Stonemill
Stonemill Crushed Red Pepper
What it is
This is a common kitchen staple made from dried and crushed red chili peppers. It offers a mild to moderate heat and a distinct pepper flavor. The flakes are irregular in shape and size, providing visual texture as well as taste. It is a versatile ingredient used across many cuisines to add a touch of spice and warmth to dishes.
How people cook with it
Crushed red pepper is a go-to for adding a little kick to everyday meals and more elaborate recipes. It's easy to sprinkle in during cooking or as a finishing touch.
- Sprinkled on pizza
- Added to pasta sauces
- Mixed into chili
- Used in marinades
You can add crushed red pepper at various stages of cooking. For a subtle heat that infuses throughout a dish, stir it in early with aromatics like garlic and onions. If you want a more immediate punch of flavor and a bit of visual appeal, sprinkle it over finished dishes like soups, stews, or roasted vegetables just before serving. It can also be incorporated into rubs for meats or seafood, or bloomed in oil to create a flavored oil base for stir-fries and sauces.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to finely ground cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper provides larger flakes and a less intense, more nuanced heat. It also offers a different visual texture. Unlike whole dried chilies, it is ready to use without any preparation like toasting or grinding.
Who it is for
Home cooks and professional chefs alike use crushed red pepper to easily control the spice level in their cooking.
How to keep the rest
To maintain its flavor and heat, store crushed red pepper in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Properly stored, it will retain its quality for many months, though its potency will gradually diminish over time.