These black cobra peppers (or goats weed) are spicy hot. Mom calls it Ot Hiem (Dangerous pepper), we call it the Devil pepper and others say it’s a thai chili variety. Though it looks like the typical thai chili from a distance, it’s possesses at least 3 times the potency. Goats weed pepper or Black cobra chili pepper @whiteonrice

Story originally published in 2008. Update: We know the name of this crazy spicy pepper thanks to your comments and talking to the folks at our local nurseries! It’s called Goats weed pepper or Black Cobra Pepper. Here’s a link to this goats weed pepper description and another great one here.
Goats weed pepper or Black cobra chili pepper @whiteonrice

Black cobra peppers or goats weed

It’s shorter and slightly fatter at the base then the thai chili and it’s most dangerous when it’s black (right before it starts to ripen to red). Defying gravity, the always shiny fruit grows upwards to the sky. The leaves of this devil pepper are short, round, dark green and full of small white hairs. When looking at the plant from a distance, the leaves look almost grayish around the edges because of the white hairs. It’s not even commonly found in Vietnamese stores. Only some Viet gardeners dare to nurture these evil specimens in their gardens and we’ve been able to occasionally find the plant at some random Viet grocery stores and sidewalk street vendors.

Goats weed pepper or Black cobra chili pepper

Spicy peppers

It’s true to its given common name because it is spicier than any jalapeño, habanero, Thai or any other chili we’ve had. It’s so spicy that our pepper loving fanatics have to take it slow when biting into these heathen chilies. We warned a certain individual (you know who you are) to wash his hands after handling the seeds of the devil pepper. He’s young vigorous man and thought he was impervious to any heat that chilies give off. Well, that was until he forgot to wash his hands thoroughly before he went to the bathroom. He was humbled to the fifth degree. End of story. The allure of these black cobra peppers is not just because of it’s intense heat, but because of its remarkable flavor. The distinct, fragrant smell is still something we can’t describe, other than identifying it as the “devil pepper smell”. But when it’s crushed into sauces and dips, it’s special flavor makes everyone wonder what the secret ingredient is.

Goats weed pepper or Black cobra chili pepper

How to Grow Black Cobra or Goats Weed Peppers

  • They need good draining soil, preferably organic.
  • Grow them in full sun. These chili peppers love full sun.
  • Give them plenty of water, as they don’t want to dry out.
  • Pinch back dead stems so new growth can form. This will allow the chili pepper plant to flower more, thus more spicy peppers to eat!

Vietnamese Chili Salt Dip

Makes about 1/4 cup.
5 from 3 votes

Ingredients

  • 2 Thai Chili or any red chili pepper
  • 3 Tablespoons sea salt
  • sprinkle of paprika (optional)

Instructions 

  • Crush chilis in a bowl. Add sea salt and continue crushing until the juices are released into the salt. The more you crush, the more heat you add to the mixture, so beware! For a more smoky flavor sprinkle in some paprika. Let the chili juices dry out in the salt mixture for about 1 hour.
  • Use as a dipping condiment for green mangoes or in any recipe to enhance it's salt and spicy flavors.

Nutrition Information per Serving

Calories: 1kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Sodium: 2616mg, Potassium: 3mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 9IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 2mg, Iron: 1mg