What Are Red Pepper Flakes?
Red pepper flakes or crushed red pepper is a condiment and spice. It consists of dried and crushed chili peppers. Usually, cayenne-type peppers go into their making, although commercially manufactured pepper flakes may combine a variety of peppers from different cultivars.
They are made of a mixture of crushed peppers. The heat and taste of the flakes depend on the complexity and variations in the peppers used. Generally, the peppers combined are Jalapeno peppers, Cayenne peppers, Fresno peppers, Bell peppers, and Anaheim peppers. The combination of different flavors of the peppers gives rise to a complex flavor.
As the name implies, they are red in color but due to the mixture of their hues can be other shades of red or even white.
What Do They Taste Like?
Dried and crushed red chili flakes have a pungent and smoky flavor. Generic pepper flakes are slightly sharp and a little earthy with a handsome level of spiciness.
Depending on the types and quantity of peppers in the mixture, the spiciness of the pepper flakes can vary from mild to extremely hot. Flakes made with whole chilies including seeds have maximum heat. While using pepper flakes, keep the maxim in mind that “a little goes a long way”.
When you are buying pepper flakes closely observe the label that describes the constituent ingredients and their heat level indicator.
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What Are Red Pepper Flakes Used for?
Typically pepper flakes are used for a robust heat in savory cooking like Indian curries, and Italian and Mexican dishes. Also a hot flavorful addition to marinades, dressings, and stir-fries or sprinkled over pizzas and pasta. Surprisingly, you’ll find it occasionally used in desserts and hot chocolates as well. They are often used in hot soups, sauces, and stews.
Red Pepper Flakes Vs. Chili Flakes
Chili flakes are made of only a single variety of pepper whereas red pepper flakes are made of a mixture of different peppers. Usually, red pepper flakes are hotter than regular chili flakes.
The similarities between these flakes are:
- Both are spicy.
- They are made from crushed peppers.
- They have similar uses in cooking.
The major differences between these flakes are:
Chili flakes have uniform color but the red pepper flakes are multicolored with different shades of red and white.
The taste and spiciness of chili flakes depend on the particular pepper that goes into its making. Being a mixture of different peppers, the red flakes have a complex flavor and are very spicy.
Overall, both these flakes can be used to spice up your dishes instantly. Regular chili flakes are only moderately hot and are great for every spicy food eater. Red pepper flakes with their complex flavors and strong kick of spiciness are more suitable for serious chili heads.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is crushed red pepper the same as red pepper flakes?
Yes, they are one and the same. It’s two different names of the same spice; flakes are made by crushing the red peppers.
Is crushed red pepper the same as chili flakes?
No, they are different. Crushed pepper is another name for red pepper flakes which are made of a mixture of different chili peppers as opposed to chili flakes made of one type of pepper.
Can I substitute chili flakes with red pepper flakes?
Yes, they can be substituted for each other and can be used in similar ways. It’s important to remember that red pepper flakes have a complex mixture of flavors and are hotter. While substituting, use red pepper flakes in just half the amount of chili flakes required for your recipe.
Are Korean chili flakes the same as the red pepper flakes?
Korean chili flakes, commonly known as “gochugaru” in Korean, are finely ground red pepper without seed and have a moist texture. Usually, hot peppers are used for making Gochugaru and it has a sweet flavor. On the other hand, red pepper flakes are hot but made of a mixture of peppers with seeds; it has a dry texture and complex flavor.
Are Sichuan chili flakes the same as red pepper flakes?
Sichuan pepper flakes are comparatively mild but more aromatic than red pepper flakes. Sichuan pepper flakes are made by dry frying larger reddish dried chilies that are crushed in smaller flakes or powder.
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