16 Top spicy & non-spicy substitute for red pepper flakes

As a passionate cook, nothing frustrates me more than not having the right ingredients on hand. I was ready to make my famous chili recipe yesterday and realized I was out of red chili flakes. 

This would not be a concern, but it was the middle of winter, and everything I could think of to substitute wasn’t going to cut it. 

If you ever discover yourself in a similar predicament, don’t worry. Thankfully, after some brainstorming, I came up with a few viable alternatives that resulted in an equally delicious dish. 

Here are some easy red pepper flakes substitutes like cayenne, Aleppo pepper, Urfa pul biber, Dried Peppers, etc. that will still give your dish some heat and some extra flavor

What are crushed red pepper flakes?

Crushed red pepper flakes are a type of chili pepper that has been dried and crushed. They are often used to add a spicy flavor to dishes.

Substitute for Red Pepper Flakes

substitute cayenne for red pepper flakes 

Ground Cayenne Pepper can be utilized as a substitute for red pepper flakes. When substituting cayenne pepper for red pepper flakes, use 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for every 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. This substitution will result in a spicier dish.

ground cayenne Pepper can be utilized as a alternative for red pepper flakes

Cayenne pepper is a hot chili pepper employed to flavor dishes. It is usually very spicy, with a Scoville rating of 30,000 to 50,000. Cayenne pepper can be used fresh, dried, or powdered. 

It is often used in cooking to add heat and spice to dishes. 

Aleppo pepper – Mild alternative to Red Pepper Flakes

If you like a small bit of heat in your dish but don’t want to use red pepper flakes, then you can substitute Aleppo pepper. The peppers have a fruity flavor with hints of cumin and cinnamon.

Aleppo pepper
Aleppo pepper

Aleppo pepper is a chili pepper that originates from Aleppo in Syria. These peppers are typically red and have a moderate to the hot level of heat, with a range of 2,000 to 10,000 Scoville heat units. 

This type of pepper is a little milder than red pepper flakes, so it will give your dish a nice flavor without being too spicy. Aleppo pepper can be found in most spice shops or online.

Aleppo peppers are generally used in Middle Eastern cuisine. They can be used in a powder, flakes, or paste form and can also be found at some specialty stores. The powder is often used as a spice for meats and stews. 

The flakes can be used as a topping for salads or to add flavor to dips. The paste is commonly used as an ingredient in soup or stew.

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Urfa pul biber – a good substitute for crushed red pepper flakes

Urfa pul biber, or Turkish red pepper, is a chili pepper that originates from the city of Urfa in southeastern Turkey. It is normally dried and ground into a powder, then used as a spice in various dishes. 

Urfa pul biber - a good substitute for crushed red pepper flakes
Urfa pul biber 

The pul biber has a deep red color and a slightly smoky flavor, with a moderate level of heat. It is frequently used in stews, soups, and sauces, as well as in dry rubs for meats. 

In Turkey, the pul biber is also used as a table condiment, added to foods such as eggs and vegetables.

make your own DIY Crushed Chili Flakes

1)Jalapeños, serranos, and Anaheim chilis

2)ground habañero pepper

3) Guntur chilli, Tabasco pepper

4) Dried Cheongyang chili pepper with Espelette pepper

I utilize chili powder instead of red pepper

You can substitute chili powder for red pepper flakes if you want more heat in your pasta sauce. Just add a teaspoon or two to taste. Add some chopped fresh tomatoes to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.

When making your chili powder, be sure to substitute chili powder for red pepper flakes. This will provide you with a more intense flavor and heat. 

If you are looking for milder chili powder, use a combination of chili powder and red pepper flakes.

Dried Peppers

If you’re looking for a little extra heat in your cooking, dried peppers are a great option. They can be employed to spice up any dish and offer a deep, complex flavor that fresh peppers can’t match. 

If you're looking for a little extra heat in your cooking, dried peppers are a great option.
Dried Peppers

Dried peppers are a great way to add flavor and heat to your cooking. There are many different kinds of dried peppers, but they all share a few common characteristics. 

