Top 3 Southeast Asian Hot Peppers

Prik kee nu or bird's eye chilies are small, spicy chili peppers that are very popular in Thai and other Southeast Asian cuisines. They're also commonly referred to as Thai chilies as they are the most popular variety, but they are in fact just one of many Thai chili cultivars. These chilies have a vibrant flavor and are quite hot, typically much more so than jalapeños or serrano peppers. The Scoville Heat Units (SHU) for Prik kee nu chilies can range from 50,000 to 100,000, making them significantly hotter than jalapeños (2,500-8,000 SHU) but less so than habaneros (100,000-350,000 SHU). In cooking, they're often used in stir-fries, curries, salads, and sauces to add a spicy kick. It's recommended to use them sparingly until you are comfortable with their heat level.Expand

Prik chee fah also known as Thai spur chilies are popular type of chili pepper used in Thai cuisine. They are larger and less spicy than the better known prik kee noo. The Thai spur chilies are typically about 10 to 13 cm (4-5 inches) long, with a conical shape, and mature from green to a bright red color. The flavor of these chilies is relatively mild and slightly sweet, making them more comparable to the Jalapeño or Serrano peppers in terms of heat. Their Scoville Heat Units (SHU) typically range between 5,000 and 30,000. These chilies are often used in stir-fries, soups, and salads, and can be eaten raw, cooked, or pickled.Expand