Spice | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Calorie

Black Pepper

Piper nigrum Allergen-Free
black pepper

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Piperaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Global
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Pepper plant berries

The Forktionary Angle

"The King of Spices" and its indispensable role in global cuisine.""

Definition

Dried, unripe berries of the pepper plant, revered globally as a pungent, spicy, and aromatic seasoning.

Sensory Profile

TastePungent, Spicy, Woody, Earthy
TextureGritty (ground), Crunchy (whole)
AromaPungent, Woody, Spicy, Fresh
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Active Compound

Piperine

Global Spice Trade Rank

#1 Most Traded Spice

Optimal Storage

Cool, dark, airtight container (whole peppercorns)

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 g (1/4 tsp ground)
Calories251 kcal
Total Fat3.3 g
Saturated Fat1.4 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein10.4 g
Total Carbohydrate64.8 g
Dietary Fiber25.3 g
Total Sugars3.2 g
Calcium443 mg
Iron9.7 mg
Potassium1260 mg

Chef’s Secret

Always grind black pepper fresh just before use. The volatile compounds that give it flavor and aroma dissipate quickly once ground.

Substitutions

Best Match

White Pepper

1:1

Similar heat, but more subtle and earthy aroma. Preferred for light-colored dishes.

Green Peppercorns (fresh or brined)

1:1 (adjust for intensity)

Milder, fresher, more aromatic. Good for sauces.

Grains of Paradise

1:1

Spicy, citrusy, and floral notes, similar bite.

Sichuan Peppercorns (ground)

1/2:1

Offers a unique numbing sensation ('ma la') and citrusy notes, not a direct heat substitute.

Buying Guide

Buy whole peppercorns and grind fresh for best flavor and aroma.

Flavor Pairings

Almost everything savory: Meat Vegetables Eggs Cheese Salad Fruits (strawberries).

Recipes Using Black Pepper

Oven Healthy Time To Make Course

It's Too Easy Pork Chops Rice Casserole

This incredibly easy pork chop and rice casserole is a family favorite, ready in under an hour! Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires minimal prep time (only 10 minutes!) and delivers maximum flavor. Tender pork chops are combined with fluffy rice and creamy goodness for a comforting meal the whole family will love. Optional: Elevate the dish with fresh or canned sliced mushrooms for an extra layer of umami.

See Complete Recipe
Main Ingredient Main Dish Taste Mood Comfort Food

The Creamed Dried Beef Chipped Beef Recipe

Indulge in this nostalgic Lancaster County comfort food, passed down through generations! This creamy chipped beef recipe, often called SOS (Shit on a Shingle), is a family favorite, perfect for a cozy night in. Served traditionally over toast or crispy home-fried potatoes, this recipe is easy to double or triple for sharing – and freezes beautifully for future enjoyment. Get ready for a taste of home-style goodness!

See Complete Recipe
Savory Main Ingredient Savory Presentation

Beat The Blues Blue Cheese Risotto

Banish those blues with this creamy, dreamy blue cheese risotto! The ultimate comfort food, it's like a warm hug in a bowl. So easy to make, you can ditch the fancy cutlery and enjoy this decadent dish with just a spoon. Rich, cheesy, and utterly irresistible, this risotto is the perfect antidote to a bad day. Get ready to be comforted!

See Complete Recipe
Course Side Dishes Copycat Preparation

Ohana Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Walt Disney World

Capture the magic of Disney World's Ohana restaurant with this incredible Cheesy Scalloped Potato recipe! Inspired by a family favorite from our trip to the Polynesian Village Resort, this recipe features creamy, cheesy potatoes that are sure to become a new family tradition. We've tweaked the original to be even cheesier and richer – get ready for a taste of Disney magic in your own kitchen!

See Complete Recipe
Lentils Seasonal Equipment Course

1 Hour Smoky Ham And Lentil Soup

This award-winning smoky ham and lentil soup recipe is a hearty, flavorful, and slightly spicy masterpiece! Inspired by a catering chef's cafe secret, this recipe is perfect for chilly fall and winter evenings. Serve with warm, crusty bread for the ultimate comfort food experience. Quick on the stovetop (60 minutes) or slow and easy in your crockpot (10 hours).

See Complete Recipe
Preparation Citrus Occasion White Rice

2Bleu's Lemony Rice With Peas Risi E Bisi

This vibrant and refreshing 10-minute Risi e Bisi recipe is the perfect side dish! A zesty blend of lemony rice, sweet peas, and crunchy nuts (walnuts, pecans, pine nuts, or sunflower seeds – your choice!), it's a delightful accompaniment to grilled fish, roasted meats, or even as a light vegetarian meal. A fantastic way to use up leftover rice, this recipe is bursting with flavor and easy to customize.

See Complete Recipe
Chicken Time To Make Course Occasion

7 Vegetable Chicken Stew With Dumplings

Warm up on a chilly evening with this hearty 7 Vegetable Chicken Stew! Tender chicken, seven colorful vegetables (plus optional mushrooms for an 8-veg upgrade!), and fluffy dumplings combine in this comforting and flavorful recipe. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. This easy-to-follow recipe uses readily available ingredients and yields a delicious, satisfying stew the whole family will love.