Add the dried peppers to the pan and cook for a few minutes until they are soft. Then, add the red pepper flakes and continue cooking for a few more minutes.

Chile de Arbol powder

Chile de Arbol powder is one of the hottest chile powders available. It has a very intense heat and a sharp, smoky flavor. A small goes a long way when cooking with this powder. 

For a little bit more of a kick in your food, substitute Chile de Arbol powder for red pepper flakes. This powder is made from ground-up dried peppers and packs quite a punch. 

It is often used in Mexican and Southwestern dishes to add spice and heat. Chile de Arbol powder can be found in most supermarkets or online.

Chipotle Powder

Chipotle powder is made from smoked, dried jalapeño peppers and has a deep, smoky flavor with just a hint of heat. It’s perfect for adding a touch of smoky flavor to dishes like chili, tacos, enchiladas, and more additional. 

Chipotle Powder
Chipotle Powder

You can substitute Chipotle powder for red pepper flakes. This will provide your dish with a smoky flavor and a nice kick. 

Just be sure to start with a little bit and taste as you go because Chipotle powder can be pretty spicy.

red pepper flakes substitute hot sauce

If you’re searching for a little extra spice in your life, try substituting hot sauce for red pepper flakes. 

This simple change can add a whole new dimension of flavor to your favorite dishes. Just be careful not to overdo it – a little goes a long way with the hot sauce!

Use Paprika instead of red pepper flakes

Paprika is a hot, red pepper powder used as a spice in cooking. If you want to add a bit of spice to your dish, paprika is a great option. It is made from dried, ground peppers and has a strong, pungent flavor

Paprika is a hot, red pepper powder used as a spice in cooking.
Paprika

Paprika adds flavor and color to dishes, a common ingredient in Hungarian, Spanish, and Mexican cuisine. Paprika can be used to season meats, vegetables, soups, and sauces. 

It is also often used as a garnish on foods such as deviled eggs and potato salad. Paprika is available in mild, medium, and hot varieties, so you can choose the level of heat that you prefer. The hotter the paprika, the more intense the flavor will be. 

When using paprika in cooking, start with a small amount and add more to taste. Too much paprika can make a dish very spicy. Paprika is an easy way to add flavor and color to your cooking. Try using it in your next meal!

It will give your dish a slightly smoky flavor and can be used in sweet and savory dishes. Just make sure to start with a smaller amount and add more to the taste.

THAI CHILI, another strongly flavored Red Pepper Flakes Substitute 

The Thai chili is a very hot chili pepper used in many Asian dishes. It has an intense flavor and is often used as a spice in cooking. Thai chili peppers are typically relatively small but vary depending on the variety. 

They are usually red or green and have thin flesh. Thai chili peppers are fresh, dried, or ground into a powder. They are often chopped up and added to stir-fries or soups when used fresh. 

Dried Thai chili peppers can be reconstituted by soaking them in water and then used in the same way as fresh peppers. Ground Thai chili powder is a spice in curries and other dishes. 

Thai chili peppers can be very hot, and the heat level can vary depending on the variety of pepper. Some Thai chili peppers can be so hot that they are almost uneatable. 

Read More- Red Thai Curry VS Green VS Yellow Thai Churry

substitute chili paste for red pepper flakes

Substitute chili paste for red pepper flakes if you want more kick in your chili. You’ll get a deeper flavor, and the heat will be more concentrated. 

Be careful not to add too much because it can quickly become overwhelming. Start with a little amount and taste as you go until you find the perfect balance for your palate.

substitute black pepper for red pepper flakes

Dried black pepper is the most typical spice used in cooking. It has a strong, pungent flavor and a moderate to high level of heat. 

Black pepper adds flavor to various dishes, from soups and stews to vegetables and meats. It can also be used as a garnish or topping for various foods.

Add 1/4 teaspoon of dried black pepper to the recipe in place of the red pepper flakes. This will give the sauce a more piquant flavor. You can omit the black pepper altogether if you want a milder sauce.

Chili Flakes

Chili flakes can be employed as a substitute for red pepper in many recipes. Chili flakes are made from dried chili peppers and have a slightly different flavor than red pepper flakes. 

