
cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, the alkaloid compound responsible for its pungency, and is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants including carotenoids. It provides these nutrients in small serving quantities due to its intense flavor and typical usage patterns.
About
Cayenne pepper is a cultivar of Capsicum annuum, a flowering plant in the nightshade family native to Central and South America, particularly the Cayenne region of French Guiana. The ingredient consists of dried, ground pods of pungent chili peppers that range from 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville units. Cayenne peppers are slender, tapered fruits measuring 2–3 inches in length, typically ripening from green to deep red before harvest and drying. The powder produced is bright red to orange-red in color and possesses a sharp, intensely hot flavor with subtle fruity and slightly smoky undertones. Modern cayenne pepper production spans from West Africa to Asia, with variations in heat level and flavor complexity depending on growing conditions and processing methods.
Culinary Uses
Cayenne pepper is a foundational ingredient in numerous global cuisines, particularly in Creole, Cajun, Thai, Indian, and Mexican cooking traditions. It functions both as a primary seasoning and as a heat delivery mechanism, appearing in spice blends such as garam masala, berbere, and Cajun seasoning. Common applications include dusting on eggs and cheese dishes, incorporating into marinades and rubs for meats and seafood, infusing into sauces and soups, and serving as a table condiment. The spice pairs well with tomato-based dishes, legumes, and fatty foods, where its pungency cuts through richness. Its intensity can be tempered by cooking it in oil or fat before adding liquid ingredients, allowing the heat to distribute evenly throughout a dish.
Used In
Recipes Using cayenne pepper (361)
Poultry Shake
Everyone serious about frying chicken ought to have one of these.
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Please don't try to do this in the oven 'cause you'll just ruin it.
Punjabi Chana
.
Quick and Easy Hummus
Quick and Easy Hummus from the Recidemia collection
Quick Catfish Gumbo
A Catfish recipe
Red Bean Soup with Guacamole Salsa
Red Bean Soup with Guacamole Salsa from the Recidemia collection
Red Lobster Cajun Shrimp
Barbeque style shrimp is a Cajun way of making shrimp, spicy and buttery this is an easy way to make shrimp in a unique style. Shrimp is baked in the oven in a spicy sauce.
Red Pepper Soup
Red Pepper Soup cold soup is a nice flavourful treat on a hot summer day.
Rich Shrimp Salad
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the McGowan Estate in Sherman, Texas in 1991.
Roasted Almonds with Rosemary Fleur de Sel
If whole blanched almonds aren't available, substitute whole raw almonds with skin on.
Roasted Salmon with Shallot Grapefruit Sauce
Remember grapefruit can interfere with certain medications!
Romaine Salad with California Avocado, Orange, and Jicama
Romaine Salad with California Avocado, Orange, and Jicama from the Recidemia collection
Rosemary Balsamic Chicken Wings
Rosemary Balsamic Chicken Wings from the Recidemia collection
Sabzi Piez
Braised onions and carrots * serves 4 to 6
Salad Seasoning
Tastes great mixed with Italian salad dressing and pasta. Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group This Y-group is international. Good food from all parts of the world. A place where we can share the wonderful food from all over the world.
Salsa Basic
This is a basic tomato and jalapeño salsa recipe to be used for a beginner. No one I know likes it the same, so I'm sure you will alter it for your own preferences.
Salt-free Seasoning
Great for those on a low-sodium diet Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group This Y-group is international. Good food from all parts of the world. A place where we can share the wonderful food from all over the world.
San Felipe-style Fish Tacos in Beer Batter
Makes 18 tacos and 1 cup each of salsa blanca and rosarito beach salsa.
San Francisco style Scallop Ceviche
A ceviche is a seafood dish, originating in Peru, that relies on acid rather than heat to cook the fish. This recipe adds a bit of a California twist by adding sliced avocado to the dish.
