Vegetable | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Calorie

Red Pepper

Capsicum annuum Allergen-Free
Red Pepper

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Solanaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Universal
  • Seasonality Summer-Fall (peak), Year-Round (greenhouse)
  • Source Plant (Capsicum annuum fruit)

The Forktionary Angle

"A cornerstone vegetable adding color, crunch, and sweet depth without heat to a vast array of cuisines."

Definition

A ripened sweet bell pepper, known for its vibrant red color, sweet flavor, and crisp texture, used raw or cooked.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet, Fruity, Mild
TextureCrisp, Juicy, Firm, Tender
AromaFresh, Vegetal, Sweet
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Ripening_Process

Green -> Yellow -> Orange -> Red

Storage_Life

Refrigerate up to 1 week

Vitamin_C_Powerhouse

More than an orange

Nutrition Facts

Per 92g
Calories31 kcal
Total Fat0.3g
Saturated Fat0.1g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Protein1g
Total Carbohydrate6g
Dietary Fiber2.1g
Total Sugars4.2g
Calcium10mg
Iron0.3mg
Potassium211mg

Chef’s Secret

For a richer, sweeter flavor and easy peeling, roast red peppers whole until skin is charred, then steam in a sealed bag before peeling and seeding.

Substitutions

Best Match

Green Bell Pepper

1:1

Common substitute, less sweet, slightly more bitter, good for savory dishes.

Yellow Bell Pepper

1:1

Very similar sweetness and texture, offers a different color.

Orange Bell Pepper

1:1

Similar to yellow, sweet, and mild, good for fresh applications and stir-fries.

Poblano Pepper

1:1

Adds a mild heat and earthy flavor, good for cooked dishes where a subtle kick is welcome.

Buying Guide

Look for firm, glossy peppers with no soft spots or wrinkles. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Flavor Pairings

Onions garlic tomatoes olive oil corn chicken beef rice pasta feta cheese.

Recipes Using Red Pepper

3 Steps Or Less 3 Steps Or Less Course Main Ingredient

21St Century Macaroni And Cheese

Elevate your macaroni and cheese game with this gourmet recipe from the Splendid Table! This creamy, cheesy masterpiece serves four (easily doubles for a crowd) and features a crunchy cracker topping. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for unbelievably delicious mac and cheese!

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Easy Occasion Vegetables Weeknight

A Cheaper Cioppino

Craving a flavorful cioppino but watching your wallet? Food columnist Renee Enna's recipe delivers a toothsome fish stew without breaking the bank! This budget-friendly version uses affordable firm white fish (like cod or tilapia), shredded crab for richness, and hearty mushrooms for texture, replacing pricey shellfish. Enjoy the depth of flavor from low-sodium tomatoes and aromatic herbs, all simmered to perfection. Serve with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of this incredible, low-sodium (optional) seafood stew. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion!

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Meat Time To Make Course Dietary

African Chicken In Spicy Red Sauce

Indulge in this fiery Ethiopian-inspired chicken stew! Inspired by a Cooking Light recipe (October 2006), this recipe delivers bold, vibrant flavors thanks to the aromatic berbere spice blend. Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for convenience, this recipe is easily adaptable to your preference. The creamy, spicy sauce is perfectly balanced and pairs wonderfully with basmati rice. A swirl of plain yogurt adds a beautiful presentation and a cool, creamy contrast to the rich sauce. Prepare to be amazed by the depth of flavor in this unforgettable dish!

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Preparation Low Calorie Preparation Low Protein

Aji Ecuadorean Hot Sauce

Experience the vibrant flavors of Ecuador with this authentic Aji hot sauce recipe! While countless variations exist, one thing's for sure: aji is a staple on every Ecuadorian table. This recipe captures the fiery essence of South American aji peppers (easily substituted with cayenne or similar small red peppers) in a simple, yet incredibly flavorful condiment. Perfect for adding a kick to your favorite dishes!

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Dietary Low Fat Low Cholesterol Poultry

Algerian Chicken Stew

Experience the vibrant flavors of Algeria with this hearty chicken stew, adapted from "Extending the Table." Tender chicken simmers in a rich broth with aromatic spices, tender vegetables, and garbanzo beans. Perfect served over fluffy couscous for a complete and satisfying meal. Easily substitute goat or lamb for the chicken for a delicious twist!

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Main Ingredient Poultry Meat Chicken

Amazing Crock Pot White Chili W Chicken

Craving a creamy, flavorful white chicken chili? This recipe is unbelievably easy and delivers big on taste! Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck, this recipe is ready in just hours using your slow cooker OR on the stovetop for even quicker results. Served with warm cornbread for the ultimate comfort food experience!

