Coarsely crushed dried red chillies, seeds included, usually a mix of varieties in the fifteen to thirty thousand Scoville range.
What it does in a recipe: Uneven, punctuated heat plus visible red flecks - the heat arrives in bursts rather than as a uniform background. Pick the swap that covers that job - the ratios below are written so you can act on them without doing any arithmetic.
Also called: Crushed red pepper, Peperoncino flakes
4substitutes
Reliablebest available
Spicescategory
Quick answer
Cayenne pepper
1 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes = 1/2 tsp cayenne
All substitutes, best first
4 ways to replace red pepper flakes
Cayenne pepper
Reliable
1 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes = 1/2 tsp cayenne
Cayenne is finely milled and free of the bulky seeds and pith, so it packs roughly three times the capsaicin into the same spoon.
MethodStir it in thoroughly. Unlike flakes, cayenne disperses completely and cannot be picked around by anyone at the table.
Trade-offSmooth, even heat with no visible flecks. A pizza or an aglio e olio loses part of its look.
Allergen checkBottled sauces are formulated products; some use wheat-derived thickeners or are made on lines shared with other allergens. Check the label before serving to someone avoiding gluten, and treat a severe allergy as a matter to confirm with the maker.
Worth knowing
Most of the heat in a jar of flakes sits in the seeds and pale pith rather than the red skin. Shake the jar before measuring or the bottom of it will be much hotter than the top.
At a glance
Red pepper flakes in summary
Red pepper flakes at a glance: category, its job in a recipe, the diets it suits, the diets its substitutes can satisfy, and how many substitutes there are.
Can I use cayenne pepper instead of red pepper flakes?
1 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes = 1/2 tsp cayenne. Cayenne is finely milled and free of the bulky seeds and pith, so it packs roughly three times the capsaicin into the same spoon. Smooth, even heat with no visible flecks. A pizza or an aglio e olio loses part of its look.
Can I use gochugaru instead of red pepper flakes?
1 tsp red pepper flakes = 2 tsp gochugaru. Korean chilli flakes are milder and fruitier, so roughly double the volume lands at a similar heat while keeping the flaked texture. Sweeter, brighter red and much less harsh. Excellent in Korean and stir-fried dishes, less familiar on Italian food.
Can I use fresh chilli, finely chopped instead of red pepper flakes?
1 tsp red pepper flakes = 1 small fresh red chilli, finely chopped. The capsaicin is the same compound; the difference is that fresh chilli brings water and a green vegetal note the drying process removes. Brighter and grassier, with heat that varies unpredictably from one chilli to the next.
Can I use hot sauce instead of red pepper flakes?
1 tsp red pepper flakes = 1 to 2 tsp hot sauce, added at the end. A chilli-and-vinegar sauce delivers capsaicin in solution, which distributes instantly rather than needing time in hot fat. Adds acidity and salt, and none of the texture or the visible flecks. Fine in a soup, useless on a finished pizza.
Cooking around an allergy? Diet tags here describe the ingredient itself, not any particular brand. Processed products change formulation without notice and shared production lines are common, so read the label on everything you use. A severe allergy is a medical matter - confirm with the manufacturer or your clinician rather than relying on a substitution chart.