When substituting chili flakes for red pepper, use a little less than the recipe calls, as chili flakes are more potent. Taste the dish as you go to adjust the number of chili flakes to your liking.

Chimayó peppers are one of the hottest peppers Decent Red Pepper Flakes Alternative

Chimayó peppers are one of the hottest peppers in the world. They have a fiery flavor that can add a lot of heat to any dish. Chimayó peppers are often used in Mexican and Southwestern cooking and can be found in many grocery stores. 

When cooking with Chimayó peppers, it is essential to wear gloves and use caution, as they can induce severe burns if not handled properly. Chimayó peppers can be used in many dishes, such as enchiladas, chili, or salsa. They can likewise be eaten raw but should be done so with caution.

Read More- Best Substitutes for Gochujang

NON-spicy substitute for red chili flakes

Gochugaru is the best non-spicy substitute for red chili flakes

Gochugaru is the best non-spicy substitute for red chili flakes. Gochugaru, also known as Korean chili powder, is a type of chili powder typically used in Korean cuisine. 

It is prepared from dried, red chili peppers and is usually ground into a fine powder. Gochugaru can range in heat from mild to hot and has a distinctively earthy, slightly sweet flavor. 

Common uses for gochugaru include seasoning stews, soups, marinades, and making kimchi.

gochugaru is the best non spicy substitute for red chili flakes

When used in cooking, gochugaru can give dishes a pleasantly spicy kick. However, it is paramount to use caution when adding this ingredient to recipes, as too much gochugaru can make the food fiery. 

When using gochugaru for the first time, it is best to start with a small amount and add more to taste. Additionally, gochugaru can be used as a garnish for finished dishes, providing a bit of heat and flavor to the final dish.

What can be the substitute for red pepper flakes in pasta?

You can use a few different things as a substitute for red pepper flakes in pasta sauce. One option is to use crushed red pepper, which can be found in the spice aisle of most grocery stores. 

Another option is to use cayenne pepper, also available in most grocery stores’ spice aisles

Finally, you can also use paprika, which is a milder form of chili powder and can be witnessed in the spice aisle of most grocery stores. 

Whichever substitute you choose, start with a small amount and then add more to taste until you get the desired level of heat in your pasta sauce.

red pepper flakes vS chili flakes

The difference between red pepper flakes and chili flakes is that red pepper flakes are made from dried, crushed red peppers, while chili flakes are made from dried, crushed chili peppers. 

Both give a similar flavor to food, but chili flakes are generally hotter than red pepper flakes.

FAQS on red pepper flakes substitutes

Q1. What is the same as red pepper flakes?

Crushed red pepper flakes are a common ingredient in many cuisines, including Italian, Chinese, Indian, and Thai. They give a spicy flavor to dishes and can be used as a garnish or seasoning.
 
Red pepper flakes are prepared from dried and crushed red peppers, typically cayenne peppers. The heat level of the flakes can vary depending on the type of pepper used and how it is processed. 

Some brands of red pepper flakes are spicier than others. When using red pepper flakes, start with a small amount and add more to taste.

Q2. Is cayenne pepper the same as crushed red pepper flakes?

Cayenne and crushed red pepper flakes are made from dried chili peppers, so they have a similar appearance and flavor. However, cayenne peppers are typically hotter than crushed red pepper flakes.

Q3. How many red pepper flakes equals one red pepper? 

One tablespoon of red pepper flakes is equivalent to one medium-sized fresh red pepper.

Q4. Are chili flakes and red pepper flakes the same thing?

Yes, chili flakes and red pepper flakes are the same things. Both are made from dried chili peppers and have a similar flavor. However, red pepper flakes tend to be milder than chili flakes.

Q5. what spice can I substitute for red pepper flakes?

One possible substitution for red pepper flakes is paprika. This spice can provide a similar flavor profile to red pepper flakes but may not be as spicy. 

Other potential substitutes for red pepper flakes include cayenne pepper or chili powder. When substituting spices, it is always best to start with less than what the recipe calls for and then add more to taste.

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