How To Make Red Pepper Flakes
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Homemade crushed red pepper flakes are easy to make, and more delicious than store bought options. In this article, I’ll share my simple method for how to make red pepper flakes from scratch.
While the process is easy, I have learned a few very important tricks (the hard way).
Which Peppers To Use?
You can make red pepper flakes using virtually any red pepper variety. You can even make different colored flakes if you have yellow, orange, or peach peppers on hand. However, if you want to make traditional hot pepper flakes, here are some good options.
For Hot Pepper Flakes:
- Cayenne
- Thai chili
- Santaka
- Cobanero
- Red jalapeño
- Red habanero (extra spicy)
For Milder Pepper Flakes:
- Aleppo
- Poblano (ancho)
- Cascabel
- Espelette
- Guajillo
- Sichuan chili
Generally speaking, it is best to use thin-walled peppers for making flakes. These varieties dry more quickly, and crush nicely into thin flakes. You can even air-dry them if you don’t have a proper food dehydrator. However, thicker peppers like jalapeños can be used if it’s all you have.
I prefer extra-spicy red pepper flakes, so I like to use a mixture of cayenne peppers and Japanese santaka chilies from the garden. Again, I recommend experimenting and mixing together different peppers to meet your personal heat and flavor preferences!
How To Make Red Pepper Flakes
To make homemade red pepper flakes, you really only need 2 things: dried peppers and a spice grinder. However, I do recommend sifting the flakes before storage, and wearing a face mask for protection from the spicy fumes.
Ingredients & supplies:
- Dried peppers – learn how to dehydrate peppers
- Spice grinder or mortar & pestle – you can also use a food processor or a blender
- Fine mesh strainer
- Face mask
Directions:
- Dehydrate peppers
If you have a fresh pepper harvest, dry the peppers in a food dehydrator until they are firm and brittle, about 24 hours. If you live in a dry climate, you can air dry them for 1-2 weeks.
- Pulse in spice grinder
While a mortar and pestle works, it is easier to use a spice grinder or food processor to pulse the dried peppers. Always wear a mask to protect your lungs from the hot pepper fumes (work outside if possible). Be careful not to over-process the peppers, as going too long can lead to a powder rather than flakes.
- Sift with fine mesh strainer
Sifting the flakes will give you the purest red pepper flakes. Plus, you’ll end up with a nice by-product of fresh cayenne powder.
- Store in a cool and dry place
Red pepper flakes can last for a year or longer when stored in a cool, dry location out of direct sunlight.
Tips
As you can see, it is an incredibly easy process to make red pepper flakes! But to make the process as smooth as possible for you, use these tips.
- Wear a mask. Trust me, if you’re grinding hot peppers indoors, you’ll want to protect your nose and lungs from the spicy fumes. An n95 is ideal for a better seal around your face, but any mask is better than none. Opening a window can also help. Otherwise, get ready to sneeze!
- Grind the peppers outdoors. If you don’t have a mask, I highly recommend grinding your peppers outdoors. This reduces the chances of having a coughing fit from a cloud of spicy powder. Also, after grinding, wait a minute or two before opening the lid to your spice grinder to allow the particles to settle.
- Try a mortar and pestle. I like using my spice grinder for making red pepper flakes, but you can use a mortar and pestle if you want to go the old fashioned route. A food process or blender can also work, but the flakes may end up with a less uniform size.
Uses
When you’re finished, you can use your chili flakes right away! They tend to have the best flavor when they are freshly ground, so I suggest making small batches of flakes, keeping the rest of your dried peppers whole until you need them.
- Sprinkle on pizza
- Add to pasta dishes
- Shake over omelets and egg sandwiches
- Add to dips or spreads
- Add to soups or chili
Homemade red pepper flakes are super easy to make, and I hope you give it a try. Once you customize your flakes to your personal heat tolerance and flavor preferences, you’ll never go back to store bought!
Calvin
One of the original Pepper Geeks! When Calvin isn’t gardening or learning more about peppers and botany, he might be traveling new places or playing some music.
