Chinese crushed red pepper, also known as Chinese chili flakes, brings a bold, spicy flavor to dishes. These flakes are made from dried chili peppers and are widely used in Chinese cuisine to add heat and aroma to stir-fries, noodle dishes, and sauces. Chinese crushed red pepper varies in heat level, with some varieties offering a mild warmth suitable for enhancing flavors without overwhelming dishes, while others provide a fiery kick that intensifies the heat.

Red pepper flakes are hotter than paprika, so we recommend substituting ⅓ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for every 1 teaspoon of paprika. Add more to taste if you want more heat. 

Paprika oleoresin is a natural food coloring and flavoring agent that is derived from the paprika pepper. It is commonly used in a variety of food products to provide a vibrant red color and a mild peppery taste. Paprika oleoresin is made by extracting the pigments and essential oils from dried paprika peppers, resulting in a concentrated liquid form.