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.

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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

For extra savoriness, try tucking ribbons of thinly sliced serrano ham or prosciutto into the sandwiches along with the steak.

From Washington Times • Dec. 5, 2023

Add fresh pico de gallo, serrano peppers, carne asada, Mexican rice, a dried spiced meat called basturma, creamy hummus and spicy salsa.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 7, 2023

Have ready chopped-up tomatoes, onions, serrano chiles—not in exceso—and sí, an exceso of cilantro.

From "Beast Rider" by Tony Johnston & María Elena Fontanot de Rhoads