What is it?

Very hot chiles that are smaller and hotter than jalapeños. Serranos are most often sold green, when they lend a tangy, herbal, vegetal flavor. In late summer, you may see fully ripe, red serrano chiles.

Don’t have it?

Substitute another small, hot chile, such as the Thai bird chile.

How to choose:

Choose chiles that are shiny and firm pods with strong, uniform color. They should feel dense and heavy for their size; good examples of even the very smallest ones will feel heavier. Avoid chiles that are flaccid, wrinkled, bruised, blemished, or discolored.

Recipes

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  Recipe

  Strawberry BBQ Sauce

  Strawberries bring a fresh, fruity sweetness to this sauce, making it the perfect complement to pork and poultry.

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  Recipe

  Brunswick Pork Sammies

  Made in an Instant Pot or other multicooker, these piled-high, slaw-topped pork sandwiches hit the spot during a busy day. The pork is also great served on its own as…

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  Recipe

  Grilled Chili-Garlic Flank Steak with Avocado Butter

  You don’t have to use all of the butter on this steak, but it’s so good, you just might. Any leftover would be great on fish, breaded chicken cutlets, baked…

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  Grilled Chicken and Charred-Onion Tacos

  Chicken breast might be everyone’s poultry go-to, but thighs are arguably more delicious: meaty, sturdy, and perfect for grilling. The rich, tender meat is fabulous with grilled onions and spicy…

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  Recipe

  Beer-Fried Shrimp and Avocado Tacos

  Deep-fried avocado is an unusual but most welcome partner with shrimp in this taco filling.

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  Grilled Corn, Cherry Tomato, and Scallion Tacos

  Delicious grilled fresh corn, scallions, and cherry tomatoes make this meat-free taco filling a hit with vegetarians, but don’t be surprised if meat eaters like it, too.

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  Recipe

  Roasted Tomato-Serrano Salsa

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  Fresh Tomatillo Salsa

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  Chile Chico

  The serrano chiles in the simple syrup kick this chico up a notch or two.

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  Tofu Saag

  A creamy yogurt-spinach sauce surrounds spiced, crisped cubes of tofu in this aromatic, satisfying dish. If you like hot foods, leave the serrano chile seeds in. Serve with rice or naan.