7 Substitutes For Red Pepper Flakes

Plenty of alternatives work exceptionally well as substitutes for red pepper flakes. Each of these ingredients brings unique flavor and heat to dishes, making them great options to replace red pepper flakes.

Substitutes For Red Pepper Flakes

The below recommendations are listed in order of “best to worst.” I’ve also noted ratio recommendations and flavor profiles to help you decide which alternative to red pepper flakes works best.

My #1 Tip – Go easy to start if you need to familiarize yourself with the spice level of your selected ingredients. You can always add more, but you can’t remove it.

My #2 Tip – I’ve seen folks recommend paprika as a substitute, but I personally wouldn’t use it. The flavor profile nor the heat level is comparable.

Cayenne Pepper Powder

Cayenne pepper powder is made from ground cayenne peppers and provides a clean, sharp heat that can easily substitute for the heat level of red pepper flakes.

I find this route to be the best substitute as the flavor profile and heat level is the most similar.

Ratio: Use 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder for every 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cayenne tends to be hotter, so start with less and adjust to taste.

Fresh Chili Peppers

Fresh chili peppers are an excellent substitute for red pepper flakes because they offer a similar heat and a fresher flavor. Depending on the variety, you can adjust the heat level to match that of red pepper flakes. You can also use roasted peppers. Here’s a nice write up on How To Roast Peppers.

Ratio: Start with one small, finely chopped chili pepper for every 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Adjust according to taste and the pepper’s heat.

Chili Powder

Chili powder is a blend of ground chili peppers and other spices, including cumin, and paprika. It’s milder than red pepper flakes but adds a complex flavor profile. Due to the use of other spices the flavor isn’t an exact match to red pepper flakes.

Ratio: Use 1 teaspoon of chili powder for every 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Adjust according to taste and desired heat level.

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Crushed Aleppo Pepper

Aleppo pepper has a moderate heat level with a fruity flavor that can be a great substitute for red pepper flakes, especially in Mediterranean dishes.

Ratio: Use 1 teaspoon of crushed Aleppo pepper for every 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Adjust as needed, keeping in mind that Aleppo pepper is usually less spicy.

Sambal Oelek or Other Chili Pastes

Sambal Oelek is a Southeast Asian chili paste that brings a fresh chili flavor and heat to dishes, similar to what you’d expect from red pepper flakes. As it’s a liquid it blends well into sauces and soups, however won’t work if a dry spice is required.

Ratio: Start with 1 teaspoon of Sambal Oelek for every 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, adjusting for personal taste and the dish’s desired heat level.

Hot Sauce

Hot sauce can be a good substitute when you’re looking for both heat and a bit of acidity in your dish. The liquid form can blend well into sauces and soups, however won’t work if you need a dry spice.

Ratio: Because hot sauce varies greatly in heat, start with 1 teaspoon for every 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes and adjust as needed.