Red pepper flakes vs. chili flakes, which one is better, might be the inner conflict that some people have gone through. In reality, many get these two spices mixed up because of their similar characteristics. However, they are totally different.
So if you don’t have much experience in distinguishing these two, that’s fine. I’m here to tell you all you need to know about red pepper flakes and chili flakes in this post. You will also learn their benefits and recipes to make use of them. Let’s find out!
What Are Red Pepper Flakes?
Overall, the manufacturer makes red pepper flakes from various peppers rather than a single kind. These types of peppers all come from the capsicum annuum family.
There are several pepper varieties that belong to this family, including famous ones such as Jalapeño, Anaheim, Fresno, and bell pepper.
Although there are many different types of peppers in the mixture, cayenne peppers are the principal component of red pepper flakes. However, its ratio will differ depending on the manufacturers’ formula and product category.
The Overview Of Chili Flakes
Chili flakes are chili peppers that have been dried and crushed. They are created from only a single type of chili, as opposed to red pepper flakes.
Chili flakes can keep their particular taste and heat level equally since the manufacturer makes them from only one chili type. Chipotle, Urfa Biber, Sichuan, or Aleppo peppers are typical chili flakes elements.
On the Scoville scale, these peppers are mildly hot. In any case, if you love spicy food but do not enjoy high heat levels, chili flakes are an ideal choice for you.
The Similarities Between Them
Chili flakes and red pepper flakes are crushed chili peppers. They’re all made from little pepper flakes.
As a result, they share certain similarities in appearance and heat. Their heat ranges from hot to mild hot on the Scoville scale, depending on the chili used.
Also, they all have a red color. Moreover, you can use red pepper flakes in the same meals as chili flakes. Their applications are comparable and are not bad for health.
How Can You Tell Them Apart?
Despite some similarities, red pepper and chili flakes are two distinct things. They still have numerous distinguishable characteristics. These distinctions may need some observation to notice, but this post can help you detect them quickly.
Heat Level
Chili flakes and red pepper flakes have distinct spiciness levels. Chili flakes have a considerably lower heat level than red pepper flakes since they contain one type of chili. Furthermore, depending on the chili, they may have a slightly sweet flavor.
Chili flakes are an excellent choice as you don’t have spicy foods often. On the contrary, red pepper flakes are substantially hotter than chili flakes. Because they contain multi-pepper seeds, it increases the spiciness.
The greater the number of seeds, the spicier your chili flakes will be. Additionally, red pepper flakes can impart a fruity taste. This unique feature adds to the great taste of red pepper flakes. It also improves the flavor of the other ingredients.
Color
Chili flakes range in color from bright red to crimson. Because chili flakes are made from a single kind of pepper, so they have a more consistent hue than red pepper flakes. Also, manufacturers usually remove the pepper seeds from the flakes so chili flakes have an even color.
Since they are a blend of varieties of peppers, they can come in various hues and contain various seeds. There are even some white or light yellow seeds visible within the mixture.
The intensity of red is usually linked with the heat of peppers. However, this is not completely true. Some spicy peppers, such as dragon’s breath – the hottest type of pepper in the world, have colors ranging from green to yellow or red to dark crimson.
Uses
As I mentioned earlier, red pepper and chili flakes have similar applications. Thus you can potentially substitute them.
The spicy level of chili flakes depends on the types of pepper used to make it. However, chili flakes generally have lower spiciness than red pepper flakes. So it will not affect the flavor of your food significantly.
You can use it for any meal you wish. It can be a spice or a topping to add extra flavor. But you must be careful with how much red pepper flakes you use. With a higher level of spiciness, red pepper flakes might give you a more prominent burning sensation on your tongue.
Too many red pepper flakes make your food excessively spicy and unpleasant. Therefore, chili flakes are a better solution for those who are just beginning to eat spicy food.
What Is The Better Choice?
Both red pepper flakes and chili flakes have various influences and benefits. So you should rely on your specific requirements or personal preference to determine which type is superior to the other.
Health Benefits
Red pepper flakes are loaded with health advantages. It can increase the body‘s metabolism. Therefore, when you consume a lot of red pepper flakes, you will lose weight faster than usual.
Red pepper flakes also include several vitamins with antioxidant properties, such as C or B-6, which can lower the risk of cancer and heart disease. It can help improve digestive issues and decrease blood cholesterol (1).
Chili flakes, like red pepper flakes, provide the same health benefits. It also boosts immunity due to its high-pro vitamin A and beta-carotene concentration.
Chili flakes are thought to be an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes. It is also beneficial for cardiovascular disorders and helps to strengthen your bones(2).
Check these outstanding health benefits of hot chili peppers! They will surprise you.
What Is More Popular?
Both are popular ingredients. You may get them at any convenience store or supermarket in your area. You can place your purchase online if you like.
Additionally, red pepper flakes and chili flakes are pretty affordable. Prices will vary based on the manufacturer and the raw materials, but the variation will not be significant. Thus you won’t have to second-guess which one is better for your wallet.
Can I Substitute Red Pepper Flakes For Chili Flakes?
You can use chili and red pepper flakes interchangeably, and the results are reasonably pleasant. If you remember the difference in heat and know how to balance them, you may use red pepper flakes for chili flakes and vice versa.
As previously stated, red pepper flakes are hotter than chili flakes. Therefore, you need to pay attention to how much you use when switching between the two during cooking.