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Time To Make Occasion Preparation Time To Make

Angel Hair Pasta With Shrimp And Snow Peas

Indulge in this elegant and surprisingly quick Angel Hair Pasta dish! Creamy pesto sauce, succulent shrimp, and crisp snow peas create a symphony of flavors in just 20 minutes. This recipe utilizes a handy freezer pesto shortcut for ultimate convenience. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a sophisticated gathering.

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Independence Day North American Preparation Presentation

Apricot Ginger Pork Tenderloin

Elevate your grilling game with this irresistible Apricot Ginger Pork Tenderloin! Juicy pork tenderloin is infused with the sweet and spicy flavors of apricot and ginger, then perfectly grilled to tender perfection. A vibrant apricot glaze adds a final touch of sweetness and tang. This recipe is quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress!

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Low Carb Casseroles Low In Something Vegetarian

Arabian Butternut Squash Casserole

Experience a delightful twist on butternut squash with this unique Arabian-inspired casserole! Roasted butternut squash is combined with aromatic spices and herbs for a flavor explosion. Perfect for meal prepping – make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy delicious lunches all week long. This recipe, adapted from the classic Moosewood Cookbook, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a comforting and satisfying vegetarian main course.

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One Dish Meal Southern United States Beans Stove Top

Baked Beans Supreme Aka Gene Brown Beans

This legendary baked bean recipe comes straight from a BBQ champion—Gene Brown! Passed down through generations, these beans are so good, they'll become a family favorite. Imagine tender beans simmered in a rich, smoky sauce, bursting with flavor. Serve over fluffy rice for a hearty and unforgettable meal. Get ready to experience BBQ bliss!

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High In Something High In Something Pasta Rice And Grains Eggs Dairy

Baked Orzo With Peppers And Cheese

Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor! This baked orzo casserole is a delightful twist on classic mac and cheese. Sweet peppers and spicy chilies add a vibrant kick, while a bubbly parmesan and sour cream topping creates irresistible golden perfection. A surprisingly easy and elegant side dish (or light main course!) ready in under 45 minutes.

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Preparation Fruit Low Protein Main Ingredient

Baked Ripe Plantains

Experience the irresistible sweetness and savory spice of West African baked ripe plantains! This easy recipe transforms ripe plantains into a crispy, caramelized treat perfect as a side dish or snack. The perfect blend of sweet and spicy will tantalize your taste buds.

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Dietary Saltwater Fish Salmon Seafood

Baked Salmon With Mango Salsa

This vibrant Baked Salmon with Mango Salsa recipe, inspired by Rachel Burstyn's "The 411 on an Easy Fast" in World Jewish Digest, is a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal. Even with store-bought mango salsa, this recipe shines! Flaky salmon fillets are baked to perfection and topped with sesame seeds, then paired with a refreshing homemade mango salsa – a perfect combination of sweet and savory. Ready in under 30 minutes!

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Meat Time To Make Sandwiches Preparation

Balsamic Chicken Sandwich Or Panini

Relive the taste of that amazing Balsamic Chicken Sandwich/Panini! This recipe, salvaged from a beloved cooking magazine, is a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy tender chicken marinated in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, nestled between crispy ciabatta bread (or your favorite crusty bread). Grill it panini-style for a warm, gooey, and utterly satisfying meal, or enjoy it as a quick and delicious sandwich. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner!

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Vegetables Chicken Breasts Main Dish Dietary

Basil Grilled Chicken Sandwiches With Red Pepper Relish

Basil lovers, rejoice! This vibrant and flavorful grilled chicken sandwich is packed with protein, lower in calories, and surprisingly quick to make. The zesty red pepper relish adds a sweet and tangy kick that perfectly complements the juicy grilled chicken. Equally delicious served hot or cold, this recipe is perfect for a healthy and satisfying lunch or dinner. Get ready to experience a taste of summer in every bite!

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Cuisine Side Dishes Low Sodium Main Ingredient

Best Ever Potatoes

Creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible! These Best Ever Cheesy Potatoes are a crowd-pleaser guaranteed to be a hit at your next potluck, BBQ, or family dinner. Two kinds of melty cheese and tangy sour cream create a dreamy potato casserole that's easy to make and even easier to devour. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Lunch Meat Time To Make Cuisine

Greek Feta Burger

Experience the taste of Greece with this mouthwatering Greek Feta Burger recipe! Juicy beef patties infused with salty feta cheese and fresh zucchini are grilled to perfection and topped with a cool, refreshing cucumber-yogurt sauce. This easy-to-follow recipe from Epicurious is perfect for a summer BBQ or a satisfying weeknight dinner. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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