Red Chili Peppers

Capsicum annuum (common species) Vegetable, Spice (fruit)

Red Chili Peppers Vegetable, Spice (fruit)

At a Glance

  • Category Vegetable, Spice (fruit)

The Forktionary Angle

"The vibrant, fiery heart of countless cuisines, offering both heat and complex fruity notes."

Definition

The ripened fruit of the capsicum plant, characterized by its vibrant red color and varying levels of capsaicin, which gives them their signature spicy heat.

Capsaicin Location Primarily in pith/seeds
Heat Measurement Unit Scoville Heat Units (SHU)
Storage (fresh) 1-2 weeks (fridge)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Red Chili Peppers are:

Pungent spicy fruity sometimes smoky or sweet depending on variety

Chef’s Secret

For milder heat and more flavor, remove the seeds and white pith. Roast red chilies before adding to sauces for a deeper, sweeter, and smoky note.

Best Substitutes

Green chilies

different ripeness/flavor
Ratio 1:1

Chili flakes

variable ratio for heat

Bell peppers

no heat, similar texture
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for firm, glossy peppers without blemishes. Store in the crisper drawer. Wear gloves when handling very hot varieties.

Recipes Using Red Chili Peppers

Chinese Egg Free Equipment Meat

Another Kung Pao Chicken Gluten Free

Craving authentic Kung Pao Chicken but need a gluten-free option? This recipe, adapted from a beloved blog, delivers explosive flavor in just 50 minutes! Forget complicated recipes – this one comes together quickly, despite the impressive ingredient list. Get ready for a delicious, restaurant-quality Kung Pao Chicken that's surprisingly easy to make at home. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests!

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For 1 Or 2 Vegetarian Tempeh Occasion

Some Like It Hot

Ignite your taste buds with this fiery Indonesian-inspired tempeh stir-fry! Packed with vibrant vegetables, crunchy peanuts, and aromatic spices, this recipe is easily customizable to your spice preference. Skip the chili peppers and sambal for a milder version, but be warned – even without them, it's still a flavor explosion! Serve with fluffy rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Chick Peas Garbanzos Chick Peas Garbanzos Dietary Preparation

Bean And Vegetable Tortilla Stacks

Easy, low-calorie vegetarian recipe! These delicious Bean and Vegetable Tortilla Stacks are a flavor explosion. Quick to make and perfect for a weeknight meal or a fun gathering. My fiancee found the original recipe, but I've added my own delicious twist!

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Meat Easy Number Of Servings Asian

Beef Black Beans And Rice Noodles With Oyster Sauce

Inspired by renowned Australian chef Neil Perry's Wokpool Noodle Bar, this recipe delivers a vibrant and flavourful beef noodle stir-fry. Enjoy tender beef, savory black beans, and perfectly cooked rice noodles in a rich, salty-sweet oyster sauce. A touch of chili adds a delightful kick! Skip the mushrooms (unless you're a fan!), and discover the secret to unlocking the ultimate flavor: adding sesame oil at the very end. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight meal.

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Number Of Servings 60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Preparation

Aubergine Eggplant And Broccoli Laksa

Spice up your life with this vibrant Aubergine (Eggplant) & Broccoli Laksa! This flavorful soup is packed with healthy veggies, boasts a delicious coconut curry broth, and is surprisingly easy to make in just 35 minutes. Clear your sinuses and warm your belly with this aromatic and satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy weekend treat. #Laksa #Eggplant #Broccoli #CoconutCurry #HealthySoup #SpicyFood #EasyRecipe

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Dietary Low Carb Fall Spring

Ayam Bali Balinese Chicken

Discover the vibrant flavors of Bali with this authentic Ayam Bali recipe! A succulent and flavorful chicken dish simmered in a rich, creamy coconut sauce infused with aromatic spices and toasted cashews. This adopted recipe promises a taste of paradise – easy to follow and bursting with exotic tastes.

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4 Hours Or Less Cuisine Poultry 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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Occasion Occasion 60 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient

Awesome Vietnamese Chicken Salad

Craving a vibrant and flavorful Vietnamese chicken salad? This recipe transports you to the bustling streets of Vietnam with its fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and perfectly seasoned chicken. Learn how to make this authentic dish, perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner. Get ready for a taste explosion in just 35 minutes!