When substituting red pepper flakes for chili flakes, use half the amount specified in the recipe. For swapping chili flakes for red pepper flakes, use double the amount of chili flakes to ensure spiciness.
How About The Other Substitutions?
You don’t always have everything prepared in your kitchen. You may occasionally find yourself in a position where neither red pepper nor chili flakes are accessible. In this instance, you should try other spices, and they can be done in a pinch.
Cayenne Powder
Cayenne powder is a bright red spice milled considerably finer than red pepper flakes or chili flakes. But make sure the appropriate level of cayenne powder that you will use in place of these 2 flakes.
Its spiciness is quite intense, which might easily overpower the flavor of your food. Even little amounts of this powder can set your taste buds on fire, especially if you are not a big fan of spicy dishes.
You can use the same amount or half the amount required when substituting cayenne powder for red pepper flakes. When replacing chili flakes, reduce the amount to ¼.
Chili Paste
Chili paste is a spicy sauce ranging in color from orange to deep red. It has a thick, sauce-like texture. People use chili peppers and a few additional seasonings to make chili paste.
You can substitute chili paste for red pepper flakes and chili flakes. But keep in mind that chili paste often contains moisture. Some types of chili paste are less moist, but they are still much wetter than powder or flakes.
You can use them as condiments or sauces. However, when you want to add them on top of your dish, use them sparingly unless you want your dish to become soggy.
Chili Powder
Chili powder is a milled mixture of several peppers, comparable to red pepper flakes. It often has a bright red color. Cayenne pepper is its crucial element, making up chili powder’s heat.
Other spices, such as cumin, oregano, paprika, and garlic powder, are also added to give it a unique taste. The proportions of the components will change based on the recipe, but cayenne usually accounts for 70% of the total.
Chili powder and chili flakes have a similar spiciness and can be used alternatively. You will need more chili powder to obtain the same spiciness as red pepper flakes.
How To Make Them At Home?
If you are still determining the quality of store-bought red pepper or chili flakes, you may easily create them at home.
Making red pepper flakes and chili flakes is not a difficult task. Unfortunately, you will require a lot of time and patience to succeed. Check out the step-by-step instructions below to ensure your success.
Step 1: Buy the desired pepper. When you’re making red pepper flakes, I recommend using a variety of peppers. After washing and drying them, put on gloves and chop each stem.
Step 2: Preheat the oven to the lowest setting or 180° F (about 82 ℃). Cover a baking sheet with foil and arrange the peppers on it. Depending on your demands, you may build as many trays as you want.
Step 3: Set a timer for around 3 hours. When the timer is done, shake and rotate each pan to ensure equal drying.
Step 4: After that, examine the peppers and eliminate any that are overly dry. When you touch these peppers, they will shatter so that you will know.
Step 5: Continue drying the rest of the tray in the oven until it dries. Depending on the size and amount of peppers, this process might take another 4 to 6 hours.
Step 6: When the pepper has dried uniformly, take it from the oven and set it aside to cool to room temperature. Then, put it in a food processor. Grind until the pepper flakes are finely ground.
If you don’t have a food processor, you may substitute a blender, but clean it before and after use.
Here is a short tutorial for making red pepper flakes, but you can apply it to make chili flakes too!
Red Pepper Flakes Recipes
Red pepper flakes are a great spice to enhance your meals. You can use red pepper flakes in any dish. I’ve compiled a list of recipes that require red pepper flakes. Enjoy!
Italian Spaghetti
You can prepare the ideal pasta with spaghetti, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and garlic. These are just a few simple components widely available with straightforward instructions. If you have a busy day and don’t know what for dinner, try this recipe!
Spaghetti Aglio E Olio is the iconic dish of Italian cuisine. Do you want to take a look?
Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry
This is a delicate combination of veggies and tender steaks with a unique flavor of Cantonese-style sauce. You may serve this recipe with white rice or as the main course. Roll up your sleeves and join me in the kitchen!
Chili Flakes Recipes
Chili flakes are an extra seasoning that you should keep in your house. It is not only versatile but also a perfect match for many dishes. With a mild hot level, it would be suitable for lots of people’s appetites.
Cauliflower Salad
Do you enjoy salads? If this is the case, you should save this recipe right now. To prepare this fantastic salad, you only need a lovely cauliflower with parsley, lime juice, and pickled vegetables. Make it now! What are you waiting for?
Cauliflower salad is a favorite dish for those who are on a diet for vegetarians. How about you?
Oven Fried Southern Chicken
This recipe is a variation if you’ve ever had Nashville hot chicken. This meal combines spicy, sweet, and salty flavors. The breaded chicken pieces crisp up in the oven. After that, you will drizzle with a sweet honey sauce and hot chili garlic. It is ideal for memorable family feasts.
FAQs
Besides the primary information about red pepper and chili flakes, I would like to share extra facts about them. These are the considerations that many people have. Let’s check to see whether you have the same concerns as them.
What Would You Choose Now?
Red pepper flakes and chili flakes are essential in every kitchen. They are a crucial ingredient in many households. They are high in nutrients, have many health benefits, and are simple to prepare at home.
Do you know which flakes are best for you now? This post probably gave you a lot of important information. Let’s all spread the word about this article. Also, in the comments, please share your thoughts on red pepper and chili flakes. I would love to read them all!
References
- Salina (2011) Red pepper flakes nutrition, weight loss and health benefits, Tandurust.
- Here’s how chili flakes can spice up your health (2021) HerZindagi English. HerZindagi.
