A Complete Guide to Chili Peppers from Asia
Introduction
Chili peppers are a staple ingredient across Asia, bringing heat, depth, and complexity to countless traditional dishes. From the fiery Thai Bird’s Eye Chili to the smoky Korean Gochugaru, this guide explores Asian chili varieties, their regions, growing seasons, sauces, spice blends, and best food pairings.
Chili Peppers of East Asia
1. Tien Tsin Chili – China
🔥 Also Known As: Chinese Red Peppers
🔥 Region: Sichuan & Hunan provinces
🔥 Season: Summer to early fall
🔥 Scoville Heat: 50,000-75,000 SHU
🔥 Common Uses: Kung Pao chicken, hot pot, chili oil
🔥 Best Food Pairings: Stir-fries, dumplings, Sichuan peppercorn blends
2. Gochugaru – Korea
🔥 Also Known As: Korean Red Pepper Flakes
🔥 Region: South Korea
🔥 Season: Late summer to fall
🔥 Scoville Heat: 5,000-10,000 SHU
🔥 Common Uses: Kimchi, gochujang paste, stews
🔥 Best Food Pairings: Korean BBQ, noodles, soups
3. Shishito Pepper – Japan
🔥 Also Known As: Japanese Sweet Chili
🔥 Region: Japan
🔥 Season: Summer to fall
🔥 Scoville Heat: 100-1,000 SHU
🔥 Common Uses: Grilled, tempura-fried, soy-based sauces
🔥 Best Food Pairings: Yakitori, rice bowls, sake
East Asian Chili Peppers
Chili Peppers of Southeast Asia
4. Thai Bird’s Eye Chili – Thailand
🔥 Also Known As: Prik Kee Nu
🔥 Region: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia
🔥 Season: Year-round
🔥 Scoville Heat: 50,000-100,000 SHU
🔥 Common Uses: Thai curries, nam prik, spicy salads
🔥 Best Food Pairings: Green papaya salad, stir-fries, coconut-based soups
5. Siling Labuyo – Philippines
🔥 Also Known As: Filipino Bird’s Eye Chili
🔥 Region: Philippines
🔥 Season: Year-round
🔥 Scoville Heat: 80,000-100,000 SHU
🔥 Common Uses: Vinegar infusions, spicy dipping sauces
🔥 Best Food Pairings: Adobo, seafood, street food
6. Vietnamese Chili – Vietnam
🔥 Also Known As: Ớt Hiểm
🔥 Region: Vietnam
🔥 Season: Year-round
🔥 Scoville Heat: 30,000-50,000 SHU
🔥 Common Uses: Pho, chili garlic sauce, nuoc cham
🔥 Best Food Pairings: Noodles, grilled meats, spring rolls
Southeast Asian Chili Peppers
Chili-Based Sauces & Spice Blends from Asia
Sichuan Chili Oil (China)
🔥 Key Peppers: Tien Tsin
🔥 Best With: Dumplings, stir-fries, noodles
Gochujang (Korea)
🔥 Key Peppers: Gochugaru
🔥 Best With: BBQ meats, rice bowls, stews
Sambal Oelek (Indonesia & Malaysia)
🔥 Key Peppers: Thai Bird’s Eye Chili
🔥 Best With: Seafood, grilled chicken, fried rice
Sriracha (Thailand)
🔥 Key Peppers: Thai Bird’s Eye Chili
🔥 Best With: Eggs, burgers, noodles
Nam Prik Pao (Thailand)
🔥 Key Peppers: Thai Bird’s Eye Chili
🔥 Best With: Stir-fries, curries, soups
Chili Vinegar Sauce (Philippines)
🔥 Key Peppers: Siling Labuyo
🔥 Best With: Adobo, grilled meats, lumpia
Asian Chili Sauces & Spice Blends
How to Cook with Asian Chili Peppers
✅ Use dried or fresh depending on the dish. Fresh chilies offer brightness, while dried add depth.
✅ Adjust heat to taste. Asian dishes often balance heat with acidity or sweetness.
✅ Pair chilies with umami-rich ingredients. Soy sauce, miso, and fish sauce enhance chili depth.
✅ Experiment with different spice blends. Many Asian cuisines blend chilies with garlic, ginger, and fermented pastes.
🔥 Shop our premium chili powders, spice blends, and Asian-inspired hot sauces! 🔥
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