Red Chilis

Capsicum annuum or Capsicum frutescens (common species) Vegetable/Spice

Red Chilis Vegetable/Spice

At a Glance

  • Category Vegetable/Spice

The Forktionary Angle

"The fiery, flavor-packed fruit that brings heat and depth to every dish."

Definition

The ripe, typically red, fruit of the chili pepper plant, prized for its varying levels of heat and vibrant flavor, used fresh, dried, or powdered.

Heat Measurement Unit Scoville Heat Units (SHU)
Preservation Method Drying, pickling, freezing
Primary Heat Compound Capsaicin (concentrated in placenta)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Red Chilis are:

Spicy Pungent Fruity Earthy Sweet (depending on type)

Chef’s Secret

To reduce heat while retaining flavor, remove the seeds and the white pith (placenta) inside the chili before cooking.

Best Substitutes

Chili Flakes

for heat
Ratio 1:1

Cayenne Pepper

1/, more concentrated
Ratio 2:1

Paprika

for color, less heat
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for firm, glossy chilis free of blemishes. For dried, ensure they are pliable and deeply colored.

Recipes Using Red Chilis

Dinner Party Oamc Freezer Make Ahead Course Time To Make

A French Country Affair Elegant Omelette Gateau W Chive Flowers

Wow your guests with this stunning vegetarian omelette gateau! Perfect as a show-stopping centerpiece for weddings, birthdays, or any special celebration, this recipe features delicate open-faced omelettes layered with fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs (including beautiful chive blossoms!), and creamy herb garlic cheese. Prepare it a day ahead for stress-free entertaining. Easily customizable – add ham or bacon for a non-vegetarian twist. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Main Ingredient Meat Pork Course

Authentic Trinidad Pepperpot

Experience the rich flavors of the Caribbean with this Authentic Trinidad Pepperpot! This slow-cooked pork hotpot is a classic example of Afro-Caribbean one-pot cooking, perfect for a cozy night in. Don't be intimidated by the ingredient list – it's surprisingly simple to prepare. This heartwarming dish boasts a deliciously warming blend of spices, surprisingly less spicy than you might think. Cook it in the morning and let it simmer all day for a depth of flavor that will transport you to the islands. A true testament to 'bung it all in and see what happens' cooking, resulting in a magical culinary experience.

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Time To Make Side Dishes Spicy Main Dish

Aloo Gobi Potato And Cauliflower Curry

This Aloo Gobi recipe is a guaranteed family favorite! My youngest son requests this delicious potato and cauliflower curry again and again. Tender potatoes and perfectly crisp-tender cauliflower florets simmer in a fragrant blend of warming spices. Enjoy it hot as a side dish to your favorite curry, or cold the next day – it's equally delightful! Easy to make and incredibly flavorful, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Poultry Cuisine Lunch Poultry

Asian Flavoured Chicken Burgers Oamc

Quick & Easy Asian-Flavored Chicken Burgers! These light and flavorful patties are perfect for busy weeknights or hungry teen snacks. Freeze them for later and enjoy a healthy, delicious meal in minutes! Serve on fresh buns with shredded carrots, lettuce, cucumber, your favorite Asian sauce (satay, sweet chili, or wasabi mayo!), and sprouts for a flavor explosion.

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Healthy Inexpensive Low Protein Healthy

Asparagus Fried Rice

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this vibrant Asparagus Fried Rice! Fresh asparagus adds a delightful nuttiness and satisfying crunch that canned asparagus simply can't match. This recipe is quick, easy, and incredibly versatile – perfect as a light meal or a delicious side dish. Learn how to achieve perfectly loose-grained rice (the key to amazing fried rice!) and discover endless variations to customize this recipe to your liking. Add protein like bacon or ham, experiment with different peppers and chillies for spice, or swap the asparagus for mushrooms or even tuna! Get ready for a flavor explosion in just 20 minutes!

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Dinner Party Course Cuisine Condiments Etc

Jeera On Cubes Barbecue Marinade

Ignite your taste buds with this bold Jeera (cumin) Barbecue Marinade! The distinct flavor of roasted cumin takes center stage, creating a marinade that's perfect for grilling juicy meat cubes to perfection. This recipe is easy to follow and delivers incredible results – the longer you marinate, the more intense the flavor! Perfect for chicken, beef, or lamb.

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For 1 Or 2 Time To Make Preparation Cuisine

Aromatic Sticky Rice

Recreate the magic of London's best Thai restaurants with this simple yet flavorful sticky rice recipe! Inspired by a Leith's cooking class, this recipe guarantees perfectly cooked, aromatic rice every time. Get ready to impress your guests with restaurant-quality sticky rice in just 20 minutes.

