What Is Cayenne pepper and How Can I Use It?

Here's everything worth knowing about cayenne pepper and how to pick it, what it is, how to store it, and what to use instead, plus 1,676 recipes to cook tonight.

What is cayenne pepper?

Cayenne pepper is high in vitamin A. It also contains vitamin B6, vitamin E, vitamin C, riboflavin, potassium and manganese.

Cayenne is a popular spice in a variety of cuisines. It is employed variously in its fresh form, dried and powdered, and as dried flakes. It is also a key ingredient in a variety of hot sauces, particularly those employing vinegar as a preservative.

Cayenne pepper

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 tbsp (5g)

Amount per Serving

Calories 15Calories from Fat 7

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 0.9g 1%

Saturated Fat 0.2g 1%

Trans Fat ~

Cholesterol 0mg 0%

Sodium 1mg 0%

Total Carbohydrate 2.8g 1%

Dietary Fiber 1g 5%

Sugars 0.5

Protein 0.6g

Vitamin A 42% Vitamin C 6%

Calcium 1% • Iron 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your caloric needs.

recipeland.com/nutrition

Where found

Cayenne pepper is usually found in the spices section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.

Food group

Cayenne pepper is a member of the Spices and Herbs US Department of Agriculture nutritional food group.

How much does cayenne pepper weigh?

Amount	Weight
1 tbsp	5 grams
1 teaspoon	1 grams

Spices and Herbs

Allspice 904 Allspice berries 37 Star anise 178 Aniseed 23 Bay leaves 2049 Caraway seeds 321 Cardamom pods 100 Cardamom seeds 317 Celery seeds 283 Chervil 65

In Chinese:	辣椒
British (UK) term:
en français:	poivre de cayenne
en español:	pimienta de cayena

Recipes using cayenne pepper

There are 1676 recipes that contain this ingredient.

Beef Rib Marinade

Take your beef ribs to the next level with this web marinade that imparts incredible flavor deep into meaty beef ribs. Whether you're grilling, smoking, or using an Instant Pot for tender fall-off-the-bone beef ribs, marinate to start things off right.

Always Loved Vegetarian Chili

Vegetarian Chili with bulgur and vegetables--Vegetarian chili: hot satisfying dish for fans of meatless mains.

Meatballs with Sauce

Cheese-stuffed meatballs simmered in a roux-thickened tomato sauce with white wine. Made with ground sirloin and cheddar, served over spaghetti or rice.

Borani Esfanaj (Spinach-Yogurt Salad or Dip)

Spinach yogurt dip with a touch of kick. Musky and sweet spices compliment the spinach and tangy yogurt.

Pressure Cooked Chili Con Chickpeas

Pressure-cooked chickpea chili swaps beef for nutty garbanzos, building heat from toasted cumin seeds, chili powder, and a generous handful of fresh cilantro. A meatless one-pot weeknight chili.

Paneer Tikka

Paneer tikka, cubes of Indian paneer marinated in spiced yogurt with tandoori spices, chaat masala, ginger, and garlic, then pan-fried golden and served with peppers and onions. A vegetarian Indian classic.

Moghul Style Mixed Vegetables with Paneer

Mughlai-style mixed vegetable curry with paneer, cream, pineapple, and golden raisins. A rich, mildly spiced North Indian dish that finishes with a sprinkle of fried nuts for royal-court flair.

Very Creamy Corn-Potato Soup

Creamy corn-potato soup pureed thick with skim milk, dry milk powder, mustard, garlic, and a touch of honey. Low-fat vegetarian chowder that tastes richer than its calorie count suggests.

Ginger Broccoli Soup

Ginger broccoli soup steeps fresh grated ginger in vegetable stock with cayenne and lemon, then simmers broccoli florets just to tender. A vibrant, brothy bowl with Ayurvedic roots, ready in 40 minutes.

Very Cheesy Casserole

Packed with healthy whole-grain and cheesy goodness. 3 cheeses, feta, cottage and parmesan cheese plus beans and brown rice. This hearty casserole is tastes great and is loaded with nutritious healthful ingredients.

Classic Tuna Salad

Classic tuna salad with crunchy celery and onion, creamy mayo, tangy dry mustard, and a touch of sweet relish. The quick, crowd-pleasing filling for sandwiches, wraps, or crackers.

Garlic Gazpacho

Spanish-style garlic gazpacho blends fresh tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and raw garlic into a chilled, no-cook summer soup. Vegan, gluten-free, and lemon-bright.

Garlic & Parmesan Popcorn

Pop that popcorn with fresh garlic and dress with parmesan for a garlicky cheesy twist on a quick and easy healthy snack.

Curried Squash Soup

Curried squash soup blends butternut squash with curry powder, cumin, garlic and chicken broth for a velvety low-fat fall starter. Naturally gluten-free, freezer-friendly, ready in under an hour.

Chilled Sonoma Tomato Vegetable Soup

California-style chilled gazpacho built from peak summer tomatoes, English cucumber, red bell peppers, jalapeno, serrano, and a chiffonade of fresh herbs. Vegan, low-fat, and made for blistering Sonoma afternoons.

Capsicum Toast

This open faced toasted capsicum sandwich is delicious as a quick snack or midnight feast. Also good as a healthy lunch for the kids. The secret ingredient is semolina!

Lemon Rice & Pea Chapatis

Indian-style lemon rice and pea chapati wraps with brown rice, mustard seeds, cumin, turmeric, and a bright lemon-tamari finish. Vegan, ready in 25 minutes when rice is pre-cooked.

Grilled Jerk Pork Chops

A seasoning mix that originated in Jamaica, jerk is popular throughout the Caribbean in the preparation of meats such as pork and chicken for grilling. Jerk seasoning typically includes chilies, onion, allspice, and thyme.

Best Black Bean Chili

Black bean chili built on home-ground spices and dried ancho chile. Vegetarian, vegan-adaptable, with toasted cumin and homemade chili powder. Serve over melted cheese with creme fraiche and roasted poblanos.

Carrots-Spicy & Sour

Carrots caramelize in hot oil until golden at the edges, then get tossed with tangy rice vinegar and savory black bean sauce for a quick Asian-inspired side dish with a spicy kick.

Spicy Pepper Butter Fried Turkey

Deep-fried turkey injected with a spicy pepper butter that seasons the bird from the inside out. The same butter mixture doubles as a baste for an oven-roasted version.

Bhel Puri

This is the most commonly sold chaat in the streets of Mumbai. Almost every street has its own friendly bhelwala with his inimitable blends of chutneys and masalas. Bhel is a delectable combination of papadis, puffed rice, sev, onions, potatoes, raw mango and chutneys. The proportions of the various chutneys can be changed to adjust to your personal preferences. Toast the puffed rice to make bhel crisp before using it to make bhel. If you store the puffed rice, sev and papadi and refrigerate or freeze the chutneys, you can rustle up a heavy snack in a jiffy for your hungry kids returning from school.