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

Main Ingredient Beginner Cook Time To Make Healthy 2

Put Down Your Fork Tuna And Bean Salad

This vibrant tuna and bean salad is bursting with fresh flavors! Inspired by a simple family recipe, this upgraded version is so delicious, you'll want to savor every bite. The perfect make-ahead dish for a summer BBQ, potluck, or light lunch. Get ready to hear 'Put down your fork!' from your family and friends!

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Preparation Preparation Vegetables Time To Make

412 Broccoli Casserole

This 412th broccoli casserole recipe takes inspiration from the classic green bean casserole, but with a delicious twist! Ditch the cream of mushroom soup and embrace a creamy, cheesy broccoli bake that's bursting with flavor. This recipe features tender broccoli florets, a rich cheese sauce, and crispy fried onions for the ultimate comfort food experience. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a weeknight dinner, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to experience a broccoli casserole like no other!

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Onions Holiday Event Equipment Time To Make

Kicked Up Oven Fried Chicken

Get ready for the crispiest, spiciest oven-fried chicken you've ever tasted! This recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with a perfectly crunchy coating. Marinating the chicken in buttermilk overnight (or for at least 4 hours) is key to its tenderness and flavor. Customize the heat with your choice of hot pepper sauce – more for extra fire, or omit it entirely for a milder version. Baking the chicken on a wire rack ensures maximum crispiness. This recipe is a family favorite – you'll be making it again and again!

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Course Course Side Dishes 4 Hours Or Less

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!

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Dietary Low Cholesterol Beef 4 Hours Or Less

2Bleu's Beef Barley Soup Or Chicken Barley Soup

Warm your soul with this hearty and healthy Beef (or Chicken!) Barley Soup! Barley's nutty flavor and chewy texture combine perfectly with tender beef (or chicken) in a rich and flavorful broth. Packed with fiber and bursting with warmth, this comforting soup is perfect for chilly evenings. Easily adaptable – swap beef for chicken with just two simple ingredient changes (see recipe notes)! Can't find barley? High-quality pearl barley is available at [www.Nutsonline.com](www.Nutsonline.com). For a vegetarian twist, check out our amazing vegetarian barley soup recipe #390750!

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Pork Loins Low In Something Main Ingredient 30 Minutes Or Less

48 Hour Pork Tenderloin

Elevate your grilling game with this incredible 48-hour marinated pork tenderloin recipe! A family favorite, this recipe boasts a mouthwatering marinade that will leave you craving more. While a 24-hour marinade works wonders, 48 hours unlocks a depth of flavor that's simply unforgettable. The result? A juicy, perfectly pink interior with a delightful char on the outside. Perfect for a crowd, simply double the recipe and cook multiple tenderloins simultaneously. Get ready for the most tender, flavorful pork tenderloin you've ever tasted!

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Shellfish Occasion Preparation Italian

A Cheaper Cioppino

Craving a flavorful cioppino but watching your wallet? Food columnist Renee Enna's recipe delivers a toothsome fish stew without breaking the bank! This budget-friendly version uses affordable firm white fish (like cod or tilapia), shredded crab for richness, and hearty mushrooms for texture, replacing pricey shellfish. Enjoy the depth of flavor from low-sodium tomatoes and aromatic herbs, all simmered to perfection. Serve with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of this incredible, low-sodium (optional) seafood stew. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion!

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Chicken Taste Mood Main Ingredient 60 Minutes Or Less

A Plaything For Your Tongue

Experience the magic of Indian mountain cuisine with this irresistible chicken recipe! Yogurt, a staple in this region, forms the heart of this incredibly flavorful dish. Tender chicken marinated in a vibrant blend of spices is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will leave you craving more. Get ready for a taste sensation that will tantalize your taste buds!

