wear plastic gloves when handling whole peppers to prevent skin irritation.
- Avoid touching your eyes and mouth after handling scotch bonnets.
- Wash hands, utensils and cutting boards thoroughly after prepping.
- Take care when cooking not to inhale steam from simmering peppers.
- Start with small amounts until you know your tolerance for scotch bonnet heat.
- Remove seeds and membranes to reduce heat levels in a dish or sauce.
Substitutions for Scotch Bonnet Peppers
If you can’t find scotch bonnets, here are some possible ingredient substitutions:
| Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|
| Habanero peppers | Habaneros are close cousins and can be used 1:1. |
| Jalapeño peppers | Use 5-8 jalapeños for every 1 scotch bonnet to achieve similar heat. |
| Serrano peppers | Serranos are milder. Use 3-5 for every 1 scotch bonnet. |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/2 to 1 tsp cayenne powder per scotch bonnet. |
| Chili flakes | 1-2 tsp chili flakes per scotch bonnet pepper. |
Keep in mind when substituting that the flavor won’t be exactly the same. Scotch bonnets have a distinct fruity, floral flavor.
Where to Buy Scotch Bonnet Peppers
You can find fresh and dried scotch bonnet peppers at:
- Specialty grocery stores
- Caribbean or Latin markets
- Farmers markets (in season)
- Online spice retailers
Look for plump, shiny peppers with bright color. Avoid any with bruises, shriveling or mold. For dried scotch bonnets, inspect for holes, dark spots or signs of contamination.
Conclusion
With their intense heat and tropical fruitiness, scotch bonnet peppers add exciting flavor to many regional cuisines. While too hot for some, these peppers are worth seeking out to give your cooking an authentic spice kick. Start with small amounts, and be sure to take care when handling. With the proper precautions, scotch bonnets can take your marinades, salsas, curries and more to the next tasty level.