Cayenne Pepper

Capsicum annuum Spice, Chili

Cayenne Pepper Spice, Chili

At a Glance

  • Category Spice, Chili

The Forktionary Angle

"Controlling the heat level and enhancing other flavors with cayenne."

Definition

A hot chili pepper, typically dried and ground into a reddish powder, used as a pungent spice to add heat to dishes.

Main Heat Compound Capsaicin
Scoville Heat Units (SHU) 30,000 - 50,000
Usage as Digestive Aid Traditional remedy

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Cayenne Pepper are:

Pungent fiery smoky (sometimes) earthy no distinct fruitiness

Chef’s Secret

To add controlled, deep heat without clumping, temper cayenne pepper briefly in a small amount of warm oil before adding it to your main dish.

Best Substitutes

Paprika

smoked or hot, , less heat
Ratio 1:1

Red Pepper Flakes

visible flakes
Ratio 1:1

Chili Powder

often blended
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose a vibrant red powder. Store in an airtight container away from light to preserve potency.

Recipes Using Cayenne Pepper

Chicken Pasta Rice And Grains Low Saturated Fat Stove Top

Asian Chicken Linguine

A quick and easy weeknight dinner bursting with vibrant Asian-inspired flavors! This recipe isn't authentically Asian, but it delivers a delicious fusion of sweet, savory, and spicy notes that will tantalize your taste buds. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked linguine, and a mouthwatering sauce make this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Holiday Event Seasonal Soups Stews Easy

Beef Fajita Soup

Warm up with this sizzling Beef Fajita Soup! A hearty and flavorful recipe that's perfect for a chilly evening or a family gathering. This recipe features tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and zesty spices, all simmered to perfection in a rich broth. Get ready for a taste explosion that will leave everyone wanting more!

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One Dish Meal Preparation Main Ingredient Time To Make

Barbecued Chicken Pot Pie From Cooking Light

Spice up your dinner routine with this unique Barbecued Chicken Pot Pie! Tender shredded chicken, sweet and spicy BBQ sauce with a hint of dark chocolate, all nestled under a golden-brown cornbread lattice crust. This recipe is surprisingly easy and delivers incredible flavor – a true crowd-pleaser!

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Soups Stews North American Chicken Time To Make

Awesome Beef Or Chicken Taco Soup

Warm up with this hearty and crowd-pleasing Taco Soup! Perfect for chilly evenings or feeding a large group, this recipe boasts a rich, flavorful broth packed with beef or chicken, beans, and all your favorite taco toppings. Easy to customize and guaranteed to be a family favorite!

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Course Occasion 3 Steps Or Less Superbowl

Barefoot Contessa Chicken Chili Ina Garten

This incredible chicken chili recipe is inspired by Ina Garten's legendary cooking! Light yet satisfying, it's the perfect weeknight meal that won't leave you feeling sluggish. Enjoy tender chicken simmered in a vibrant, flavorful chili that's easy to make and even easier to love. Get ready for a taste of perfection!

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Chili Time To Make Preparation Main Dish

30 Minute Turkey Chili

Spice up your weeknight with this flavorful and FAST turkey chili recipe! Inspired by Food Network, this recipe delivers rich, hearty chili in under 40 minutes (prep time included!). Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is easily customizable to your spice preference. Get ready for a bowl of deliciousness!

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Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less Beginner Cook Time To Make

Beer Battered Bass

Unlock the secret to healthier, crispier fish and chips! New Zealand research reveals that beer batter creates a protective shell, reducing oil absorption compared to other frying methods. This recipe uses a simple, flavorful beer batter to create perfectly golden, flaky Bass. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly healthy!

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Eggs Dairy Main Ingredient Cheese Number Of Servings

Asiago Parmesan Tilapia In 20 Minutes Or Less

Craving a delicious and healthy dinner that's ready in a flash? This Asiago Parmesan Tilapia recipe is your answer! Flaky tilapia fillets are baked to perfection with a creamy Parmesan and Asiago cheese topping, then served alongside a zesty Mexican corn and black bean side dish. Get ready for a flavor explosion in under 20 minutes!

