Running out of pepper flakes when you need them is the worst. You’re in the middle of making your dish and realize that you don’t have any more red pepper flakes.
I was earlier in a situation where I needed a substitute for red pepper flakes. I was making a dish that called for the spice, but I didn’t have any on hand.
I did some research and found several substitutes that would work well in my dish.
I ended up using one of the substitutes and it worked perfectly!
The dish was just as flavorful and spicy as it would have been with red pepper flakes.
I was very happy with the result and I will be using this substitute in future dishes. Since they worked great for me, I thought I would share my findings with you all!
Curious about these? Let’s talk about it!
Substitute for Red Pepper Flakes:
- Habanero Powder
- Chile de Arbol
- Paprika
- Chipotle Powder
- Chilli Powder
- Cayenne Pepper
- Crushed Aleppo Peppers
- Sichuan Chili Flakes
- Gochuguru
- Homemade red pepper flakes
Habanero powder
Habanero powder is a great substitute for red pepper flakes. Its unique fruity flavor makes a sweet addition to any recipe that calls for red pepper flakes.
The ratio of Habanero powder to red pepper flakes is 1 to 1, so it can be used as a direct replacement.
Habanero powder will add a unique flavor to any dish. It is also a great way to spice up your favorite recipes.
Chile de Arbol
Chile de Arbol is a great alternative to red pepper flakes. You can use it in any recipe that calls for red pepper flakes at a 1-to-1 ratio.
Since Chile de Arbol has more heat than red pepper flakes, you may want to use a little less.
Chile de Arbol is packed with flavor, so it works well in recipes where you want the heat to be a background flavor rather than the star of the show.
If you’re looking for a little extra kick, Chile de Arbol is great.
Paprika
Paprika is a great alternative to red pepper flakes. You can use it in any recipe that calls for red pepper flakes, and it works just as well.
Paprika is also a bit milder than red pepper flakes, so it’s a good choice if you’re looking to tone down the heat in a dish.
Simply substitute 1 to 1 Paprika for Red Pepper Flakes. Paprika is also a great way to add color and flavor to a dish.
So if you’re looking for a little something extra, Paprika is a great choice.
Chipotle Powder
Chipotle powder is a great alternative to red pepper flakes. You can use the chipotle powder in a 1-to-1 ratio in any recipe. It works in any recipe that calls for red pepper flakes.
Chipotle powder is made from dried, smoked jalapeno peppers. And it is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber.
You can use chipotle powder to make an enchilada sauce, chili, tacos, and more. Chipotle is a great way to add flavor to a dish without making it too spicy.
Chili Powder
Chili powder is a great alternative to red pepper flakes. You can use chili powder in any recipe that calls for red pepper flakes, and it works just as well.
Chili powder is made from dried chili peppers, which have a similar flavor to red pepper flakes.
Chili powder is also milder than red pepper flakes, so it’s a good choice if you’re looking for something with less heat.
However, chili powder also contains other spices like cumin and oregano, which gives it a more complex flavor.
Another bonus for chili powder is that it is more versatile than red pepper flakes. That means it can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.
Cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper is a great alternative to red pepper flakes. It is just as hot and can be used in any recipe that calls for red pepper flakes.
The best part is that there is no need to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper used, as it can be used in a 1-to-1 ratio.
Thanks to its versatility, cayenne pepper is ideal for those who want to add a little bit of heat to their dishes.
Crushed Aleppo Pepper
Crushed Aleppo peppers are a great alternative to red pepper flakes. You can use Aleppo peppers in any recipe that calls for red pepper flakes at a 1 to 1 ratio.
Aleppo peppers have a similar heat level to red pepper flakes, but they also have a slightly fruity flavor.
Also noteworthy is that Aleppo peppers are less likely to cause indigestion than red pepper flakes.
Aleppo peppers are more widely available than red pepper flakes, making them a more convenient option for those who don’t have easy access to specialty ingredients.
Sichuan Chili flakes
Sichuan chili flakes, or Sichuan peppercorn, are a great alternative to red pepper flakes. You can use them in any recipe that calls for red pepper flakes at a 1-to-1 ratio.
Sichuan chili flakes pack a lot of flavors, so you don’t need to use as much as you would with red pepper flakes.
They also have a bit of heat to them, so this is a great option if you’re looking for a little extra spice.
Gochugaru
Gochugaru is another great alternative to red pepper flakes. It is a Korean spice that you can use in any recipe that calls for red pepper flakes.
The ratio is 1 to 1, so if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, you will use 1 teaspoon of Gochugaru.
Gochugaru has a slightly different flavor than red pepper flakes, but it is still a great way to add spice to your food.
Furthermore, Gochugaru can be either hot or mild. It all depends on how you prepared it.
Gochugaru is less likely to cause burns making it a good choice for people who are sensitive to spicy food.
Homemade Red Pepper Flakes
Red pepper flakes are a common ingredient in many recipes, but sometimes you may find yourself without any on hand.
Fortunately, there’s a great alternative that you can make at home with just a few ingredients.
Homemade red pepper flakes can be used in any recipe that calls for the store-bought variety, and they’re just as good as red pepper flakes. The ratio here is 1 to 1.
Simply grind up dried red peppers in a food processor or blender to make your substitute. You can use any type of pepper you like, but serrano or jalapeño peppers work well.
Start with a 1:1 ratio of peppers to flakes, and then adjust to taste. Once the peppers are finely ground, store them in an airtight container, and they’ll be ready to use whenever you need them.
This homemade version is more cost-effective than buying pre-made flakes, but it also allows you to control the level of heat in your dish.
Try this homemade recipe next time you’re looking for a replacement for red pepper flakes.
FAQ
What can I use instead of red pepper flakes?
If you’re looking for a substitute for red pepper flakes, there are several great options to choose from. Some of our favorites include chili powder, cayenne pepper, crushed Aleppo pepper, chili sauce, and Gochugaru. These substitutes have a similar heat level to red pepper flakes, so they’ll work in any recipe.
Can you use Chili powder as a replacement for red pepper flakes?
Yes, chili powder can be used as a substitute for red pepper flakes. The ratio is 1 to 1. Therefore, if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, you would use 1 teaspoon of chili powder to 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
Can you substitute Paprika for red pepper flakes?
Yes, Paprika can be used as a substitute for red pepper flakes. The ratio is 1 to 1, so if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, you would use 1 teaspoon of Paprika.
Are cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes the same?
There is a similarity between cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes, but they are not the same.
Cayenne pepper has a smoother texture and is slightly hotter than red pepper flakes.
Though it has a slightly different flavor, cayenne pepper can still be used as a great alternative in recipes that call for red pepper flakes.
What is a non-spicy substitute for red pepper flakes?
If you’re looking for a non-spicy substitute for red pepper flakes, you can use chipotle, chili powder, or crushed Aleppo pepper. These substitutes have a similar flavor to red pepper flakes, but they are less spicy.
Conclusion
When looking for a substitute for red pepper flakes, there are many options to choose from. These substitutes have a similar heat level to red pepper flakes, so they’ll work in any recipe. Now that you know about all of the different substitutes for red pepper flakes give it a try.