Ingredient substitute

What can you use instead of isot pepper (urfa biber)?

Aleppo pepper, Ancho chile flakes + smoked paprika and Chipotle flakes are the easiest swaps. Below: 4 options with the right amount to use, what changes in the dish and which diets they suit.

Isot pepper (urfa biber) on the left, aleppo pepper on the right

The quick answer

Aleppo pepper. Use the same amount. Brighter and fruitier; less smoky.

Adjust: Add a pinch of smoked paprika.

  1. Aleppo pepper

    Drop-in swap

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Brighter and fruitier; less smoky.

    Flavor
    Fruity.
    Texture
    Flaky.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Add a pinch of smoked paprika.
    Best for
    Finishing, Dips

    vegan

  2. Ancho chile flakes + smoked paprika

    Small adjustment

    Ratio 1:1 mix (ratio 1:1 mix)

    Dark, raisiny and smoky — the closest flavor.

    Flavor
    Smoky-sweet.
    Texture
    Flaky.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Add a pinch of cocoa for depth.
    Best for
    Kebabs, Eggs, Yogurt

    vegan

  3. Chipotle flakes

    Small adjustment

    Ratio 1/2 : 1 (ratio 1/2 : 1)

    Smokier and hotter; use half.

    Flavor
    Smoky.
    Texture
    Flaky.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Mix with sweet paprika.
    Best for
    Kebabs, Soups

    vegan

  4. Sweet paprika + pinch of cayenne

    Changes flavor or texture

    Ratio 1 tsp : 1 tsp (ratio 1 tsp : 1 tsp)

    Basic pantry swap.

    Flavor
    Flat.
    Texture
    Powdery.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Bloom in oil.
    Best for
    Rubs, Sauces

    vegan

Common questions

What is the best substitute for isot pepper (urfa biber)?

Aleppo pepper is the closest swap. Use the same amount. Brighter and fruitier; less smoky.

What is a vegan substitute for isot pepper (urfa biber)?

Good vegan options are Aleppo pepper, Ancho chile flakes + smoked paprika, Chipotle flakes and Sweet paprika + pinch of cayenne.

How much should I use instead of isot pepper (urfa biber)?

It depends on the swap. Aleppo pepper: Use the same amount. Ancho chile flakes + smoked paprika: Ratio 1:1 mix. Chipotle flakes: Ratio 1/2 : 1.

Recipes that use isot pepper (urfa biber)

Scale it to your recipe

Enter the amount you need and the substitution tool works out the exact quantity. Or ask the chef how the swap will change your dish.