to 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Crushed red pepper, also known as red pepper flakes or chili flakes, consists of dried and coarsely ground red chili peppers (Capsicum annuum var. acuminatum). The ingredient is produced by harvesting ripe red chili peppers, drying them thoroughly, and then fragmenting them into irregular flakes while preserving the seeds, which contain much of the heat-producing compound capsaicin. The resulting product is bright red to deep crimson in color, with visible pepper skin fragments and seeds creating a coarse, granular texture. The flavor profile is intensely spicy with fruity undertones, and the heat level typically ranges from 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), making it significantly hotter than fresh chili peppers but milder than pure cayenne powder.

Crushed red pepper is used as a finishing spice and flavor accent across Mediterranean, Asian, Latin American, and American cuisines. It is commonly sprinkled over pizzas, pasta dishes, soups, and stews to add heat and visual appeal. In Asian cooking, it appears in chili oil preparations, dumpling dipping sauces, and stir-fries. The ingredient is also a key component of spice blends such as Italian seasoning and Cajun mixes. The flakes pair well with tomato-based dishes, legumes, eggs, and roasted vegetables, and their coarse texture allows for controlled heat distribution during cooking or at the table.