While adding a bit of spice to the taste of a dish can kick it up a notch, some of us can’t tolerate the really hot stuff like others can. But that doesn’t mean you can’t add some heat to a dish without going overboard.
After all, it’s easier to add spice to a dish than it is to take it away.
The Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) is a measure of the spiciness of a pepper or other spicy food. It is based on the concentration of capsaicin, the compound responsible for the “heat” or spiciness in a pepper. The lower the SHU number, the less spicy it is.
With that in mind, here are some low-medium spiced peppers you can consider adding to food dishes for a bit of kick, but not too much.
Low to medium spice peppers to add to food
| Pepper | Scofield Heat Unit (SHU) |
| Bell pepper | 0 |
| Garden pepper | 0 to 100 |
| Sweet Banana pepper | 0 to 500 |
| Shishito pepper | 50 to 200 |
| Peperoncini pepper | 100 to 500 |
| Pimento pepper | 100 to 500 |
| Paprika pepper | 100 to 1,000 |
| Cubanelle pepper | 100 to 1,000 |
| Padrón pepper | 500 to 2,500 |
Please note that the heat level of peppers can vary greatly based on factors such as growing conditions and preparation methods, so the Scoville heat units should be used as a general guide and not an exact measurement.
Additionally, it is always important to be aware of the heat level of peppers and use them in appropriate amounts to suit your taste and tolerance for spicy food.
Examples of medium spicy dishes with peppers added
Bell pepper and garden pepper – Doesn’t add spice per se but are included here as a baseline since they are peppers. You can snack on these peppers on their own, add them to salads and include them in cooked dishes, among other uses.
Stuffed banana peppers – This dish typically involves hollowing out sweet banana peppers and filling them with a mixture of meat, cheese, and other ingredients.
Grilled Shishito peppers – You can grill the peppers and add a combination of olive oil, soy sauce and some salt and pepper as an example.
Pepperoncini chicken – This dish is a flavorful and easy to make meal that can be served over rice, pasta, or as a sandwich combing pepperoncini peppers with chicken.
Pimento cheese – Pimento cheese is a southern staple and a type of cheese spread made from cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimento peppers. It can be served as a dip, spread, or as a sandwich filling.
Paprika chicken – Paprika is a spice made from grinding dried red peppers and it is a staple in many cuisines, particularly in Hungarian and Spanish cuisine. Paprika chicken is a flavorful and easy to make meal that can be served with rice, potatoes, or vegetables.
Arroz con Pollo – Cubanelle peppers are sweet, mild peppers that are commonly used in Latin American cuisine such as Arroz con Pollo. They have a slightly sweet and tangy flavor, and a slight hint of heat.
Tortillas de Padrón – Tortillas de Padrón is a traditional Spanish dish made with Padrón peppers and eggs. The dish is simple to prepare and is often served as a tapa (appetizer) or side dish.
Mildly spicy dishes with various spices added
There are many food dishes that have a mild amount of spiciness, and the spices used will depend on the specific dish and your personal taste. In these cases, you can use a combination of spices to add a bit of heat and some actual peppers too if you like.
Some examples of mild spicy dishes include:
- Tacos al pastor – typically made with marinated pork, pineapple, and a mild red chili sauce. Spices used might include cumin, oregano, and chili powder.
- Jambalaya – a Creole dish made with rice, sausage, chicken, and seafood. Spices used might include paprika, cayenne pepper, and cumin.
- Tikka Masala – a popular Indian dish made with chicken or vegetables in a creamy tomato-based sauce. Spices used might include cumin, coriander, and turmeric.
- Korma – a mild Indian dish made with meat or vegetables in a creamy sauce. Spices used might include cardamom, cumin, and coriander.
- Pad Thai – a popular Thai dish made with rice noodles, vegetables, and protein in a sweet and savory sauce. Spices used might include chili flakes, cumin, and coriander.
- Fried Rice – a dish made with rice and vegetables and protein, Spices used might include soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic.
- Pasta – a dish made with pasta and vegetables and protein, Spices used might include olive oil, garlic, and black pepper.
When using peppers or spices to add a mild amount of spiciness to a dish, it’s important to start with a small amount and taste as you go, adding more to suit your taste.