serrano

noun

ser·​ra·​no sə-ˈrä-(ˌ)nō 

si-

plural serranos

: a small very hot chili pepper that is red when mature

Examples of serrano in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Most often, my dish consists of diced cucumber, tomato, onion, avocado and a serrano chile or two, all in plenty of fresh lime juice. —Sarah Mosqueda, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2024

Several types of hot peppers exist, including jalapeno, poblano, and serrano peppers, that have different amounts of capsaicin. —Anthea Levi, Health, 30 Mar. 2024

Curls of fluke are arranged as if for a bouquet, with melon, cucumber and whatever’s delicious and in season; the clear broth of the ceviche stings, pleasantly so, with serrano. —Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 24 Jan. 2024

Jalapenos are larger than serrano peppers so adjust to your taste. —Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 27 Jan. 2024

In addition to the pecans, the rice includes scallions, serrano peppers, ginger and carrots. —Becky Krystal, Washington Post, 9 Dec. 2023

For more spice, toss chopped fresh jalapeno or serrano peppers into the marinade. —Emily Nienhaus, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Aug. 2023

Its layers of flavors unfold gradually, with tropical flavors like plantain and coconut melding with bright Mandarin orange, along with the zing of serrano peppers and mellow grassy notes reminiscent of a Martinique rhum agricole. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 8 Aug. 2023

Classic deviled eggs get a festive spin from cilantro, serrano peppers, diced green onions, and cheese. —Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Mexican Spanish, from Spanish serrano, adjective, montane, highland, from sierra mountain range — more at sierra

First Known Use

circa 1972, in the meaning defined above