ts crushed red pepper -- or to taste

Herbs & SpicesYear-round. Crushed red pepper is a shelf-stable dried spice available continuously, though fresh red chili peppers used for commercial drying are typically harvested in late summer through fall.

Rich in capsaicin, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties, and contains vitamins A and C. Low in calories but provides beneficial antioxidants.

About

Crushed red pepper, also known as red pepper flakes or chili flakes, consists of dried, coarsely ground red chili peppers, typically from the Capsicum annuum species. The ingredient is produced by harvesting ripe red peppers, drying them, and crushing them into irregular flakes that retain seeds and skin fragments. This preparation method preserves the natural heat compounds (capsaicinoids) and concentrated spice flavor. Crushed red pepper is characterized by a bright red color, moderately hot to very hot heat level depending on the pepper variety used, and a fruity, slightly smoky undertone beneath the characteristic pungency.

Culinary Uses

Crushed red pepper is widely used across Mediterranean, Asian, and Latin American cuisines to add heat and depth to dishes. It appears as a table condiment in Italian pasta dishes, is essential in Asian stir-fries and noodle preparations, and seasons curries, soups, and bean-based dishes throughout global cooking traditions. The ingredient can be bloomed in hot oil or fat to mellow its sharpness and distribute flavor evenly, or sprinkled directly onto finished dishes for pronounced heat and texture. It pairs well with garlic, vinegars, and fatty foods that help balance capsaicin's heat.

Forms & Preparations

  • Flakes — Dried, coarsely crushed red pepper pieces with seeds; the standard form used as a table condiment and cooking ingredient
  • Fine Powder — Finely ground red pepper with a smoother texture; used in spice blends and dry rubs where a more uniform distribution is desired
  • Oil-infused — Crushed red pepper steeped in oil to create a flavored condiment; ready to use as a finishing oil for soups and breads
  • Whole dried peppers — Unbroken dried red chili peppers that can be crushed or steeped to customize heat level and intensity

Substitutes

  • Unknown — Use at a 1:1 ratio as a direct substitute; cayenne is finely ground and slightly hotter, providing consistent heat without the texture of flakes
  • Unknown — Use 1-2 fresh peppers (seeded for less heat) in place of 1 teaspoon flakes; provides fresher flavor but different texture; adjust for desired heat level
  • Unknown — Substitute at a 1:1 ratio; offers similar heat with more smokiness and less sharpness, better for applications where texture variation is undesirable
  • Unknown — Not a true heat substitute but adds pungency; use 1:1 for heat without red color, though flavor profile differs significantly
  • Unknown — Combine equal parts black pepper and hot paprika to approximate crushed red pepper's heat and flavor; lacks the fruity notes of true chili

Recipes Using ts crushed red pepper -- or to taste (2)

RCI-SP.004.0003.001

Afghani Lamb with Spinach

Afghani Lamb with Spinach from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0301.001

Tajikistan Lamb with Spinach

Tajikistan Lamb with Spinach from the Recidemia collection

ts crushed red pepper -- or to taste | Recidemia