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

Vegetarian For 1 Or 2 Dietary Equipment

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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Low Cholesterol Main Ingredient Presentation Tomatoes

A Feel Good Meal

Banish guilt with this vibrant, low-fat, low-calorie pasta dish! Inspired by a world food adventure, this recipe uses fresh garden herbs and vegetables to create a comforting yet healthy meal. Whole wheat pasta provides extra fiber, while a touch of hot pepper adds a delicious kick. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner that's both flavorful and good for you!

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Vegetarian Healthy 2 Sauces Course

African Hot Sauce

Ignite your taste buds with this authentic African Hot Sauce recipe! Not for the faint of heart, this intensely flavorful condiment packs a serious punch. Perfect for adventurous eaters who love heat, it's incredibly versatile – use it sparingly as a condiment or stir a touch into almost any dish for an exciting kick. Feel free to adjust the pepper type and quantity to control the heat level. Prepare to be amazed!

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Dietary Dinner Party Equipment Taste Mood

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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Main Dish Lactose Cauliflower Healthy 2

Aloo Gobi Cauliflower And Potatoes

Experience the magic of Aloo Gobi, a classic Indian dish! This recipe delivers tender potatoes and cauliflower in a fragrant and flavorful curry sauce. Easy to follow instructions and readily available ingredients make this a perfect weeknight meal for the whole family. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds!

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Curries Easy Stir Fry Vegetarian

American Kitchen Classic Basic Thai Curry

Unlock the secrets of authentic Thai curry in just 35 minutes! This easy recipe guides you through creating a vibrant and flavorful curry, customizable to your taste. Choose your favorite protein (chicken, tofu, shrimp—the possibilities are endless!), and load it with your preferred vegetables. From the aromatic simmering sauce to the perfectly tender-crisp vegetables, this recipe is your passport to a delicious Thai culinary adventure. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests!

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Beginner Cook Main Dish Low Carb Dietary

Asian Chicken Burgers

Juicy Asian Chicken Burgers bursting with flavor! This recipe skips the bread crumbs and egg unless your chicken is extra dry. These flavorful patties are perfectly complemented by crisp beansprouts, a tangy soy sauce drizzle, and creamy sour cream. Serve on toasted buns for a quick and delicious weeknight meal or a fun weekend BBQ.

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Low In Something Low Protein Sauces Dietary

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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Time To Make Number Of Servings Preparation Dietary

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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Course White Rice Condiments Etc Inexpensive

Authentic Mexican Arroz Roja

Ignite your taste buds with our Authentic Mexican Arroz Roja! This vibrant red rice, bursting with the flavor of fiery red chile sauce, is the perfect side dish to elevate your tacos, enchiladas, and burritos. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, this recipe is a fiesta in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!

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High Protein Occasion Poultry To Go

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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Free Of Something South American Main Ingredient Fish

Bahian Spicy Shrimp

Savor the fiery flavors of Brazil with this authentic Bahian Spicy Shrimp recipe! A vibrant blend of aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and succulent shrimp simmered in creamy coconut milk. Customize the spice level to your liking – from a gentle warmth to a fiery kick. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Serve over fluffy rice for a truly unforgettable taste of Bahia!

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Number Of Servings Time To Make Taste Mood Equipment

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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