Knowing how to cut jalapeño peppers is a culinary must, whether you are a rookie or expert in the kitchen. Did you know that jalapeño is a culinary powerhouse? It offers a vibrant flavor and a manageable level of spice for most which makes it one of the most popular peppers in the world. However, many home cooks hesitate when it comes to cutting them, often due to concerns about “chili burn” or simply not knowing the best technique to achieve their desired level of heat.

Cutting a jalapeño correctly is essential, not just for safety, but also for controlling the final taste and texture of your dish. The key to taming this fiery ingredient lies in understanding where the heat truly hides. It’s not fully in the seeds, as commonly thought. It’s also the white inner membrane, commonly known as the pith. 

By learning a few simple, safe cutting techniques, and taking the necessary precautions, you can master the art of preparing jalapeños for slicing, dicing, or stuffing, ensuring every dish gets exactly the spicy kick it needs.

What Is a Jalapeño Pepper? 

The jalapeño is a medium-sized chili pepper cultivar of the species Capsicum annuum. It originates from Mexico. The name is Spanish for “from Xalapa,” the capital city of Veracruz.

The Heat Factor: Jalapeño peppers are considered moderately spicy for a pepper, typically ranging from 4,000 to 8,500 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). For comparison, a bell pepper is 0 SHU and a cayenne pepper can be up to 50,000 SHU.

Before You Start:

1. Wash your jalapeño peppers thoroughly.
2. Gather your tools: a sharp knife (a paring knife or chef’s knife), a cutting board, and gloves, if you wish!

Remove Seeds & Membrane

The white membrane and the seeds hold most of the pepper’s heat. Removing them will significantly dial down the spice, giving you more of the pepper’s fresh, grassy flavor.

Follow the steps below to remove the membrane and seeds:

1. Cut in Half: Slice the stem end off and discard it. Cut the pepper lengthwise down the middle.
2. Scrape: Using a small spoon or the tip of a paring knife, gently scrape out the white membrane and all of the seeds from each pepper half. Discard the removed material.
3. Rinse (Optional): Give the pepper halves a quick rinse to remove any lingering seeds.

How To Cut Jalapeño Peppers: Slicing Rings or Rounds

Slices are perfect for garnishing nachos, pizza, tacos, or for pickling. They are typically cut with the seeds left in for maximum visual appeal and heat.

1. Trim: Cut off and discard the stem end.
2. Slice: Holding the pepper steady, slice crosswise into thin rounds of your desired thickness.

Tip for Slicing and Deseeding: You can also slice the pepper into rounds first, then use a small paring knife or corer to carefully remove the seeds and membrane from each ring for a more decorative, milder slice.

How To Cut Jalapeño Peppers: Dicing or Chopping

Diced jalapeños are best for when you want the heat and flavor to be fully incorporated into a dish, like a salsa, soup/chili, or guacamole.

1. Prepare: Follow the steps above to remove the seeds & membrane to create two clean, hollowed-out pepper halves.
2. Cut into Strips: Place one pepper half flat on your cutting board, cut-side down (or cut-side up if wearing gloves). Slice lengthwise into thin strips (julienne cuts) of your desired width.
3. Dice: Gather the strips together and turn them a quarter turn. Slice crosswise to create a fine chop or dice.

How To Cut Jalapeño Peppers: For Poppers

Jalapeño poppers require the pepper to remain intact to hold the delicious filling.

1. Do Not Remove Stem: Leave the stem on for presentation and as a handy “handle.”
2. Halve: Slice the pepper in half lengthwise, from the stem to the tip.
3. Core: Use a small spoon or a paring knife to carefully scrape out the seeds and the inner white membrane. Make sure the inside cavity is clean to maximize room for your filling!

Related: Jalapeño Poppers

Enjoying Jalapeño Peppers

Once you’ve safely cut your jalapeños, the culinary world is your oyster. Mastering the jalapeño pepper is all about controlling the heat, and protecting your hands! Follow these tips, and you’ll add the perfect kick to your next meal.

Our favorite recipes that include jalapenos:

• Cheesy Halloween Cornbread Muffins
• Watermelon Tomato Salad with Jalapeno Vinaigrette
• Grilled Cowboy Caviar 
• Peach Salsa
• Mango Avocado Pico de Gallo
• Mini Bell Pepper Nachos
• Loaded Black Bean Dip
• Jalapeno Blueberry Jam

Looking for more inspiration? Check us out on Pinterest or Instagram, and join our community of Produce Moms!