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Preparation Low Carb Low In Something 60 Minutes Or Less

African Style Shish Kebab

Experience a vibrant taste of Africa with this exciting shish kebab recipe! Marinated in a zesty blend of yogurt, lemon, and herbs, succulent lamb, beef, or chicken is grilled to perfection alongside colorful vegetables. Serve with fluffy rice for a complete and satisfying meal. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend barbecue.

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Very Low Carbs Equipment Oven Pork

Barbados Pork Roast

Experience the vibrant flavors of Barbados with this mouthwatering pork roast recipe! Tender, juicy pork infused with warming Caribbean spices. Perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers incredible results. Get ready for a taste of paradise!

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Main Ingredient Seafood Dinner Party Equipment

Baked Popcorn Shrimp

Say goodbye to greasy smells and hello to crispy, succulent baked popcorn shrimp! This recipe delivers all the flavor of deep-fried shrimp without the guilt or lingering odor. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun appetizer, these shrimp are baked to golden perfection and seasoned to tantalize your taste buds. Impress your friends (and maybe even your girlfriend!) with this healthier, easier alternative to traditional popcorn shrimp.

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4 Hours Or Less Course Oven Equipment

Bacon And Swiss Au Gratin Potatoes

Elevate your classic au gratin potatoes with this decadent twist! Crispy bacon and nutty Swiss cheese create a flavor explosion in this creamy, comforting dish. Perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight treat. Leaving the potato skins on is optional for added texture. This recipe is easier than it looks!

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Main Dish Cheese 60 Minutes Or Less Side Dishes

Best Baked Macaroni And Cheese Ever

Get ready to experience macaroni and cheese like never before! This recipe, perfected after countless experiments, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Creamy, cheesy, and with a perfectly golden crust, it's the ultimate comfort food. Each bite is a burst of cheesy goodness – prepare for rave reviews! (Serves 4)

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North American Preparation Cuisine Meat

30 Minute Chili

This incredibly flavorful chili recipe, found in a supermarket ad, proves that fast doesn't have to mean flavorless! Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe delivers rich, satisfying chili perfect for a weeknight dinner. Impress your family and friends with this surprisingly quick and delicious meal.

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Main Dish Number Of Servings Course Meat

Beef And Bean Braid

This savory Beef and Bean Braid is a family-friendly favorite, bursting with flavor! A rich, tender beef and bean filling is nestled within a soft, golden braid. This recipe, adapted from Taste of Home, is surprisingly easy to make and perfect for a weekend brunch, weeknight dinner, or potluck. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Meat Lunch Dietary Main Ingredient

Amy's Spicy Hamburgers

Spice up your weeknight dinner with Amy's Spicy Hamburgers! This family-friendly recipe delivers a delicious kick without sacrificing flavor. Even picky eaters will love these juicy patties, thanks to a secret ingredient (oatmeal!) that adds moisture and texture. Made with simple ingredients and customizable to your liking, these burgers are perfect for grilling or stovetop cooking. Top with your favorite cheese and sauce for a truly satisfying meal. Get ready for burger bliss!

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Catfish Equipment Oven Dietary

Baked Fish In Soy Ginger Sauce

This quick and easy recipe delivers a burst of flavor in just 25 minutes! Enjoy tender, flaky fish bathed in a vibrant soy-ginger sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight meal, this low-calorie dish is customizable to your taste with adjustable salt levels. Impress your family with restaurant-quality results without the fuss!

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Cuisine Italian Romantic Low In Something

Baked Feta

This unbelievably easy Baked Feta recipe is a flavor explosion! Creamy feta cheese bakes to perfection in a bath of vibrant tomato sauce, spiced with a hint of cayenne. Serve with crusty bread for dipping and prepare to fight over the last bite! This recipe is adaptable – use your favorite tangy cheese (goat cheese is amazing!), and it’s even microwaveable for those busy weeknights. Get ready for a seriously addictive appetizer or side dish!

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