Cooking with Red Pepper Flakes

What are Red Pepper Flakes?

Red pepper flakes are quite popular among pizza lovers for their added kick and flavor. But most people confuse red pepper flakes with chili flakes because they do appear similar. However, they are fundamentally different.

Red pepper flakes are made using a mix of different varieties of chili peppers like habaneros, jalapeño, bell, Anaheim, Fresno, and cayenne, with cayenne being the most dominant pepper in the mix. The proportions of each variety in the mix are different depending on the manufacturer. Meanwhile, chili flakes are made only from a single pepper variety.  

Crushed red pepper flakes have become a staple in pizza parlors and Mediterranean restaurants around the world to add more spice and flavor to pizza, sauces, soups, and pasta, among others.

Aside from topping your pizza and pasta with red pepper flakes, did you know that you can cook using it as an ingredient? Here are some recipes to give you an idea on how to cook with red pepper flakes.

Honey-Sesame Salmon with a Kick

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. fresh salmon
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 tbsp. light soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, minced
• 1 tsp. red pepper flakes
• ¾ tsp. ginger, ground
• 2 tsp. sesame seeds
• ½ tsp. salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375^oF.
2. In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, onions, ginger, sesame seeds, salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
3. Grab a baking sheet and line it with aluminum foil. Lightly brush the foil with olive oil and place the salmon on the sheet, skin down.
4. Using a fork, gently stab each piece of salmon several times to create spaces where the flavor can be absorbed.
5. Spread the sauce evenly over each piece of salmon. Additional coats can be added while cooking to add more glaze to the fish.
6. Place the salmon in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, taking out once or twice to add additional coats of the sauce.
7.  Take out the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot over steamed white rice or your favorite side.

This recipe serves 4.

Pasta Aglio e Olio Con Gamberi (Pasta in Olive Oil and Garlic with Shrimps)

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients: 

• 1.5 lbs. dried bucatini pasta
• 1.5 cups extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup shrimps, peeled, deveined
• 18 large garlic cloves, chopped
• 1.5 tbsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 1.5 cups fresh parsley, minced
• 0.75 cups parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Fill a large pot with water and add 2 tbsp. of salt. Bring to a boil.
2. While the water is boiling, add the pasta. Cook the pasta according to instructions. When it’s done cooking, strain the pasta using a colander and cool down using running water. Set aside.
3. Heat olive oil using a large skillet over medium heat. Saute the garlic and let it cook for about 2 minutes or until golden brown. Add the crushed red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to medium-low.
4. Add the shrimp and cook for 3 minutes each side.
5. Add the pasta to the skillet and toss co cover it completely. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add the grated cheese and parsley. Make sure the pasta is well-coated and the cheese and parsley is distributed evenly.
7. Serve while hot.

This recipe serves 6.

Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• ½ lb. flank steak, sliced against grain
• 1 ½ lb. yellow potatoes, cut into wedges
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp. butter
• 1 tsp. fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tsp. fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tsp. fresh oregano, chopped
• 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp. Sriracha hot sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the steak strips, soy sauce, Sriracha, pepper, and olive oil. Set aside.
2. Heat 1 tbsp. olive oil and 1 tbsp. butter over medium-high heat. When the butter has melted, add the potato wedges. Cook one side for 4 minutes. Mix and cook for another 4 minutes. 
3. Finish cooking the potatoes until the wedges are golden and tender. Transfer the cooked potatoes to a plate and set aside.
4. Add the remaining butter to the same pan. Add the garlic, red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs. Arrange the meat strips in one layer in the pan. Keep the marinade for later. Cook each side of the meat for 1 minute each or until it’s golden brown. Add the marinade until it reduces to about ¼ its original volume. 
5. Add the potato wedges and mix thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
6. Remove from heat. Serve immediately.

This recipe serves 3.