red pepper flakes
Red pepper flakes are a good source of capsaicin, a compound with potential metabolic and anti-inflammatory properties. They also contain vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants, though nutritional density is modest due to the small serving sizes typically used.
About
Red pepper flakes, also known as chili flakes or crushed red pepper, are the dried and crushed fruits of Capsicum annuum, a species of hot pepper native to Mexico and Central America. The ingredient consists of coarsely ground dried chili peppers, typically a blend of varieties, with the seeds and membranes included, which contribute significantly to the heat level. Red pepper flakes are characterized by their bright red color, pungent aroma, and intense peppery heat, ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU) depending on the pepper varieties used. The flavor profile combines fruity, slightly smoky notes with sharp, lingering heat that builds on the palate.
Common varieties used include Cayenne peppers, Thai chilies, and other medium to hot cultivars. The production process involves harvesting mature red peppers, drying them (traditionally in the sun or via mechanical means), and then crushing them into coarse flakes. Unlike ground chili powder, which may contain additional ingredients such as garlic, cumin, and other spices, pure red pepper flakes contain only the dried pepper material.
Culinary Uses
Red pepper flakes serve as a versatile heat source and flavor enhancer across numerous global cuisines. In Italian cooking, they are essential to dishes such as arrabbiata pasta, peperoncino oil-based preparations, and various antipasti. Asian cuisines, particularly Chinese, Thai, Korean, and Vietnamese, employ red pepper flakes in stir-fries, soups, condiment oils, and as table condiments for diners to adjust heat levels individually. They are also used in pizza toppings, pizza seasoning blends, and Mediterranean preparations. Red pepper flakes can be bloomed in oil to release and distribute their heat evenly throughout a dish, sprinkled directly onto finished foods for textural contrast and pungency, or incorporated into dry rubs for meats. The ingredient pairs well with garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and acidic components that balance and enhance the heat.
Recipes Using red pepper flakes (143)
All'Amatriciana with Pasta, Bacon and Basil
This is really good, like spaghetti, but has bacon and basil in it. Good served with garlic bread. Contributed by [ Catsrecipes Y-Group Makes 6 servings.
Amatriciana Sauce by Ishamael
Submitted by Ishamael Pasta with a spicy, smoky red sauce. And easy, too!
Angel Hair Pasta with Broccoli-Clam Sauce
Contributed by [http://Groups.Yahoo.Com/Group/World_Recipes/ World Recipes Y-Group] * Makes 4 Servin
Antipasto Salad I
Antipasto Salad
Apricot Lime-glazed Salmon
From "Healthy Recipes For Diabetic Friends Y-Group" Makes 4 servings
Arrabbiata Sauce with Chicken and Mushrooms
Contributed by [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/catsrecipes/ Catsrecipes Y-Group] * Makes 6 servings.
Asian-style Vegetable Stir-fry
Contributed by [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/world_recipes/ World Recipes Y-Group] This Y-group is
Baby Broccoli with Orange Sauce
Makes 4 Servings.
Bacon-wrapped Sausage Coins with Apricot Dipping Sauce
Contributed by [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/catsrecipes/ Catsrecipes Y-Group] * Yield: 6 to 8 serv
Bahamian Sour Chicken-Vegetable Soup
Serves/Makes:4 – 6
Baked Okra Turkish-style
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Baxter Estate in Heath, Texas in 1984.
Baked Ratatouille
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Baxter Estate in Heath, Texas in 1984.
Baked Tarragon Chicken
Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at [http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Healthy_Recipes_
Baked Ziti
Baked Ziti
Bangkok Noodle Salad
Bangkok Noodle Salad from the Recidemia collection
Barbecued Chilean Sea Bass with Orange
If cooking the Chilean sea bass on a charcoal grill, be sure that the fillet pieces are at least 1½ inches thick to ensure that the fish won't fall apart when it is cooked. This recipe yields 4 servings.
Bob Evans' Tuscany Potato Soup
Contributed by Jenn B Mom2Sam and Tiny at [http://Groups.Yahoo.Com/Group/World_Recipes/ World Recipe
Bolognese Sauce by Jerkstore77
Bolognese Sauce by Jerkstore77 from the Recidemia collection
Bouillabaise
Fish soup.
Bouranee Baunjan I
Bouranee Baunjan Afghan eggplant with yogurt sauce. This is my take on the Afghan dish Bouranee Baunjan, and although it is not exactly authentic, it is quite delicious.
Bucatini all'Amatriciana
Contributed by [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/catsrecipes/ Catsrecipes Y-Group] * Recipe courtesy Ra
Buffalo Chili
Buffalo Chili from the Recidemia collection
California Avocado and Chicken Salad
California Avocado and Chicken Salad from the Recidemia collection
Calypso Strawberry Mango Salsa
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Camarao Mozambique
Portuguese-style shrimp. This is a delicious and quick Shrimp saute using typical Portuguese ingredients like red wine and plenty of garlic and parsley.
Caribbean Guacamole
Down in Jamaica they've got lots of pretty women and some great ideas for spicing up their island version of guacamole. Tropical fruit, crunchy coconut and piquant pepper mingle with avocado as pleasantly as an ocean breeze.
Caribbean-style Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches
This recipe makes a wonderfully tasty Pork sandwich, and is a favorite with the men in my family. You can adjust the "heat" to your liking.
Catfish with Spicy Cantaloupe Slices
A Catfish recipe. Serves 4.
Cavatappi Pasta and Chicken Cacciatore with Mushrooms
Contributed by [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/catsrecipes/ Catsrecipes Y-Group] * Makes 12 servings
Chadian Spiced Vegetable Salad
Chadian Spiced Vegetable Salad from the Recidemia collection
Cheat 'n' Eat Vietnamese Chicken Soup
Cheat n' Eat Vietnamese Chicken Soup can be made in 15 minutes. The soup can be served with the sauce Tuong ot Sriracha.
Cheesy Tortilla Chips
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Lingam Estate in Garland, Texas in 1982.
Chinese Cold Pasta Salad
Chinese Cold Pasta Salad from the Recidemia collection
Chinese Cucumber Salad
Chinese Cucumber Salad from the Recidemia collection
Cioppino
Cioppino is a fish stew, a descendant of the various regional fish soups and stews of Italian cooking. It was developed by the fishermen who settled in the North Beach section of San Francisco.
Coconut Chicken I
Coconut Crusted Baked Cod
– Servings: 5.3 Serving size: 3 ounces Yield: 16 ounces
Coconut Curried Tilapia
Coconut Curried Tilapia from the Recidemia collection
Cold Noodles with Tempeh
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Condimento Pugliese
Condimento Pugliese from the Recidemia collection
Crispy Glazed Catfish with Sunflower Slaw
A Catfish recipe.
Crockpot Black-eyed Pea Soup with Ham and Greens
Contributed by [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/catsrecipes/ Catsrecipes Y-Group] * Serves 6
Dill and Garlic Shrimp Skewers
Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at [http://Groups.Yahoo.Com/Group/World_Recipes/ World Re
Dominican Feijoada I
Dominican Feijoada I from the Recidemia collection
Eastern North Carolina Barbecue Sauce
Southern cuisine
Fried Noodles
Fried Noodles from the Recidemia collection
Garlic and Green Olive Salad Dressing
Skip the iceberg lettuce -- good on stronger-flavored greens.
Garlic Broccoli Pasta
An easy, healthy, surprisingly flavorful dish from simple on-hand ingredients.
Garlic Lover's Lentil Soup
Serves 6 – 8
Georgian Roasted Chicken
Georgian Roasted Chicken from the Recidemia collection