Chili Flake
Also called red pepper flakes, crushed red pepper
Chili flakes add sharp heat while keeping the dish's core flavors intact.
Flavor profile
Aroma: hot, peppery
Good to know
Origin: Americas
Forms: crushed
Storage: Store in a cool, dark place in an airtight container.
How to use chili flake
Managing Spice
Adding later lets you control the capsaicin heat and avoids flavor loss.
Layering Heat
Fat helps spread capsaicin evenly, preventing hot spots in your sauce.
What goes with chili flake
- Garlic. Garlic and chili flakes together add heat and pungency.
- Coriander Seed. Coriander seed adds subtle warmth to balance the heat of chili flakes.
- Olive oil. Chili flakes infuse olive oil with capsaicin, adding heat to dishes.
- Lime. Lime's acidity moderates the heat from chili flakes in dressings.
- Cumin. Cumin and chili flakes share earthy, warm aromas great in stews.
- Soy Sauce. Soy sauce's umami mellows the sharp heat of chili flakes in marinades.
- Shrimp. Chili flakes add heat that contrasts shrimp's sweetness.
- Mango. Chili flakes add heat to contrast with mango's natural sweetness.
- Coconut Milk. Chili flakes bring heat that cuts through coconut milk's richness.
- Fish Sauce. Chili flakes' heat contrasts fish sauce's salty umami.
Mistakes to avoid
- Too much capsaicin overwhelms.
- Adding early doesn't reduce capsaicin much, as it's heat stable.
Ideas for tonight
- Garnish pizzas for a spicy kick.
- Incorporate into pasta sauces.
- Sprinkle over roasted vegetables for added heat.
Chili Flake: questions
What does chili flake taste like?
Chili flakes add sharp heat while keeping the dish's core flavors intact. Its strongest notes are warm, pungent, with an aroma that is hot, peppery.
What goes well with chili flake?
Chili Flake pairs best with garlic, coriander seed, olive oil, lime, cumin. Garlic and chili flakes together add heat and pungency.
How do you use chili flake in cooking?
Managing Spice: adding later lets you control the capsaicin heat and avoids flavor loss.
How should you store chili flake?
Store in a cool, dark place in an airtight container.
What is the most common mistake with chili flake?
Too much capsaicin overwhelms.
