Chili Flakes: A Fiery Ingredient Packed With Flavor and Nutrition

An Introduction to Chili Flakes

Chili flakes offer a tasty and simple way to spice up your cooking while also providing some great health benefits. If you've found yourself reaching for the chili flakes more often lately, you're in good company. This spicy, fiery ingredient has been used for centuries in diverse cuisines around the world to add heat and depth of flavor.

Chili flakes, also sometimes called red pepper flakes or crushed red pepper flakes, are made from dried and crushed red chili peppers. The most common varieties used are cayenne, serrano, and jalapeño peppers. They range from mild to very hot on the Scoville scale, depending on the type of pepper used. Cayenne peppers tend to be moderately hot, usually 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU).

You'll find chili flakes sold on their own in jars or shakers, as well as blended into spice mixes or rubs. Many pizza shops keep them on hand for customers who want an extra kick.

Whether you're looking to spice up eggs, pasta, pizza, soups and stews, salads, or grilled meats and veggies, a dash or two of chili flakes does the trick beautifully. Their versatility and convenience make them a must-have pantry staple for home cooks.

The Nutritional Benefits of Chili Flakes

Chili flakes pack some serious nutritional power in their tiny red specks. Just a sprinkle delivers antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and anti-inflammatory properties that benefit your health in many ways. Here are some of the top nutrients found in chili flakes:

• Vitamins A and C: These antioxidants protect your cells from damage and support a healthy immune system. The capsaicin in chilies is also considered an antioxidant.
• Potassium: This mineral is essential for heart health, fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction. Many people don't get enough.
• Iron: Chili flakes provide a decent dose of iron. This mineral enables red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body for energy.
• Vitamin B6: Important for metabolism, nerve function, and red blood cell production. A little bit of B6 goes a long way.
• Magnesium: Supports bone health, heart rhythm, immune function, blood pressure, and blood sugar control. Many adults fall short of their recommended daily magnesium intake.

Adding just a teaspoon of chili flakes to your meals, especially veggies, grains, eggs, meats, and soups, makes it easy to reap these nutrients. Spice up your nutrition and health; your taste buds and body will thank you!

Spicy Chili Flakes Recipes

Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Chili Flakes

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. linguine pasta
• 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chili flakes; sauté until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and black pepper. Cook until shrimp turn pink, about 2–3 minutes per side.
4. Toss in cherry tomatoes and cooked linguine. Stir to combine, and heat through.
5. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the pasta and toss again.
6. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Homemade Spicy Pizza with Chili Flakes

Ingredients:

• Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven according to the pizza dough instructions.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface.
3. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
5. Add sliced pepperoni, bell peppers, and chili flakes.
6. Bake in the preheated oven until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
7. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and slice before serving.

Spicy Avocado Toast with Chili Flakes

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of whole-grain bread
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: poached egg, cherry tomatoes

Instructions:

1. Toast the slices of whole-grain bread to your liking.
2. Mash the ripe avocado and spread it evenly on the toasted bread.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the avocado mash.
4. Sprinkle chili flakes, salt, and black pepper over the top.
5. For an extra touch, add a poached egg on each slice or garnish with halved cherry tomatoes.

Spicy Chickpea Salad with Chili Flakes

Ingredients:

• 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, chili flakes, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Spicy Stir-Fried Noodles with Chili Flakes

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. stir-fry noodles
• 1 lb. mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook stir-fry noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a wok or large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add minced garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
4. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry until slightly tender.
5. Toss in cooked noodles, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili flakes. Stir-fry until well combined.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Spicy Chicken Tacos with Chili Flakes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Corn or flour tortillas
• Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, salsa, and sour cream

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add shredded chicken, chili flakes, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Stir to coat the chicken with spices, and cook until heated through.
4. Warm tortillas and assemble tacos with spicy chicken and desired toppings.

Spicy Quinoa Salad with Chili Flakes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of cooked quinoa
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup of corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons of lime juice
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Avocado slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine.
4. Garnish with avocado slices before serving.

Spicy Roasted Cauliflower with Chili Flakes

Ingredients:

• 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, chili flakes, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
3. Spread the cauliflower on the baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Spice up your meals with these delicious chili flakes recipes! Adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences.

Tips for Storing Chili Flakes

• Store chili flakes in an airtight container away from light and heat. Exposure to air, light, and warmth will cause them to lose potency faster. A cool, dark place like the pantry is ideal.
• Consider keeping chili flakes in the freezer for maximum freshness. They'll stay pungent for up to a year when frozen. Transfer some to a small jar for everyday use.
• Don't store chili flakes near other herbs and spices. Their volatile oils can impact neighboring ingredients in the pantry.
• Give your chili flake container a shake before use. The oils may separate and rise to the top over time.
• Smell your chili flakes periodically. If the aroma seems dull or the color has faded, it's time to replace it with a fresh batch.
• Whole chili flakes maintain their flavor longer than crushed or ground pepper flakes. For prolonged storage, buy chili peppers whole and grind as needed.
• When buying chili flakes in bulk bins, only take what you'll use within a few months. Without packaging to block light and air, they'll lose potency faster.

With the proper storage approach, your chili flakes can retain their vibrant kick for up to a year. Follow these tips, and you'll be able to spice up meals whenever the craving for heat strikes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chili Flakes

How are chili flakes made?

Chili flakes are made by crushing dried whole chili peppers, usually red cayenne peppers. The crushed flakes contain the seeds and skin of the pepper, which is where the spice compound capsaicin is concentrated. Removing some or all of the seeds will make the flakes less spicy.

What's the heat level of chili flakes?

Heat level varies based on the type of pepper used and how much of the seeds are included. On average, chili flakes register 30,000–50,000 Scoville heat units (SHU) on the spice scale. Compare that to cayenne pepper powder at 30,000–50,000 SHU and habanero flakes at 100,000–350,000 SHU.

How do you store chili flakes?

Store chili flakes in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months. Heat, light, and humidity will cause them to lose their potency more quickly.

What foods pair well with chili flakes?

Chili flakes are extremely versatile. Toss them on pizzas, pasta, stews, chili, soups, rice dishes—you name it. They also add a kick to eggs, avocado toast, hummus, salad dressings, roasted vegetables, and more. Try them sprinkled on chicken, pork, beef, or fish too.

Can you substitute chili flakes for other spices?

You can substitute chili flakes for cayenne pepper (just reduce the amount) or red pepper flakes. But you can't mimic the smoky flavor of ground chipotle pepper or the tang of crushed red pepper without those specific ingredients.

What should you do if you eat too many chili flakes?

If you've temporarily torched your taste buds, take a sip of milk or eat some plain yogurt or ice cream. Starchy foods like rice, bread, or crackers can also help tone down the heat sensation. Avoid drinking water since capsaicin isn't water-soluble. The burning feeling should fade within an hour or two.

Spice up your dishes with those hot, flavorsome flakes in moderation, of course!

Conclusion

So spice up your life with chili flakes! Add them to dishes for an extra kick, or use them as a tasty topping. With all those nutrients packed into something so small but mighty, this fiery ingredient can do your body and tastebuds good. Experiment with different kinds and amounts to find your perfect blend of heat flavor. Whether you're looking to turn up the heat or add some subtle smokiness, chili flakes have got you covered. Trust us, your cooking will never be the same once you discover the magic of chili flakes! Go on, give them a try; we dare you!