Explore culinary adventure or chili pepper love with these carolina reaper recipes to learn how to utilize the world’s hottest pepper.
No, eating Carolina Reaper and other super-hot peppers won’t kill you; however, too much capsaicin may lead to overdose. There have been reports of people being hospitalized after indulging in super hot peppers; most likely it’s related to an existing medical condition or allergies.
Chili
Capsaicin adds an unexpected kick to classic comfort food chili dishes. Be careful when handling it and sprinkle your chili powder – capsaicin can burn skin and irritate eyes and noses!
Smoked Carolina Reaper peppers can be used to craft delectable condiments and spice rubs with their bold flavor combination of rich smokiness and spicy heat. Furthermore, they add depth and spice to dishes like chili and stews.
Jam
Rehydrated and finely chopped Carolina Reaper whole pods make an ideal ingredient in jams and jellies, providing the ideal combination of sweet and spicy flavors. Their natural fruity sweetness balances against the intensity of pepper to produce an unforgettable taste sensation that is both tantalizing and addictive.
Always use a thermometer and perform the “sheet test” to ensure that your jam will set (drop a spoonful onto a frozen plate and see if it stays together – then enjoy on toast or biscuits!).
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread can be prepared using any long loaf of ciabatta, French baguette or another type of bread cut into halves and spread with butter, garlic, parsley and Parmesan cheese before grilling or baking in an oven until toasted.
Combine Carolina Reaper flakes into caramel sauce for an irresistibly spicy treat, or drizzle them over ice cream or brownies for an unexpected heat sensation.
Caramel Sauce
The Carolina reaper pepper stands out among other super spicy varieties due to its remarkable balance of heat and flavor, setting itself apart from others in this group. This roasted salsa recipe incorporates Guajillo chiles for vibrant fruity body, while honey adds rich sweetness for balance.
Once your caramel has reached a deep amber color, remove from the heat and slowly drizzle in (room temperature) heavy cream while whisking. You may add flavoring here if desired.
Aioli
Add pepper flakes to aioli for an unexpectedly spicy kick, providing the sweet flavors of the aioli as the ideal counterpoint to its intense heat.
Add Reaper powder to mayonnaise and mustard for an explosive spread, then drizzle it on grilled vegetables or use it to create deviled eggs. Sweet ingredients such as sugar or vinegar can help temper its intensity of capsaicin.
Grilled Cheese
No other comfort food beats the taste and convenience of an expertly made grilled cheese! Take it one step further by giving this classic comfort food an exciting Carolina Reaper twist!
Add ingredients with creamy textures to help reduce the heat of Carolina Reaper peppers, such as adding yogurt or cheese into spicy curry or chili dishes. These will balance out their fiery heat for an enjoyable dining experience.
Ramen Soup
The world’s hottest pepper offers an intense flavor profile that’s even more enhanced when combined with ingredients that complement it, such as roasting. When used this way, these peppers create an irresistibly tart salsa whose lingering heat tantalizes the senses.
Carolina Reaper peppers are widely used in Caribbean cuisine to add a spicy kick to dishes such as stews and marinades. When combined with other spices, they create an interesting jerk seasoning which is used for grilling meats and seafood alike.
Cajun Pasta
Creamy Cajun pasta is an easy dish that is sure to please spicy food enthusiasts. Pair this creamy Cajun dish with air fryer vegetables or roasted broccolini for a complete meal!
Use any type of pasta you enjoy when creating this dish, while adding extra flavor and crunch with chopped white onion. Additionally, for vegetarian-friendly versions of this recipe use Andouille sausage in place of chicken while decreasing cajun seasoning to achieve meatless options.
Tequila Margarita
Balance of flavors is of utmost importance when cooking with Carolina Reaper peppers. Sweet ingredients such as fruits or honey can provide natural sweetness that helps offset capsaicin’s intense heat while providing complementary flavor profiles in dishes made with these potent peppers. Acidic ingredients may also tame this fiery heat while providing complementary profiles in dishes made with these fiery peppers.
Experience Carolina Reaper salsa as both an accompaniment for tortilla chips or as a marinade for grilled meats – this versatile recipe will please spice lovers everywhere!