Thai Chili Flakes Recipe (Prik Bon)

Praew November 9, 2023 0 Comments

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Thai chili flakes recipe, also known as prik bon, is your ticket to spicy meals! Forget store-bought versions, this quick and easy homemade condiment adds heat to everything from noodles to soups and many more.

Thai chili flakes in a black spoon on a wooden background.

Looking for more Thai condiments? Check out my toasted rice powder, the spicy prik nam pla, and these irresistible crispy fried garlic bits.

Table of Contents

What is red chili flakes

Red chili flakes is a table condiment made by crushing dried red chilies. These spicy crushed flakes add heat and a pop of color to many dishes like soups, marinades, and noodles.

Why make homemade Thai chili flakes

Creating your own prik bon (พริกป่น) at home is so simple, there’s no need to get store-bought. Simply get some dried chili peppers at any Asian grocery store and make them yourself.

Close-up of Thai chili flakes in mortar with pestle.

No additives or preservatives. Making homemade condiments means you’re keeping it healthy and natural.
Customize the heat. Unlike the store-bought versions, you can control the type of chili you use and so the spiciness. You can balance between mild to very spicy.
Always at hand. They’re so easy to make, you will never run out. All you need is 10–20 minutes, and you got yourself a large batch.
Cost-effective. Buying dried chilies in bulk is far more budget-friendly. Dried chilies last a long time in a cool, dry place.
Long shelf life. When stored properly, red pepper flakes last a long time.
Traditional. Pounding Thai red chili flakes with a mortar and pestle is authentic and traditional.

What kind of chilies to use

Bird’s eye chilies are my go-to for making Thai chili flakes.

Top-view of red chili flakes in mortar with pestle.

However, you can play around and experiment with different flavors or heat levels, there are plenty of options.

Thai Jinda chilies: These Thai chilies are spicy, but not as spicy as bird’s eye chilies.
De Arbol Chilies: They’re a bit more Mexican, but have a heat profile similar to Thai chilies.
Guajillo Chilies: While not Thai, they provide a moderate heat and a hint of berry sweetness.

No matter which chilies you use, it’s important to dry them properly. You can purchase dried chilies at most grocery stores or at Asian markets.

Alternatively, you can get dried Jinda chilies at Amazon.

How to make chili flakes

Making homemade dried Thai chili flakes is easy. Dry out your chilies and crush them into flakes. You can use a traditional mortar and pestle or simply use a food processor.

Roast the chilies. Remove stems from dried chilies and toast them in a frying pan or cast iron pan over low heat. Keep stirring to avoid burning. Open your windows or do this outside.
Cool down. Take the chilies off the heat and let them cool down before continuing.
Pound or mix. Pound the dried chilies to make roasted Thai chili flakes with a mortar and pestle. Crush them into a fine powder or chunky bits. Alternatively, you can use a food processor to save time.

Kitchen tools

Few tools are needed for this chili flakes recipe:

Mortar and pestle or food processor
Non-stick frying pan with spatula

How to use

With homemade red pepper flakes, you can turn any dish into spicy food. There’s no need to have fresh chilies on hand.

You can use them to spice up anything from noodles, salads, stews, fried rice, and many more.

Recipes with Thai chili flakes:

How to store

After making a big batch, you want to store it correctly to increase the shelf life.

Let your Thai chili flakes cool off to room temperature.
Transfer them to an airtight container like a mason jar.
Store the container in a cool, dark place.

Frequently asked questions

Are red chili flakes the same as red pepper flakes?

No. Red chili flakes is typically made from a single type of red chili, while pepper flakes is a blend of various peppers, offering a different heat profile.

How hot are Thai chili flakes?

Thai chili flakes are often hotter than standard pepper flakes, with a heat level that can vary from 50,000 to 100,000 Scoville units, depending on the chilies used.

How can I adjust the spiciness?

You can control the spiciness by removing the chili seeds, or using a mild type of chili. When garnishing, use fewer chili flakes to reduce spiciness.

More Thai condiments you’ll love

Dry roasted peanuts recipe
Thai chili paste – Nam prik pao.
Prik nam som – Thai chili vinegar sauce.
Nam jim jaew
Prik nam pla

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Print Recipe

Thai Chili Flakes Recipe (Prik Bon)

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 5 min Cook Time 10 min Total Time 15 mins

Servings: 1 Calories: 20

Description

Easy-to-make Thai chili flakes to spice up your meals.

Ingredients

Servings

2 ounces dried chilies (to taste)

Instructions

Roast the chilies. Remove stems from dried chilies and toast them in a frying pan or cast iron pan over low heat. Keep stirring to avoid burning. Open your windows or do this outside.
Cool down. Take the chilies off the heat and let them cool down before continuing.
Pound or mix. Pound the dried chilies to make roasted Thai chili flakes with a mortar and pestle. Crush them into a fine powder or chunky bits. Alternatively, you can use a food processor to save time.