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Low In Something Asian Low Protein Main Dish

Asian Eggplant And Noodle Stir Fry

A vibrant and flavorful Asian Eggplant & Noodle Stir-Fry, ready in just 30 minutes! This quick and easy meat-free recipe is perfect for a satisfying mid-week meal. Customize it with optional chicken or mushrooms for extra protein. Get ready for a delicious explosion of tastes and textures, inspired by Delicious Magazine!

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Course Dietary High In Something Condiments Etc

Cape Curry Powder

Unlock the vibrant flavors of South Africa with this authentic Cape Curry Powder! A tantalizing blend of Malay and Indian spices, this medium-hot powder is perfect for curries, stews, and marinades. Inspired by the diverse culinary heritage of the region, this recipe creates a fragrant and flavorful spice mix that will transport your taste buds to the heart of Africa. Easy to make at home, this recipe lets you control the heat and freshness of your spices for an unforgettable culinary experience. Try it today!

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Low In Something Water Bath Preparation African

Apricot And Raisin Blatjang

Experience a taste explosion with this incredible Apricot & Raisin Blatjang! This vibrant fruit relish is a delightful blend of sweet apricots, plump raisins, fiery chili, and tangy vinegar. The perfect accompaniment to kebabs, curries, and anything needing a flavor kick! Our large-batch recipe is ideal for canning, ensuring you always have a jar of this deliciousness on hand. Prepare to be amazed!

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Main Ingredient Presentation Asian Indian

Achingya Thoren Kerala Style Green Bean Curry

Experience the vibrant flavors of Kerala with this authentic Achingya Thoren! This dry curry features tender green beans, fragrant coconut, and a delightful blend of spices. A perfect side dish for rice or roti, this recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with the aromatic essence of South India. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this simple yet incredibly flavorful Kerala specialty!

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Beef Eggs Dairy 30 Minutes Or Less Beef

Beehoon Omelette

This Bee Hoon Omelette recipe is a quick and easy Asian-inspired dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Fluffy eggs envelop soft rice vermicelli noodles, savory minced beef, and vibrant vegetables for a truly satisfying meal. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious and flavorful omelette!

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Vegetables Asian 30 Minutes Or Less Spicy

Shrimp Prawn San Choy Bau

Experience a taste of authentic Asian cuisine with this vibrant Shrimp Prawn San Choy Bau recipe! Succulent shrimp and prawns are stir-fried with aromatic ginger, garlic, and chili, then nestled into crisp lettuce cups for a refreshing and flavourful appetizer or light meal. Perfect for a birthday dinner, a Chinese feast, or any special occasion, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and sure to impress your guests. Serves 4-6 as an appetizer or 2-3 as a main course.

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Dietary Main Dish Vegetarian 4 Hours Or Less

Arroz Con Queso Cheesy Rice

This Arroz Con Queso recipe elevates classic cheesy rice to a whole new level! A delightful blend of savory spices, creamy cheeses, and hearty beans baked to perfection. Using pre-cooked brown rice (Trader Joe's frozen is a great shortcut!) makes this recipe incredibly quick and easy. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing casserole.

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Dietary Low Carb Mushrooms Dietary

Ajillo Mushrooms

Experience the irresistible flavors of Spain with this authentic Champiñones al Ajillo recipe! Succulent mushrooms sautéed to perfection in fragrant garlic, rich olive oil, and a splash of dry Spanish sherry. This easy tapas recipe is bursting with umami and is best enjoyed with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of delicious, garlicky oil. A simple yet impressive dish perfect for a weeknight meal or your next tapas party!

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Main Ingredient Kid Friendly Main Dish Course

Beef Pho

Experience the rich, savory depths of authentic Vietnamese Beef Pho! This classic recipe, perfect for beef lovers, delivers a heartwarming and flavorful soup that's worth the time. While the elaborate, slow-simmered broth takes dedication (and is best made a day ahead), the result is a deeply rewarding culinary journey. Fresh herbs and perfectly seared beef elevate this dish to an unforgettable experience. Prepare to be amazed!

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Preparation Middle Eastern Time To Make Course

Barbecued Middle Eastern Lamb

Experience a taste of the Middle East with this succulent barbecued lamb recipe! Tender lamb, marinated in a vibrant blend of aromatic spices and herbs, is slow-cooked to perfection on the grill, resulting in juicy, flavorful meat that's perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight feast. This recipe offers a delicious fusion of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

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Equipment Stove Top Preparation 30 Minutes Or Less

Beef With Oyster Sauce

This incredibly flavorful Beef with Oyster Sauce recipe is ready in just 30 minutes! Par-freezing the beef (a pro tip!) ensures perfectly thin slices for maximum surface area and delicious browning. The rich oyster sauce, combined with aromatic garlic, ginger, and chili, coats tender beef, creating a restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly simple to make. Serve over fluffy rice for a complete and satisfying dinner.

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