serrano

American  

[suh-rah-noh] / səˈrɑ noʊ /

noun

plural

serranos

1. a small, green or reddish, extremely hot chile pepper, the fruit of a variety of Capsicum annuum used in cooking.

---

Etymology

Origin of serrano

First recorded in 1950–55; from Mexican Spanish, short for chile serrano “mountain chile,” from Spanish serrano “of a mountain; mountain; highlands; a highlander,” from sierra ( def. )

Example Sentences

I started with hamachi topped with Asian pear and serrano, finished tableside with a tamarind ponzu.

From Salon • Mar. 7, 2026

On Wednesday, they served a mussel dish with garlic confit and serrano chili developed by his breakfast sous chef.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 13, 2025

Produce from Mexico, including avocados, jalapenos and serrano peppers, could double or triple in price, he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2025

Likewise, crouton change-ups can work out well, as with the tortilla crisps that chef Janet Becerra uses to excellent effect in her serrano Caesar at Seattle’s Pancita.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 7, 2024

The girls helped weed out Mamá’s vegetable garden and picked fat zucchini, ripened tomatoes, and spicy serrano peppers, which they bundled together in delicate netting to give away as gifts to Mamá’s comadres.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall