What is unique about Allepo pepper flakes? Would red pepper flakes work as a substitute?

Question

Uncle J. · Answer

Suzanne M. is absolutely right, but do try Aleppo pepper sometime. It is medium hot, less hot than your typical red pepper flakes and it is enormously flavorful. The peppers add a lot more than heat.

You can buy Aleppo at lots of online sources, just google it to get started.

Suzanne M. · Answer

You can definitely use red pepper flakes! Just careful to add gradually and taste as you go along. I specified  Aleppo pepper because that’s what I usually use, and it’s more consistent in its level of heat. That way I could be more sure of the heat level I was suggesting. Red pepper flakes can vary a lot in their intensity depending on brand, age or harvest. Also, I like the lightly fruity, smoky flavor Aleppo pepper brings. But it will still be good with red pepper flakes, or without any peppers at all, if you don’t care for capsaicin.

What is unique about Allepo pepper flakes? Would red pepper flakes work as a substitute?

2 Comments

Popular on Food52

The Best Vanilla Extract Substitute Is Probably Hiding in Your Kitchen

11 Easy Dinner Recipes for When It's Been a Loooong Week

The 15 Best Pasta Salad Recipes to Make All Summer Long