San Francisco-style Scallop Ceviche
San Francisco style Scallop Cevich
Sauce Mornay
Béchamel sauce with grated cheese Yields: about 1 pint
Saucy Cheese Taters
Purchased from the Davidson Estate in Terrell, Texas in 1987. Dated 1966. These are very good. I made them right after I purchased this collection and they are a regular in my household and at potlucks.
Saucy Curry Chicken and Tagliatelle in less than 20 Mins.
Submitted by General Venereal I'm using mainly swedish products, but these things can be found anywhere except perhaps mother Russia where you will just have to make do with your daily allotted potato, comrade Poorandorhungry.
Sausage Lima Bean and Potato Soup
This recipe came from the Hartman Estate Sale. It was obtained it as part of the purchase of the Family Collection from the Hartman Estate in Arlington, Texas in 1984.
Savory Black Bean and Corn Soup
Savory Black Bean and Corn Soup from the Recidemia collection
Sea Bass with Dried Fruit Salsa
Fruit & Vegetable of the Month: Dried Fruit by the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 4
Seafood Gumbo
Seafood Gumbo a dish of New Orleans, with fresh sea food.
Seafood-stuffed Italian Mushrooms
This recipe came from an estate sale. It was obtained when the family collection was purchased from the Burnett Estate in Terrell, Texas in 1981.
Senegalese Chicken Soup
Senegalese Chicken Soup from the Recidemia collection
Senegalese Mafe
Senegalese Mafe from the Recidemia collection

Shakshuka
Shakshuka is an Israeli dish with many variations; this one comes by way of Israel and is vegetarian-friendly.
Shakshuka
Shakshuka is an Israeli dish with many variations; this one comes by way of Israel and is vegetarian-friendly.
Shrimp and Corn Chowder
Shrimp and Corn Chowder from the Recidemia collection
Shrimp Diablo
Excellent spicy appetizer not too hard to make.
Shrimp Dip I
Original recipe Makes about 3 cups / Serves 9
Shrimp, Mayonnaise and Radish Pasta Salad
Shrimp, Mayonnaise and Radish Pasta Salad from the Recidemia collection
Shrimp Scampi
Contributed by Cat's Recipes Y-Group
Sierra Leonean Groundnut Stew
Sierra Leonean Groundnut Stew from the Recidemia collection
Smoked Salmon Spread
An excellent spread for fresh-baked French bread or even spread thinly with lettuce and tomato on sandwich bread for sack lunches on a long day's hike. The cayenne pepper and garlic powder give the spread a bit of a kick. 5, Glenn Highway.
Smoked Venison Jerky
Purchased from the Rosenthal Estate in Montgomery, Alabama in 1989. Notation on card indicates this is a World War II recipe, exact date unknown. My uncle makes this recipe every year after Deer hunting and he gets rave reviews.
Sombrero Artichokes
This recipe came from The Printey Estate sale. It was obtained it as part of the Family Collection from The Printey Estate in Forney, Texas in 2001.
Sopa de Amendoim
Peanut Soup from Curaçao, or a Caribbean chicken and peanut soup
Sour cream chili sauce
American cuisine Vegetarian Cuisine Holiday Recipes
South American Picadillo
Yields 4 servings
South Carolina Sauce
May be used as a basting sauce for barbecue meat or as a condiment when serving grilled pork, beef or chicken. Contributed by World Recipes Y-GroupThis Y-group is international. Good food from all parts of the world.
Spanish Catfish Paella
A Catfish recipe.
Spiced Bean Soup
This authentic Moroccan soup is perfect for vegetarians as a light meal or as an appetizer. This recipe serves 4.
Spice rub
A spice rub is a mixture of salt, herbs, and spices. A spice rub can be as simple as a large amount of pepper, like in Steak au' Poirve, or as complex as 100 spices.
Spice Rubbed Grilled Chicken Breast
Spice Rubbed Grilled Chicken Breast from the Recidemia collection
Spice Rubbed Grilled Chicken Breast
Spice Rubbed Grilled Chicken Breast from the Recidemia collection