dried guajillo chiles

Dried Guajillo Chiles

Dried guajillo chiles are a staple in Mexican cuisine, celebrated for their vibrant red color and mild to medium heat. These chiles, with their smooth, leathery skin, offer a slightly fruity and smoky flavor with hints of berries and green tea. Guajillo chiles are relatively mild, registering between 2,500 and 5,000 on the Scoville scale, making them a versatile ingredient for those who enjoy a touch of spice without overwhelming heat. Using dried guajillo peppers brings a depth of flavor and rich color to various dishes, offering a unique aromatic quality that enhances culinary creations. Find dried guajillo chiles at Mexican grocers or specialty food stores, and use them to add a delightful touch of warmth and complexity to your recipes.

Common Uses

  • For authentic Mexican sauces and salsas: Dried guajillo chiles are a key ingredient in many traditional Mexican sauces, like enchilada sauce and mole. They add a rich, slightly fruity flavor and a vibrant red color to the base of these sauces.- In marinades for meats and vegetables: Guajillo chiles can be rehydrated and blended into marinades for grilled or roasted meats, poultry, and vegetables, imparting a complex smoky flavor and tenderizing effect.- To create flavorful chile pastes: Dried guajillo peppers can be ground into a fine powder or blended into a paste with other spices and herbs to create a versatile seasoning for various dishes.- As a natural food coloring agent: The intense red color of guajillo chiles makes them a natural and appealing way to add visual vibrancy to dishes without the use of artificial colorings.- To enhance stews, soups, and braises: Adding rehydrated guajillo chiles to stews, soups, or braises adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile, providing a subtle heat and smoky notes.- Used in dry rubs for barbecuing: Ground guajillo chile powder adds a mild, fruity heat to dry rubs for ribs, chicken, and other barbecued meats, creating a unique flavor profile that complements the smoky cooking process.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

283.0kcal (14.15%)

Protein

13.5g (27%)

Carbs

54.0g (19.64%)

Sugars

10.0g (20%)

Healthy Fat

10.1g

Unhealthy Fat

2.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Health Benefits

  • Rich source of antioxidants that combat free radicals.
  • Contains vitamins A and C, supporting immune function and vision.
  • Good source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
  • May help boost metabolism and aid in weight management.
  • Contains capsaicin, which may have anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Provides trace minerals like iron and potassium, essential for overall health.

Chefadora AI is here.

Experience smarter, stress-free cooking.

Storage Tips

Dried guajillo chiles should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Properly stored, they can last for up to a year. To restore their pliability before use, you can lightly toast them in a dry skillet or rehydrate them in warm water for about 30 minutes.

Background Squiggy
Chefadora App

Get cooking with the Chefadora App.

Available now for early access users.

Download on the App StoreDownload on the App Store
chefadora
© 2025 Chefadora Pty Ltd, All Rights Reserved

Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen,
North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Australia