Cayenne pepper powder is made from grinding dried cayenne peppers. This brightly colored red powder packs a punch of heat and has a multitude of uses, both in the kitchen and for health.
Let's explore all the ways you can use cayenne pepper powder to add flavor and spice to your life.
Add Heat and Spice to Meals
The most obvious use of cayenne pepper powder is to add heat and spice to your cooking. Cayenne packs quite the kick thanks to its high levels of capsaicin, the active compound that gives peppers their heat. Just a pinch can transform a boring dish into an explosion of flavor.
Sprinkle cayenne pepper powder on everything from eggs, pasta, pizza, meats, and vegetables. You only need to use a little bit to get that spicy heat. Start with just 1/8 teaspoon in a dish and add more if you want more kick. Because cayenne powder is so potent, it's easy to overdo it. It's better to gradually increase the cayenne rather than dump in too much at once.
Cayenne goes especially well with Tex-Mex dishes like tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and fajitas. It's also excellent in Cajun cuisine, curries, chili, soups, stews, and marinades for meat and fish. Mix it into spice rubs and marinades. Add it to tomato sauces and salsas. The uses are endless when cooking with cayenne!
Make Your Own Spice Blends
Cayenne pepper is a key ingredient in many spice blends and seasoning mixes. Add it to your own homemade blends to give them an extra kick.
Some blends that pair well with cayenne powder include:
- Taco seasoning - Mix cayenne with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt.
- Cajun seasoning - Cayenne plus paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and black pepper makes a classic Cajun flavor.
- Chili powder - For homemade chili powder, blend mild dried chilies with cayenne pepper.
- Five spice powder - Traditional Chinese five spice contains cayenne along with cinnamon, fennel, star anise, and cloves.
- Jerk seasoning - Cayenne brings the heat to blends with allspice, thyme, garlic, and more.
When making your own spice blends, start with just a little cayenne and add more to taste. Its fiery flavor will spread throughout the mix.
Use in Dips and Sauces
Liven up dips, sauces, and condiments with a dose of cayenne powder. It adds a spicy zing that pairs perfectly with creamy, tangy, or savory flavors.
Transform basic dips by stirring in just a pinch of cayenne. Try it in guacamole, hummus, bean dips, and yogurt-based dips. Just a dash will perk up the flavor.
For sauces and condiments like ketchup, marinara sauce, aioli, or barbecue sauce, start with 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne per cup of sauce. Add more to amp up the heat. But go slowly, as too much cayenne can easily overwhelm other flavors.
If you like things really spicy, use cayenne powder as the base for homemade hot sauces. Blend it with vinegar, garlic, and any other spices you like. You can make the sauce as mild or fiery as you want!
Perk Up Snacks and Appetizers
Cayenne pepper powder is an easy way to add some zip to snacks and appetizers. Just a sprinkle will transform boring nibbles into exciting ones with a kick of heat.
Coat nuts and seeds with a mixture of cayenne, oil, and salt before roasting for spicy snack mixes. Or sprinkle cayenne on top of plain popcorn for an instant flavor boost.
Liven up crackers and bread by mixing cayenne into homemade breadcrumb coatings before frying. Add a pinch to cheese straws or cheese scones for an unexpected bite.
For spicy party mixes, coat cereal, pretzels, or crackers with olive oil and cayenne powder. Bake until crisp for an addictively spicy snack.
You can even use cayenne to spice up fresh fruits. Try dipping strawberries in chocolate mixed with cayenne for an amazing sweet-spicy treat.
Use Cayenne for Health Benefits
In addition to flavoring food, cayenne pepper powder has numerous potential health benefits thanks to its active compound capsaicin. Studies show it may help reduce inflammation, pain, and risk of chronic diseases.
You can take cayenne powder daily by:
- Stirring it into juice, tea, or lemonade
- Swallowing capsules containing cayenne
- Blending it into smoothies
- Adding it to soups and stews
Start with just 1/8 teaspoon per day and slowly increase the amount as your body adjusts to the heat. Drinking it diluted in warm liquids makes it easier to consume.
Cayenne pepper creams can be applied to sore muscles or joints. Capsaicin offers pain relief when used topically. Just wash your hands after applying to avoid accidentally rubbing it near your eyes or nose.
Make Spicy Drinks
Add an extra dimension to beverages by incorporating cayenne pepper powder. Its heat pairs nicely with the creamy sweetness of hot chocolate or chai tea.
For an energizing pick-me-up, blend cayenne into smoothies along with sweeter ingredients like fruit, juice, honey, or maple syrup to balance the heat.
Mix just a pinch into hot cocoa or chai tea for a touch of spice. Start with 1/16 teaspoon per cup of liquid.
You can even make spicy lemonade or fruit punch with cayenne powder. The tangy citrus flavors balance beautifully with the heat.
FAQ
What's the difference between cayenne pepper and chili powder?
Cayenne pepper is made from just one type of chili pepper, while chili powder is a blend of several ground chilies and other spices like cumin, oregano, and garlic powder. Cayenne tends to be much spicier than most chili powder blends.
Is it safe to take cayenne pepper every day?
When consumed in moderate amounts, cayenne pepper is generally safe to use daily. Start with small amounts like 1/8 teaspoon and gradually increase over time as your body adjusts to the heat. Avoid overdoing it, as too much cayenne can cause stomach upset.
What dishes pair well with cayenne pepper?
Cayenne complements bold, savory flavors like eggs, meat, chili, curries, and Tex-Mex dishes. It also balances nicely with creamy and tangy ingredients. Try using it in sauces, dips, marinades, rubs, and spice blends.
Can you use cayenne pepper on your skin?
Yes, creams containing capsaicin from cayenne peppers can be applied topically to provide pain relief. Always wash your hands after applying cayenne cream to avoid irritation from accidentally rubbing your eyes.
Conclusion
Cayenne pepper powder is one of the most versatile spices around. Its intense heat and bright red color lend intrigue and excitement to dishes spanning appetizers to mains to beverages.
Use it to add a spicy kick or subtle warmth to your food or take it daily for potential health benefits.
With so many ways to use it in the kitchen and beyond, stock up on cayenne powder to spice up your cooking routine.