Red pepper flakes

photo credit: gourmetsleuth

Other Names:crushed red pepper

What is Red pepper flakes

Crushed red pepper flakes are made from hot dried red peppers, normally cayenne, which have been crushed. Frequently there is a high percentage of seeds as well making for a very hot addition to foods. Used in cooking or as a condiment with various foods including to top pizza.

Substitute for Red pepper flakes

For similar heat substitute:
1/2 teaspoon Chile de Arbol or Cayenne powder per 3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 use one small red chile (such as a Thai chile) per 3/4 teaspoon flakes

Dried Chiles

Ingredients

Commercial red pepper flakes contain: chopped dried chiles. Most brands do not contain any additives or preservatives. Actual ingredients may vary per brand.

Where To Buy Red Pepper Flakes

You can purchase red pepper flakes in most grocery stores in the spice section.

Make Your Own Red Pepper Flakes

You can make your own if you have some small red, dried chile peppers. While cayenne is typically used you may also use de arbol chiles or Thai red chiles. These varieties are all very hot. Use whole chiles with the stem removed but don't remove the seeds or veins. Place the chiles in a small, clean, coffee mill, and pulse until they are the size and texture you like.

Store the red pepper flakes in a spice jar or tin. The flakes retain their potency for a very long time.

Favorite Red pepper flakes Recipes

Whole Wheat Rigatoni With Spicy Sausage, Spinach and Mushrooms
We use Bionaturae whole wheat pasta for the best flavor. This is a nice spicy pasta. You can reduce or eliminate the red pepper flakes if you want less spice. Alternately, you can use sweet Italian
Broccoli Rabe With Garlic, Anchovy and Hot Pepper
Recipe uses orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe, garlic, anchovy and hot pepper
Orange Whiskey Chicken
Our recipe for Orange Whiskey Chicken is a variation of Bourbon Chicken. Very little alcohol is used in the recipe and you can just leave it out if you wish and replace the liquid with water or more orange juice. Serves 4.
Tropical Mango Pineapple Salsa
This recipe for Tropical Mango Pineapple Salsa is super easy to make and tates very good atop grilled fish or meats or simply with chips. I use fruit salsa to top my taco salad as an alternative to taco sauce and I love it.
Fettuccine With Garlic Parmesan and Kale
You can have this dish on the table in about 30 minutes flat! The pasta and kale cook together. Drain the pasta, add the garlic, olive oil and Parmesan.