See Complete Recipe
Summer Stir Fry Pasta Tomatoes

A Feel Good Meal

Banish guilt with this vibrant, low-fat, low-calorie pasta dish! Inspired by a world food adventure, this recipe uses fresh garden herbs and vegetables to create a comforting yet healthy meal. Whole wheat pasta provides extra fiber, while a touch of hot pepper adds a delicious kick. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner that's both flavorful and good for you!

See Complete Recipe
For 1 Or 2 Preparation Lunch Course

A Humdinger Of A Wrap

Get ready for a flavor explosion! This quick and easy recipe for A Humdinger of a Wrap can be made in minutes and is guaranteed to become a new favorite. Customize it with your preferred tortillas (plain, whole wheat, sundried tomato, or spinach) and load it up with your favorite veggies. Warning: Seriously addictive! Perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even a snack. #quickrecipe #easyrecipe #wraprecipe #lunchideas #dinnerideas #customizable #addictive

See Complete Recipe
North American Chicken To Go Occasion

A Whole Chicken On The Grill

Unlock the juicy secrets of perfectly grilled whole chicken! This Spanish-inspired recipe from the New Basics Cookbook delivers a moist, flavorful bird bursting with succulent juices – no rotisserie needed! We skip trussing for even cooking, ensuring each bite is tender and delicious. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

See Complete Recipe
Low Carb Spicy Main Ingredient Chicken

African Chicken Peanut Soup

Impress your guests with this quick and flavorful African Chicken Peanut Soup! A zesty blend of savory chicken, creamy peanut butter, and warming spices creates a vibrant dish ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. (Spice level: Medium-High)

See Complete Recipe
Condiments Etc Low Saturated Fat Low Cholesterol 3 Steps Or Less

All Purpose Barbecue Rub

Elevate your BBQ game with Lucy Waverman's incredibly versatile All-Purpose Barbecue Rub! This simple yet flavourful blend is perfect for chicken, beef, pork, and even vegetables. If using for pork or pork spare ribs, simply boost the sweetness by increasing the sugar to 2 tbsp (25 ml). Store in an airtight container for up to six months, ensuring your next barbecue is bursting with flavour. This recipe makes enough for approximately 1.5 lbs of meat. Find the original recipe on lcbo.ca.

See Complete Recipe
Sauces Time To Make Thanksgiving Onions

All Purpose Gravy

This America's Test Kitchen-inspired recipe is a holiday game-changer! Make this delicious, rich all-purpose gravy ahead of time and freeze it for effortless Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. No pan drippings needed – it's perfect for any occasion. This foolproof recipe guarantees a perfectly thickened, flavorful gravy every time.

See Complete Recipe
Seafood For 1 Or 2 30 Minutes Or Less Salmon

Almond Crusted Salmon

Experience a flavor explosion with this crispy Almond Crusted Salmon! Perfectly pan-seared salmon fillets are coated in a crunchy almond crust, creating a delightful contrast of textures and tastes. This recipe is quick, easy, and sure to impress – ready in under 30 minutes!

See Complete Recipe
Course Meat Course Chicken Breasts

Almond Dusted Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Breasts

Impress your loved ones with this elegant and flavorful Almond Dusted Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Breast recipe! Sweet strawberries and tangy balsamic vinegar create a surprising and delicious sauce that complements the crispy almond-crusted chicken perfectly. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

See Complete Recipe
Healthy 2 Vegetarian Vegetables Low In Something

Alton Brown's Red Potato Salad

This Alton Brown-inspired red potato salad recipe is a game-changer! Perfectly cooked red potatoes are tossed in a tangy vinegar bath, then combined with a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing featuring fresh herbs and crunchy veggies. Get ready for a side dish that will steal the show at your next BBQ or potluck. This recipe is easy to follow, with clear instructions and perfectly balanced flavors. Prepare to be amazed!

See Complete Recipe
3 Steps Or Less Low Carb Grilling 15 Minutes Or Less

American Sirloin Steaks

Sizzle into summer with this incredibly flavorful American Sirloin Steak recipe, originally featured in the April 2007 issue of Coup de Pouce magazine! This quick and easy barbecue recipe requires minimal ingredients—likely already in your pantry—for a restaurant-quality meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers juicy, tender steaks with a rich, savory flavor. Get ready to impress your taste buds in just minutes!

See Complete Recipe
Easy Presentation Healthy Time To Make

Angie's Spicy Chicken Strips

Craving a fast, flavorful, and family-friendly dinner? Angie's Spicy Chicken Strips are the perfect solution! This recipe is quick to make, easy to follow, and delivers crispy, juicy chicken strips with a satisfying kick. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual lunch, these strips are always a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience a burst of flavor in just 30 minutes!

See Complete Recipe