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Ingredient substitute

What can you use instead of cayenne pepper?

Red pepper flakes (crushed), Paprika (hot) and Gochugaru (Korean flakes) are the easiest swaps. Below: 5 options with the right amount to use, what changes in the dish and which diets they suit.

The quick answer

Red pepper flakes (crushed). Use the same amount. Less concentrated. Add seeds too.

Adjust: Use slightly more to match heat.

  1. Red pepper flakes (crushed)

    Drop-in swap

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Less concentrated. Add seeds too.

    Flavor
    Same pepper warmth.
    Texture
    Flakes visible.
    Moisture
    None.
    Adjust
    Use slightly more to match heat.
    Best for
    Pizza, Pasta, Pizza

    vegan

  2. Paprika (hot)

    Drop-in swap

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Similar heat. Smoky or sweet varieties.

    Flavor
    Heat + smoky/sweet.
    Texture
    Fine powder.
    Moisture
    None.
    Adjust
    Direct swap.
    Best for
    Goulash, Deviled eggs, Stews

    vegan

  3. Gochugaru (Korean flakes)

    Drop-in swap

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Milder, smoky, slightly sweet.

    Flavor
    Smoky-sweet.
    Texture
    Coarse flakes.
    Moisture
    None.
    Adjust
    Direct swap.
    Best for
    Korean dishes, Kimchi

    vegan

  4. Chili powder

    Small adjustment

    Use ½ of the amount (ratio 1:2)

    Milder. Contains cumin, oregano, garlic.

    Flavor
    Complex blend.
    Texture
    Same.
    Moisture
    None.
    Adjust
    Use 2x amount. Flavor will differ.
    Best for
    Mexican, Tex-Mex

    vegan

  5. Sambal oelek

    Small adjustment

    Use 2× the amount (ratio 2:1)

    Adds garlic and vinegar.

    Flavor
    Garlicky heat.
    Texture
    Coarse paste.
    Moisture
    Water.
    Adjust
    Use twice as much for heat level.
    Best for
    Stir-fries, Asian dishes

    vegan

Common questions

What is the best substitute for cayenne pepper?

Red pepper flakes (crushed) is the closest swap. Use the same amount. Less concentrated. Add seeds too.

What is a vegan substitute for cayenne pepper?

Good vegan options are Red pepper flakes (crushed), Paprika (hot), Gochugaru (Korean flakes) and Chili powder.

How much should I use instead of cayenne pepper?

It depends on the swap. Red pepper flakes (crushed): Use the same amount. Paprika (hot): Use the same amount. Gochugaru (Korean flakes): Use the same amount.

Recipes that use cayenne pepper

Scale it to your recipe

Enter the amount you need and the substitution tool works out the exact quantity. Or ask the chef how the swap will change your dish.

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