
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)
Spice Rub for Chicken
Spice Rub for Chicken from the Recidemia collection
Spicy Apple Glazed Pork Roast
Spicy Apple Glazed Pork Roast from the Recidemia collection
Spicy Basque Chicken
Spicy Basque Chicken from the Public Health Cookbook by the Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—original source of recipe, public domain government resource Cook Time: About 40 minutes Serves: 4
Spicy Black Bean Salad
Spicy Black Bean Salad from the Recidemia collection
Spicy Black Beans with Tomatoes, Onions, and Cilantro
]
Spicy Black-eyed Pea Soup
Easy to make in the crock pot. Has a great Cajun flavor. Goes great with cornbread on the side. Enjoy!
Spicy Cajun Pasta
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Braham Estate in Greenville, Texas in 1992.
Spicy Cajun Pasta Sauce
Spicy Cajun Pasta Sauce from the Recidemia collection
Spicy Cajun-style Scrambled Eggs in a Hot Avocado Half-shell
Spicy Cajun-style Scrambled Eggs in a Hot Avocado Half-shell from the Recidemia collection
Spicy Fried Okra
This recipe is not for those of you that will call the fire department if you taste a chilli.
Spicy Fried Wings
No need for wing sauce. These are already plenty hot.
Spicy Grilled Pork
Spicy Grilled Pork from the Recidemia collection
Spicy Lentils
Spicy Lentils from the Recidemia collection
Spicy Peanut Soup
If you eat soup a lot, it's good to have something unusual to pull out every once in a while. This soup is spicy and nutty. The recipe is a mix of Ghanan Groundnut and spicy soup.
Spicy Red Steak
Spicy Red Steak from the Recidemia collection
Spicy Soy Hot Chocolate
.
Spicy Tomatoes
Spicy Tomatoes from the Recidemia collection
Squash Bisque
Squash Bisque from the Recidemia collection
Sri Lankan Coconut Cilantro Chutney
Sri Lankan Coconut Cilantro Chutney from the Recidemia collection
Steak Rub
Great spices like coriander, garlic, and smoked paprika. Also packs a punch with cayenne, so this is not for people who don't like a lot of heat!
Stuffed Peppers Cajun-style
Contributed by SF&SC Y-Group.
Sweet Pea Soup
Sweet Pea Soup from the Recidemia collection
Sweet Potato Gravy
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.
Ta'amia
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the McCord Estate in Dallas, Texas in 1984.
Taco Bell-style Taco Sauce
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
Taco Seasoning
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group This Y-group is
Tandoori Fish
Tandoori Fish from the Recidemia collection
Tandoori seasoning
Tandoori seasoning from the Recidemia collection
Tangy Lemon Battered Fried Chicken
Even more tangy than using buttermilk.
Tarragon Mayonnaise
Serve as part of Steamed Artichokes with Dipping Sauces Original recipe
Texas Style Chicken Fried Steak
If you've ever been in Texas and tried one of their chicken-fried steaks, you'll know that they are amazing! They're crispy on the outside, tender, smoky, and peppery with a little heat on the inside and smothered in a rich cream gravy.
Thebouidienne
Fish in the manner of Dakar Any goes well in a Thebouidienne (pronounced CHEB-O-DJIN). If you use fillet of sole or flounder, roll up the fillets before cooking in this manner.
Tikka Kebabs
Tikka Kebabs from the Recidemia collection
Tofu Gumbo
.
Tomato Cajun Chicken Salad
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Pinion Estate in Mesquite, Texas in 1994.
Trail Snack Mix
Trail Snack Mix from the Recidemia collection
Tropical Island Chicken
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Taste of H
Tuna Caper Spread
Delicious, easy, inexpensive; serve as a sandwich filling or an hors d'oeuvre with whole-grain crackers or triangles of rye bread.
Tunisian carrot salad
Tunisian carrot salad
Tunisian Couscous Salad with Grilled Sausages
Tunisian couscous Salad with Grilled Sausages
Turkey Dijon Salad
A nice balance of sweet and tangy in this turkey salad. It tastes even better after refrigerated.
Turkey Sausage Patties
* Source: American Heart Association Cookbook, 5th Edition © 1973, 1975, 1979, 1984, 1991, 1998 Amer
Turner Estate Salad Seasoning
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Turner Estate in Dallas, Texas in 1997.
Ultimate Vegetarian Chilli
.
Unreal Mango Chutney
Unreal Mango Chutney from the Recidemia collection
Vangibhat
Vangibhat from the Recidemia collection
Vege Chili
I served over brown rice and provided bowls of hot sauce, fat-free sour cream, chopped jalapeno peppers, and chopped onions. I also had a loaf of wheat bread and several people ate their chili with that instead of the rice. Yum yum.
Vegetable Paella
Vegetable Paella from the Public Health Cookbook by the Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—original source of recipe, public domain goverment resource Cook Time: Serves: 8
Vegetables in Coconut Milk
Vegetables in Coconut Milk from the Recidemia collection
Vegetable Stew
"Delicious and easy vegetable stew inspired by Providence's City Farm Manager, Rich. Organic, locally grown, and in season ingredients have the best flavor. add a bit more cayenne for a tasty home remedy. " Original recipe yield: 12 servings.