Fresno Pepper: Heat, Flavor, Ingredient Pairings

Fresno pepper fast facts

How hot are Fresno peppers?

On the Scoville scale, the Fresno chili ranges from 2,500 to 10,000 Scoville heat units. That again closely mirrors the jalapeño (2,500 to 8,000 SHU), but it can range closer to a mild serrano pepper (10,000 to 23,000 SHU) in overall heat in its mature red form.

Of course, this is a heat level that comes nowhere close to the level of cayenne (30,000 to 50,000 SHU) and it’s miles away from extra-hot peppers like the habanero (100,000 to 350,000 SHU). Overall: this is a heat level that’s very kitchen-friendly, on the milder side of medium compared to other chilies.

What do they look like and taste like?

Fresno peppers look a lot like jalapeños, so much so that they are often confused for each other. Fresnos are typically two to three inches long, slightly curved and tapering to a point. They have a smooth skin and mature from green to a fiery red, again very similar to a jalapeño. To really tell the difference, you would need to cut open the pepper and look at the thickness of the chili’s walls. Fresno peppers are thinner walled than jalapeños. This makes the Fresno a better drying chili, but the jalapeño a slightly better option for poppers recipes.

–> Learn More: Jalapeño Vs. Fresno Peppers—How Do They Compare?

Taste-wise, these two chilies are also quite similar, though the Fresno tends to be more complexly flavored as they age. While Fresno peppers are green, they have a grassy, bright taste, very similar to a jalapeño. But in their mature red form, Fresnos take on a sweet, fruity flavor with a hint of smokiness, too. Red jalapeños are also sweeter than their green form, but they don’t quite take the same level of fruitiness and smokiness is not typical for their profile.

Cooking with Fresno peppers

Many foodies prefer the taste of Fresnos over jalapeños for one reason; there’s more flavor depth with the Fresno. It’s a chili that’s ripe for culinary experimentation, but it’s also very usable day to day.

As a general rule of thumb: Any recipe that calls for a jalapeño or serrano pepper, the Fresno pepper is a perfect alternative. They are terrific in salsas, hot sauces, and ceviche, and they stuff decently well too (even with those thinner walls.) Pickled Fresno chilies are loved by many, and cutting them fresh into rings for sandwiches and burgers (like the jalapeño) is very popular too.

Fresno peppers are also a good choice for drying because of their thin walls. The thin walls mean quicker dehydration, preserving the pepper’s flavor and heat more efficiently. Thinner walls also allows for even drying, reducing the risk of any internal moisture that could potentially lead to mold. Once dried, Fresnos are perfect for use in spice rubs, marinades, and homemade chili flake blends. 

More cooking tips:

• For the best eating experience, use Fresno chilies when they are red. Yes, green Fresnos are tasty, too, but red is when they truly shine. Leaning into the depth of fruitiness and smokiness here is a great way to bring a meal to life.
• If you have green Fresno peppers and want to ripen them to red off the vine, you may have options. Since Fresnos really take on their best flavor when red, it’s often the case that people want to age them. Read our post on ripening chilies to see what may be possible.
• Wear gloves when prepping. Fresnos are medium heat chilies, and they can be handled whole (uncut) with little concern for chili burn. But, just like a jalapeño, it’s easy to assume that all’s ok to chop these chilies without kitchen gloves. That’s guaranteed to lead to very uncomfortable chili burn. Wear kitchen gloves the minute you’re doing more than moving a Fresno from one place to another. And know how to treat chili burn in case it does happen to you.
• The best Fresno substitute is obvious: the jalapeño pepper. They look alike, have similar heat, and even (when green) have similar enough flavors. Be sure to use a red jalapeño if you’re looking for an alternative to the sweetness that Fresno chilies bring when that color. For more alternatives, read our article on good Fresno pepper substitutes.

Common Fresno pepper ingredient pairings

Fresnos, with their heat, sweetness, and smokiness, are an excellent choice for bolder fare, like grilled meats and BBQ. They provide the heat, but also enhance the flavors that you expect. Many of the ingredient pairings below are ones you’ll find in BBQ sauces and rubs. But again, it’s a very versatile chili pepper, so do experiment.

• Garlic: Fresno peppers and garlic are a classic pairing. The sharp, pungent flavor of garlic complements the moderate heat of the Fresno pepper, adding depth to dishes like stir-fries, salsas, and sauces.
• Cilantro: This herb’s fresh, citrusy flavor pairs well with the fruity, slightly smoky taste of Fresno peppers. It’s commonly used in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine, where Fresnos are also popular.
• Cumin: The warm, earthy flavor of cumin complements the heat of Fresno peppers. This pairing is often seen in chili recipes and other hearty, spicy dishes.
• Lime: The tangy, acidic flavor of lime balances the heat of Fresno peppers, enhancing their natural fruitiness. This combination is commonly used in salsas, marinades, and grilled dishes.
• Oregano: Oregano has a robust, slightly bitter flavor that pairs well with the bright, fruity heat of Fresno peppers. It’s a common pairing in Italian and Mexican cuisines.
• Onion: The sweet, slightly sharp flavor of onions complements the heat and fruitiness of Fresno peppers. This combination is a staple in many dishes, from salsas to stir-fries.
• Paprika: Paprika, especially the smoked variety, enhances the smoky undertones of Fresno peppers. This pairing is often used in barbecue sauces and rubs.
• Coriander: The citrusy, slightly nutty flavor of coriander complements the fruity heat of Fresno peppers. This combination is common in many Asian and Latin American dishes.
• Tomatoes: The sweet, slightly acidic flavor of tomatoes pairs well with the heat and fruitiness of Fresno peppers. This combination is a staple in salsas, sauces, and stews.
• Mint: The cool, refreshing flavor of mint offers a nice contrast to the heat of Fresno peppers. This combination can be found in certain Asian dishes and salsas.

Recipes that work with Fresno chilies

• Homemade Sriracha: Red jalapeños are the typical chili of choice, but Fresno chilies add some real depth to the flavor, particularly with that light smokiness.
• Spicy Coconut Salsa: One of our favorite salsas to pair with red meats. Coconut’s earthy sweetness is a perfect match to the Freso’s sweetness.
• Louisiana Hot Sauce: Typically the world of the cayenne or tabasco peppers of the world, but red Fresnos make an excellent Louisiana hot sauce, too.
• Homemade Sambal Oelek: Making this popular chili paste at home is very simple and Fresnos work really well here.