Flavor description
Although bird chiles are often identified with Thai cooking, they're actually from South America and have been embraced by Thai cooks only recently. Bird, or chiltepín, chiles are small, red or green, and very hot. Thai chiles, which look similar but are a bit larger, are just as hot and can be used in the same capacity.
How to find
Look for bird chiles in your specialty Thai or Mexican market. Buy online at www.thaigrocer.com. Substitutes
Because they're easier to find, you can substitute milder serranos rather than Thai chiles. In general, two bird chiles yield one teaspoon minced.
Related Articles
The Big Chile: A blazing glossary of pepper favorites See article.
The Thai Pantry: 13 Key Ingredients in Thai Cooking. See article.
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