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Low Calorie Taste Mood Side Dishes Low Cholesterol

Acorn Squash With Sausage

Forget sugary squash recipes! This hearty Acorn Squash with Sausage is a satisfying autumn main course. Imagine tender acorn squash brimming with a flavorful sausage, onion, mushroom, and bell pepper filling. Inspired by Colorado College, this recipe is warm, comforting, and perfect for chilly evenings. Get ready for a delicious and unexpected twist on a classic fall vegetable!

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Preparation Time To Make Easy Preparation

Airman Anderson's Chicken

Inspired by Sunny Anderson's Cooking for Real, this recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken with a vibrant orange sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Airman Anderson's twist on classic orange chicken is sure to become a family favorite! Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Cuisine Vegetarian Taste Mood Low Carb

Alfredo Sauce From The Pantry

This incredibly easy Alfredo sauce is ready in 10 minutes using pantry staples! Garlic adds a delicious punch, making it a family favorite (even picky eaters approve!). While not traditionally authentic, this creamy, dreamy sauce is perfect for a weeknight pasta dinner. Get ready to impress your family with minimal effort!

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Main Ingredient Main Ingredient Time To Make Course

Almonds Mushrooms Raisins And Red Pepper Pilaf

A vibrant and flavorful rice pilaf bursting with the nutty sweetness of almonds and raisins, the earthy depth of mushrooms, and the bright crunch of red peppers. This easy-to-follow recipe makes a perfect side dish for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unbelievably tasty pilaf in just 40 minutes!

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Novelty Time To Make Weeknight Ground Beef

Almost Authentic Cincinnati Chili

Satisfy your Cincinnati chili cravings with this adaptable recipe! Inspired by Skyline Chili (but don't tell Nick, he prefers Goldstar!), this version is close enough to home to ease those withdrawal pangs. We've tweaked it for deliciousness, making it perfect for pasta topping and customization. Get ready for a flavorful journey!

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4 Hours Or Less Brunch Vegetables Dietary

Alpine Cabbage Soup

Transform leftover bread into a magical, earthy Italian soup! This Alpine Cabbage Soup recipe uses stale bread (any kind works!) to thicken a rich and flavorful broth, bursting with cabbage and aromatic herbs. Inspired by the Moosewood Restaurant, this recipe is a celebration of resourcefulness and deliciousness. Perfect for a cozy night in!

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Pasta Rice And Grains Oven Dietary Side Dishes

Alton Brown's Baked Macaroni And Cheese

Elevate your mac and cheese game with this gourmet recipe inspired by Alton Brown's Good Eats! This baked mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible. The slightly more involved process is worth every minute for the superior flavor and texture. Feel free to customize it with your favorite additions like tuna, hot dogs, or veggies!

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Clams Easy Romantic Shellfish

Amazing Spaghetti With Seafood Sauce

Husband's new favorite! This incredible seafood spaghetti recipe is bursting with flavor. Tender spaghetti tossed in a vibrant tomato sauce with succulent shellfish and a hint of lemon. Easy to follow instructions for a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour.

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Easy Equipment One Dish Meal North American

Andy's Spicy Potato Soup

A fiery twist on a classic comfort food! This recipe elevates simple potato soup with a rich beef broth and a kick of spice. Perfect for a chilly evening, this hearty and flavorful soup is sure to become a family favorite. Easy to follow instructions and customizable spice level make it perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks.

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30 Minutes Or Less Course Dietary Time To Make

Angel Hair Pasta With Garden Vegetables

This vibrant and flavorful Angel Hair Pasta with Garden Vegetables recipe is a delightful way to showcase the bounty of your garden or farmers market! A quick and easy pasta primavera, this recipe comes together in just 20 minutes—about the same time it takes to boil the pasta. Packed with fresh, seasonal vegetables and protein-packed pasta (we recommend a "plus" variety!), it's a light, tasty, and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Customize it to your liking—add your favorite veggies, herbs, and spices for a truly personalized culinary experience. Enjoy the taste of summer in every bite!

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