Finely ground pepper may add some heat to certain dishes, but if you swap it for coarse ground or roughly cracked peppercorns, you’ll suddenly have a new element of crunch. And, of course, there may be times when you’d like a smoother mouthfeel, in which case coarsely ground pepper might seem out of place.
Substitute for Black Pepper
The most similar substitute for black peppercorns would be ground black pepper. To use ground black pepper in place of peppercorns, simply use ¼ teaspoon ground pepper for every teaspoon, or about 8 whole peppercorns, called for in the recipe.
If you’re looking for a substitute for black pepper entirely, use one of the alternatives here for similar results.
Common Peppercorn Substitution Questions
Yes! Although white pepper has a stronger, sometimes fermented taste, it works well in place of black peppercorns.
How to Crack Pepper without a Grinder
FAQ
Can you substitute ground pepper for cracked pepper?
What is equivalent to cracked pepper?
Why is cracked pepper better?
Can you use cracked pepper instead of ground pepper?
In short, using cracked pepper instead of ground pepper could make a dish taste bad while using ground pepper instead of cracked pepper will just make it less flavorful. Fortunately, if you have a pepper mill, you can always put your cracked pepper inside it to grind it down to a finer consistency. What Is Ground Black Pepper?
What can I substitute for chili pepper?
There are many varieties of chili peppers that have varying levels of heat. Typically, the larger the pepper, the milder the heat. If you don’t have chili peppers for the spicy kick needed in a dish you can substitute cayenne pepper or hot paprika. Start with small amounts to taste, then add more if the dish is not spicy enough. For individuals who don’t like spicy food, a mild sweet paprika works as a replacement, or simply use less chili pepper than the recipe calls for. You can also try bell peppers if you are looking to replace nutrients lost by removing chili pepper. For those who are allergic to peppers in general, the appropriate substitution will depend on the specific recipe. Many times chili pepper can be left out of a recipe. Experimentation is best way to find out what works.
Can you use cracked black pepper instead of ground black pepper?
Cracked black pepper will work fine as a substitute for ground black pepper in rubs. You will find that it gives you more heat and greater complexity as well as a crunch that you won’t get from ground black pepper. If you are making a dish where a smooth texture is key or where you want the spice to spread evenly it may not work.
What is the difference between cracked pepper and ground pepper?
The main differences between cracked and ground pepper have to do with texture and flavor. Cracked pepper has a much coarser texture, composed as it is of peppercorn chunks and much finer pepper grounds. Ground pepper, on the other hand, has a fine, consistent texture throughout your dish.