Is crushed red pepper and red pepper flakes the same?
Are Crushed Red Pepper and Red Pepper Flakes The Same Thing? You say “crushed red pepper.” I say “red pepper flakes.” They're one in the same. The major manufacturers all label their versions as “crushed red pepper,” but other than linguistics, there's no difference.
What can I use instead of crushed red pepper flakes?
Crushed Red Pepper Flake SubstitutesBest Substitute: Dried Peppers.Good Substitute: Ground Cayenne Pepper.Still Good: Chili Powder.In a Pinch.
Is cayenne pepper the same as crushed red pepper flakes?
You know these guys. We're talking peppers like jalapeño, bell, Fresno, and Anaheim peppers. But the most commonly used pepper for crushed red pepper flakes is the cayenne pepper. The majority of red pepper flakes will be a mix of peppers, with cayenne taking up the majority of the share.
Can I substitute crushed red pepper for chili flakes?
Those flakes are a mix of various chilies. Yes, cayenne is likely in there, but it's not the only pepper. So the heat of crushed red pepper won't be near the 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville heat units you get with cayenne powder. It's especially important here not to use a 1:1 ratio during the substitution.
Can I substitute paprika for red pepper flakes?
Got a bottle of paprika on hand? Use it as a substitute for your red pepper flakes! Paprika and red pepper flakes might be different in texture, but the spice is actually one of the best alternatives because of its unique flavor and bright color.
Which is hotter red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper?
Typically cayenne pepper is hotter if you're comparing it to generic supermarket crushed red pepper.
How much crushed red pepper equals one dried red pepper?
Use about a ½ tsp. to equal the power of one small dried chile.
What Are Red Pepper Flakes?
Red pepper flakes are basically just crushed up chilies. Probably the most common place you’ll see them used is at your local pizza joint or Italian restaurant.
What Kind Of Peppers Are Used For Red Pepper Flakes?
Traditionally, chili flakes are made using cayenne peppers. Not only are they the best type to use for making crushed red pepper, they are one of the easiest, and most prolific varieties to grow in your garden.
How To Make Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
The process of making red chili flakes is super easy. You can either dry cayenne peppers from your garden or the grocery store yourself, or purchase them beforehand.
How To Grind Red Pepper Flakes
Below are the steps to follow for grinding red pepper flakes. I highly recommend using some kind of a food processor or chopper for this task, rather than a coffee grinder. Otherwise you’ll end up with chili powder instead of flakes.
How To Store Crushed Red Pepper
You can use your homemade red pepper flakes right away, or store it for later. I store mine right in my large pepper shaker, just like they do at the restaurant.
FAQs
Below I’ll answer a few of the most frequently asked questions about crushed red pepper flakes. If you can’t find an answer here, ask your question in the comments section below.
Background
Crushed red pepper, known for its spicy heat, comes a range of capsicum peppers. Red pepper chilis originally start off green before ripening into an orange-red to deep dark red color, are best grown in the summer months, between 70 to 84 degrees and sunny weather.
History
Red chili peppers, which are a part of the Solanaceae (nightshade) family, were first spotted in Central and South America and have been around since about 7,500 BC. Spanish explorers were introduced to the pepper while on a search for black pepper.
Health benefits
The source of bright red color that the peppers holds comes from carotenoids. Crushed red pepper also has antioxidants that is thought to help fight off heart disease and cancer. In addition, crushed red pepper include vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin B6, fiber and capsaicin, the source of the heat in pepper chilis.
Best Substitute: Dried Peppers
Crushed red pepper flakes are nothing more than dried peppers (usually chili or cayenne) that have been ground up just enough to leave you with a mix of flakes, seeds, and ground pepper. So, if you happen to have some dried peppers in your pantry, it’s really easy to make your own pepper flakes.
Good Substitute: Ground Cayenne Pepper
Since ground cayenne pepper is made from the same pepper as crushed red pepper flakes, it also makes a good substitute. Use 1/2 to 3/4 as much ground cayenne to achieve the same level of heat. We recommend starting with a smaller amount and adjusting up for taste. It's easier to add heat than it is to take it away.
Still Good: Chili Powder
If you don’t have dried peppers or ground cayenne pepper in your pantry, use chili powder. It isn’t nearly as hot, but if you double the quantity called for, it’ll get the job done.
In a Pinch
If you don't have any of these other things on hand, just grab a bottle of hot sauce from your pantry, and add a few splashes to your recipe. Since the heat level of hot sauce can vary widely, it's best to start with a small amount; give the dish a quick taste, and then add more as needed.
The same or subtle differences?
There are few food terms that cause more confusion than red pepper flakes and crushed red pepper. Are they the same thing? Are they similar, but with subtle differences? Do they use different chilies in the mix? All of these questions and more will be answered – in what may be the shortest ever – PepperScale Showdown.
Are red pepper flakes and crushed red pepper the same thing?
Yes. These are two terms for the same exact spice that’s created from crushing different varieties of red chili peppers, but most often with a base of cayenne pepper. They are both also known as “pizza pepper” due, of course, to its prominence next to salt and pepper at pizza restaurants.
Do crushed red pepper and red pepper flakes use the same chilies?
They do, but in the sense that every manufacturer (or homemade recipe) may use different varieties of red chilies or in different proportions. So a jar of red pepper flakes from company A may be slightly hotter than the jar labeled “crushed red pepper” from Company B.