Black Peppercorn

Piper nigrum Spice

Black Peppercorn Spice

At a Glance

  • Category Spice

The Forktionary Angle

"All colors of peppercorns (black, green, white) come from the same plant, Piper nigrum; the difference lies in their maturity and processing methods."

Definition

Dried, unripe fruit of the pepper plant, widely used as a spice for its pungent aroma and bold, spicy flavor.

Flavor Compound Piperine
Global Production (2022 est.) ~700,000 tonnes
Shelf Life (Whole) 3-4 years (stored properly)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Black Peppercorn are:

Pungent sharp earthy woody mildly spicy with citrus notes

Chef’s Secret

Toast whole black peppercorns lightly in a dry pan before grinding to intensify their aromatic compounds and unlock deeper, nuttier flavors.

Best Substitutes

White peppercorn

milder, less complex
Ratio 1:1

green peppercorn

fresher, fruitier
Ratio 1:1

pink peppercorn

different flavor profile, not a true pepper
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Purchase whole peppercorns and grind them fresh for the best flavor and aroma. Look for dark, uniform berries.

Recipes Using Black Peppercorn

Low In Something Low In Something Low Carb Grilling

Argentine Grilled Chicken Skewers

These Argentine Grilled Chicken Skewers deliver a burst of vibrant South American flavor in just 45 minutes! Marinated in a zesty blend of herbs and spices, these juicy chicken skewers are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a backyard barbecue. Easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress, this recipe is a delicious adventure you won't want to miss.

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Preparation Course Soups Stews Meat

Beef And Barley Soup With Mushrooms For The Crock Pot

This comforting and flavorful Beef and Barley Soup, slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Imagine tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and chewy barley in a rich broth. Serve with crusty bread for dipping and a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal. For a cheesy, broiled twist, try our variation: top with Swiss cheese and baguette slices for a restaurant-quality upgrade!

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Meat Meat Carrots Main Ingredient

Barefoot Contessa's Homemade Chicken Stock

Ina Garten's classic chicken stock recipe from her beloved 'Barefoot Contessa Family Style' cookbook (2002). This recipe yields a deeply flavorful, rich stock perfect for soups, sauces, and more! Learn how to make restaurant-quality chicken stock from scratch with this easy-to-follow guide. #chickensoup #homemade #stock #inagarten #barefootcontessa #recipe

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Time To Make Meat Cuisine Main Dish

Be Celeng Base Manis Pork In Soy Sauce

Indulge in this authentic Balinese Be Celeng Base Manis recipe! Tender pork is braised to perfection in a rich, sweet, and savory sauce made with aromatic shallots, garlic, and flavorful ketjap manis (sweet soy sauce). This 80-minute masterpiece is a culinary journey to the heart of Bali. Easy to follow instructions for unforgettable results.

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Low Carb Course Dietary Casseroles

Beef And Leek Casserole

This hearty Beef and Leek Casserole is surprisingly delicious despite its simplicity and few ingredients! Tender beef, sweet leeks, and aromatic vegetables simmer in a rich red wine gravy, creating a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make masterpiece!

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Ground Beef Main Dish Pakistani Main Ingredient

Aloo Keema

Experience Aloo Keema like never before! This unique Pakistani recipe flips the traditional method, building a rich masala base *first* before adding the flavorful keema (minced meat). Inspired by a Pakistani cooking show, this aromatic curry boasts a depth of flavor that's simply unforgettable. Serve it hot with fluffy parathas or chapati and a refreshing mint raita for a truly authentic experience. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Main Dish To Go Main Ingredient Stove Top

Bifana Portuguese Pork Cutlets

Crave the taste of Lisbon? This Bifana recipe delivers authentic Portuguese pork cutlets, a beloved snack enjoyed throughout Portugal and its diaspora. Learn how to make these tender, flavorful pork cutlets marinated in a vibrant blend of wine, spices, and piri-piri for a fiery kick. Perfect for a quick meal or a flavorful appetizer, this recipe is easy to follow and produces restaurant-quality results.

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Equipment European Equipment Easy

Beef Tenderloin Au Poivre

Impress your guests with this incredibly easy and elegant Beef Tenderloin Au Poivre! Ready in under an hour, this 4-ingredient recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight treat. The rich peppercorn crust complements the tender beef beautifully. Get ready to wow!