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High In Something Meat Preparation Low Sodium

Basil Chicken And Cashew Nuts

A vibrant and flavorful Basil Chicken & Cashew Stir-Fry, inspired by Elizabeth Chong's Easy Chinese Cookbook! This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with fresh basil, crunchy cashews, and tender chicken. We've boosted the veggie content and skipped the sugar for a healthier, lighter twist on a classic. Get ready for a delicious 20-minute meal!

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Number Of Servings Main Ingredient Gifts Vegetarian

Apricot And Date Chutney

Elevate your meals with this vibrant Apricot & Date Chutney! Simple to make and bursting with flavor, this gluten-free chutney is the perfect accompaniment to cold cuts, grilled meats (chicken, chops), curries, and more. A fantastic homemade gift, it's easily customizable – add a chopped fresh chili for an extra kick! Makes approximately 6 cups.

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One Dish Meal Equipment Low Calorie 4 Hours Or Less

Baked Beef And Veggies With Rice

Transform simple beef mince into a hearty and flavorful one-pan Baked Beef and Veggie Rice Casserole! This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, requiring minimal prep and delivering maximum taste. Juicy beef, tender vegetables, and fluffy rice combine in a savory sauce, all baked to perfection. A delicious and satisfying meal the whole family will love!

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4 Hours Or Less Preparation Time To Make Spaghetti

Arrabiatta Sauce

Ignite your taste buds with this authentic Arrabbiata sauce recipe! Whether you prefer a vegetarian version or a richer pancetta-infused delight, this recipe delivers a vibrant, spicy sauce perfect for your favorite pasta. Made with fresh tomatoes for the ultimate flavor (though canned works in a pinch!), you control the spice level with customizable amounts of chili flakes and herbs. Get ready for an unforgettable culinary adventure!

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Free Of Something Picnic No Cook Spicy

Another Crunchy Asian Salad

This vibrant Asian-inspired cabbage salad bursts with fresh herbs and crunchy textures! We keep the noodles separate to prevent sogginess in leftovers, allowing everyone to customize their bowl. Get ready for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful meal that's perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable to your dietary needs.

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Low Cholesterol 3 Steps Or Less Dinner Party Sweet Sauces

Asian Lime Sauce For Grilling And Dipping

Elevate your grilling game with this vibrant Asian Lime Sauce! Perfect for brushing onto ribs during grilling for an explosion of juicy, tangy flavor, or serve it on the side as a delicious dipping sauce. This quick and easy recipe, inspired by a magazine favorite, adds a zesty twist to any grilled meat.

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Pasta Rice And Grains Main Ingredient Pasta Chinese

Ants Climbing A Tree Ma Yi Shang Shu

Experience the fiery delight of Ants Climbing a Tree, a wildly popular Sichuan noodle dish! This easy-to-follow recipe delivers a mouthwatering explosion of flavor, with tender noodles coated in a rich, spicy sauce. The secret? Lee Kum Kee spicy bean sauce (ma po sauce) – a must-have ingredient! Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding or omitting chili peppers. Get ready for a culinary adventure that's both fun and incredibly satisfying. Serve with rice for a complete meal.

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Winter Vegan Equipment Gluten Free

Bengali Spiced Squash

Experience a burst of flavor with this aromatic Bengali Spiced Squash recipe! Inspired by a delicious magazine (November 2004), this roasted squash dish is incredibly flavorful and easy to make. Perfectly spiced and tender, it's a fantastic side dish or a light vegetarian meal. The original recipe was paired with roasted ginger chicken, but this squash steals the show! Imagine the warm spices, the perfectly roasted squash, and the satisfying crunch. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unforgettable taste of Bengal!

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Main Ingredient Number Of Servings Preparation Occasion

Aztec Chili Hot Chocolate

Warm up with this exotic and surprisingly romantic Aztec Chili Hot Chocolate! This recipe blends the rich, comforting flavors of traditional hot chocolate with a spicy kick of chili for an unforgettable experience. Perfect for chilly evenings or a cozy night in, this unique drink is easily customizable – use real chocolate, cocoa powder, or hot chocolate mix depending on your preference. Discover the delicious secret behind its rumored aphrodisiac qualities!

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Poultry Turkey Dietary Main Dish

Soy Simmered Turkey Legs

Experience melt-in-your-mouth turkey legs simmered to perfection in a rich soy sauce and sherry glaze! This slow cooker recipe is incredibly easy, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. The savory sauce, enhanced with sweet raisins and a hint of chili, is the perfect complement to tender turkey. We love adding steamed broccoli to the sauce for extra nutrition and serving it over fluffy rice or Asian noodles. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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