Savor the Spice: Exploring the Ají Amarillo Trend

Savor the Spice: Exploring the Ají Amarillo Trend

Every year, food lovers and chefs around the world look forward to the unveiling of new culinary trends. In 2025, Ají Amarillo has taken center stage as the Flavor of the Year, according to McCormick. But what makes this pepper, born in the Andes and rooted in Peruvian cuisine, so compelling—and why should you care even if it’s not on your favorite Chinese restaurant’s menu yet?

At Mandarin Grill, while we focus on delivering authentic and innovative Chinese cuisine, we also believe in keeping our fingers on the pulse of global food movements. Trends like the rise of Ají Amarillo reveal more than just flavor—they tell stories of cultural exchange, culinary creativity, and evolving tastes.

What Is Ají Amarillo?

Ají Amarillo (pronounced ah-HEE ah-mah-REE-yoh) translates literally to "yellow chili," but don't let the name fool you. When ripe, it turns a vibrant orange, almost like a marigold. It’s a medium-hot chili pepper, ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville Heat Units, which puts it roughly in the range of a serrano pepper—spicy, but not overwhelming.

What really sets Ají Amarillo apart is its fruit-forward flavor profile. Imagine the tropical sweetness of mangoes or passionfruit paired with a warming, zesty heat. It’s complex and nuanced, the kind of spice that lingers—not to burn, but to engage your senses.

In Peru, Ají Amarillo is considered a cornerstone of the national palate. Dishes like ají de gallina (a creamy chicken stew) and causa rellena (layered potato salad) rely on its bright flavor. It's a staple in the Peruvian “holy trinity” of cooking: garlic, red onion, and Ají Amarillo paste.

Ají Amarillo and the Rise of Global Fusion

So why is a pepper from the Andes making waves in 2025 across culinary landscapes from Los Angeles to London—and why should diners in Tucson take notice?

According to trend forecasts from Cozymeal and Whole Foods Market, consumers are more adventurous than ever, embracing bold, international flavors. Chefs and home cooks alike are blending spices and ingredients from different cuisines, resulting in exciting mashups like:

• Ají Amarillo vinaigrettes for poke bowls

• Spicy aiolis for tacos and sliders

• Stir-fried noodles with Peruvian chili paste

The influence of Ají Amarillo is expanding beyond traditional Latin fare into Southeast Asian, Mediterranean, and yes—even Chinese-inspired fusion cooking.

While we don’t currently serve any dishes featuring Ají Amarillo at Mandarin Grill, we find it fascinating how this chili can pair beautifully with ingredients common in Chinese cuisine: think garlic, ginger, soy, and sesame. One could easily imagine a wok-tossed chicken dish with an Ají-infused sauce or dumplings served with a zesty chili dipping oil.

How to Try Ají Amarillo at Home

Curious foodies can find Ají Amarillo in several forms:

• Fresh peppers, usually in Latin markets

• Ají Amarillo paste, available online or in specialty food stores

• Dried powder for seasoning meats and veggies

Here are a few ways to explore this trend in your own kitchen:

1. Ají Amarillo Stir-Fry Sauce – Blend the paste with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey for a sweet-and-spicy glaze.

2. Creamy Ají Dip – Mix with Greek yogurt, garlic, and lime juice for a punchy appetizer.

3. Ají Fried Rice – Add sautéed vegetables, scrambled egg, and cooked rice to a wok, then finish with a dash of Ají Amarillo paste.

Looking for inspiration? You’ll find recipes popping up on sites like Serious Eats and Epicurious.

Why It Matters to You as a Diner

Trends like Ají Amarillo aren't just about flavor—they represent an ongoing shift in how we eat. Diners are becoming more globally aware, more curious about origin stories, and more appreciative of complex heat that goes beyond Sriracha or jalapeños.

Even if you’re a loyal fan of our General Tso’s Chicken or Yui Shan Eggplant here at Mandarin Grill, following trends like these adds richness to your dining experience. It builds bridges between what’s familiar and what’s new.

Final Thoughts: Spice as a Cultural Connector

At Mandarin Grill, we’re always excited about the ways food can connect cultures. While Ají Amarillo isn’t on our current menu, the spirit behind its rise—culinary exploration, cross-cultural respect, and creative cooking—absolutely aligns with what we value in our kitchen.

Want to stay on top of what’s next in food, flavor, and culture? Follow our Mandarin Grill blog for more features, and let us know on social media which trending ingredients you’d like to see explored next!