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Holiday Event Main Dish 30 Minutes Or Less Meat

Alsatian Brined Turkey With Riesling Gravy

Impress your guests with this exquisite Alsatian Brined Turkey, a Food & Wine staff favorite from Grace Parisi! This special occasion recipe boasts a rich, complex flavor profile enhanced by a luxurious Riesling brine and a decadent Riesling gravy. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive gathering. Wine pairing suggestions included!

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Preparation Dietary Time To Make Cuisine

Baked Bean Style Bean Soup

This hearty Baked Bean Style Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food for a chilly winter day! The split peas magically melt into a luxuriously creamy texture, while the baked beans and ham create a rich, savory flavor. This slow-cooked masterpiece will warm your kitchen and your soul. Get ready for a bowl of pure deliciousness!

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Meat Southwestern United States Superbowl North American

Firewalker T Bone Steak

Ignite your taste buds with this unforgettable Firewalker T-Bone Steak recipe! Inspired by Marlboro's legendary outdoor cooking, this recipe delivers a flavor explosion that's perfect for a cozy winter night or a sizzling summer cookout. Unlike your typical salt-and-pepper steak, this recipe adds a bold twist (recipe details below) that's sure to impress. Perfect for a solo practice run before wowing your guests, this recipe is also ideal for camping adventures. Marinate overnight, then sear your T-bone to perfection over high heat – the result is a juicy, flavorful steak that defies expectations. Don't let the cold stop you – fire up the grill and experience the thrill of winter grilling! #TboneSteak #GrillRecipe #OutdoorCooking #WinterGrilling #SummerGrilling #MarlboroRecipe #SteakRecipe

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Stews Meat Curries Main Dish

Beef Curry With Spinach Palak Ghost

This incredible Beef Curry with Spinach, inspired by a Hamburg Indian chef, is a flavor explosion you won't believe! The unexpected combination of tender beef and vibrant spinach creates a depth of taste that's simply addictive. Perfect for Indian food lovers, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers restaurant-quality results. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unforgettable dish!

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Broil Thai Occasion Chicken

Barbecued Garlic Chicken

Experience the vibrant flavors of Thailand with this mouthwatering Barbecued Garlic Chicken recipe! Inspired by the classic Gai Yang, this versatile dish is perfect for a picnic, barbecue, or a crowd-pleasing dinner. Enjoy juicy, flavorful chicken with crispy skin, infused with aromatic garlic, zesty lime, and fragrant coriander. This recipe is easily adaptable for whole chickens or individual pieces.

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To Go Easy Main Ingredient Time To Make

African Style Braised Chicken In Peanut Sauce Crock Pot

Indulge in this incredibly flavorful African-inspired braised chicken, simmered to perfection in a creamy peanut sauce. This slow cooker recipe from Judith Finlayson's "Delicious and Dependable Slow Cooker Recipes" is a weeknight winner, boasting a delightful blend of warming spices, tender chicken, and a rich, nutty peanut sauce. Serve over fluffy white rice for a complete and satisfying meal. A touch of cayenne pepper adds a delicious kick! Even better the next day cold!

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Weeknight Preparation Main Dish Equipment

Beef Stew With Barley Crock Pot

This hearty, flavorful beef stew, slow-cooked to perfection in your crock-pot, is a comforting classic. A unique blend of spices and the satisfying chew of barley make this recipe a family favorite. No gravy needed! Get ready for tender beef and a rich, deeply satisfying broth.

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Main Ingredient Main Ingredient Meat Taste Mood

Beef Tenderloin With Southwestern Style Sauce

Elevate your dinner with this mouthwatering Southwestern Beef Tenderloin! Tender medallions of beef are perfectly seared and then smothered in a vibrant, zesty sauce bursting with black peppercorns and Creole mustard. The recipe pairs beautifully with our suggested sides of tarragon green beans and spicy jalapeño jack polenta for a complete and unforgettable Southwestern feast. Prepare to impress!

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Easy Beef Time To Make Course

Baharat Steak

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Middle East with this sizzling Baharat Steak recipe! Perfectly seasoned with a fragrant spice blend, the steak is cooked to juicy perfection and served with crispy toasted Lebanese bread, refreshing tabbouleh, and creamy tzatziki. A quick and easy weeknight meal that's bursting with authentic taste.

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Equipment Fruit Oven Time To Make

Apple Glazed Beef Brisket

Fall-off-the-bone tender beef brisket, slow-cooked to perfection and then glazed with a sweet and savory apple-mustard topping. This recipe delivers incredible flavor and is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weekend dinner. Impress your family and friends with this show-stopping dish!

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