Turkish Red Pepper Paste (Biber Salçası)

5 from 5 votes
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Turkish red pepper paste, or “biber salçası,” is a flavorful and essential ingredient in Turkish cuisine. Made from Kapya Peppers (Kapya Biberi) and salt, this rich, ruby-red paste adds depth and warmth to a variety of dishes.


Concentrated red pepper sauce, ideal for adding depth and flavor to Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes.


 

This classic Turkish red pepper paste is a versatile flavor enhancer. Spread it on grilled potatoes, spoon it over kebabs and chicken, or stir it into soups, stews, and pasta sauces!

It’s also delicious smothered on Lebanese bread and grilled alongside shish tawook, chicken shawarma, or kafta kababs. Just a few tablespoons can elevate countless dishes, adding a punch of flavor that turns a good recipe into something extraordinary.

You can find it at Middle Eastern markets, but making a batch at home with red or spicy peppers can add an extra kick of joy to your meals! The version I made here uses sweet peppers, allowing you to control the heat and customize the flavor to your preference.


Turkey trip photo

Recipe Highlights

Cultural Influence: Turkish

Suitable for: Vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free diets

Dominant Flavor Profile: Smoky, slightly sweet, with an optional spicy kick

Skill Level Required: Beginner-friendly


A bowl of biber salçası, featuring a deep red color and robust aroma, perfect for enhancing grilled meats and stews.

What Is Red Pepper Paste (Biber Salcasi)?

In the summer, juicy, meaty red peppers are transformed into our flavor-packed biber salçası, or pepper paste, a staple in Turkish cuisine. Traditionally made in southern Turkey, villagers sun-dry freshly picked spicy and mild red peppers on cloth-covered terraces until they become a robust, flavor-packed condiment.

Since I can’t sun-dry peppers, I make my own version of red pepper paste on the stovetop. It takes time but is worth the effort. The homemade paste is fragrant and delicious and full of flavor. You can adjust the spiciness by adding chilies, and it freezes well.

I use pepper paste much like tomato paste, adding richness and depth of flavor to sauces, salads like Turkish Bulgur Salad (Kisir), marinades, and dips such as olive oil bread dip.


Biber Salcasi Ingredients

Red Peppers: You can use either bell peppers or long sweet red peppers (such as kapya peppers). For a spicier paste, you can mix in some hot peppers.

Kosher Salt: This helps to preserve the paste and enhances the flavor. Adjust the amount to taste if needed.


How To Make Turkish Red Pepper Paste

Step 1

Wash and chop 2 pounds of red peppers, removing seeds and membranes.

red bell peppers cut into small cubes on a wooden cutting board

Step 2

Place peppers in a pot, fill halfway with water, bring to a boil, and cook for 1 hour until soft.

cubed red bell peppers covered with water in a pot

Step 3

Drain the water, return the peppers to the pot, and blend until smooth with an immersion blender.

boiled red pepper blended with an immersion blender
smooth red pepper paste blended with an immersion blender

Step 4

Add 2 tablespoons of kosher salt, and simmer on medium heat for 2-3 hours, stirring constantly until the mixture is very thick.

thick turkish red pepper paste after being simmered

Step 5

Transfer to sterilized jars, top with olive oil, seal, and refrigerate.

Thick and savory red pepper paste, a staple in Turkish cuisine, showcased in an elegant ceramic dish.

How to Use Red Pepper Paste?

Turkish red pepper paste is my favorite condiment—it adds incredible depth and flavor to dishes. Just like harissa, this pepper paste has various uses. Here are some ways to get the most out of your pepper paste:

Enjoy for brunch: Spread over Focaccia, topped with olives and a drizzle of olive oil. Add a boiled egg for a delicious brunch! You can also add a tablespoon of biber salcasi to shakshuka for extra flavor!

Marinades: Perfect for meats, fish, or vegetables. Mix with olive oil, garlic, and spices like Aleppo pepper, cumin, and coriander for rich marinades.

Soups: Enhance Turkish lentil soups (Mercimek Çorbası) with a spoonful of pepper paste.

Sauces: Add to vegetarian or meat pasta sauces for enhanced flavor. Perfect for dishes like Roasted Red Pepper Pasta.

Salads: Great in grain and pulse-based salads. Try it in Spicy Bulgur Salad (Kisir) with bulgur, onions, tomatoes, parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil.


Turkish-style red pepper condiment, rich in color and flavor, highlighted in a classic white bowl.

Variations and Substitutions

Spicy: If you prefer a spicier kick, add 2-3 chili peppers or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to your homemade red pepper paste.

Smoky Flavor: Enhance the smokiness by adding a bit of smoked paprika or smoked salt to the paste during preparation.


Storage Tips

Sterilizing: Before storing homemade red pepper paste, sterilize jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes to ensure cleanliness and prolong shelf life. Make sure the jars are completely dry before filling them.

Refrigeration: Store homemade red pepper paste in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps preserve its freshness and flavor for longer periods, typically up to several weeks.

Freezing: If you’ve made a large batch or want to store it for an extended period, red pepper paste freezes well. Divide it into portions and store it in freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays. Thaw only the amount needed for recipes to minimize waste.

Oil Layer: To prevent oxidation, and discoloration, pour a thin layer of olive oil over the surface of the paste in the storage container. This helps create a barrier against air exposure.

Use Clean Utensils: Always use clean utensils when scooping out red pepper paste to avoid contamination and extend its shelf life.


Turkish-style red pepper condiment, rich in color and flavor, highlighted in a classic white bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I adjust the spiciness of the red pepper paste?

Yes, you can easily adjust the spiciness of your red pepper paste. Using sweet red peppers allows you to control the heat level by adding spicy varieties like hot chili peppers to your taste. This way, you can customize the paste to be as mild or as spicy as you prefer.

What dishes can you use red pepper paste in?

Red pepper paste is versatile and enhances a wide range of dishes including stews, pasta sauces, marinades, grilled meats, vegetable dishes, and even pizza toppings. It can also be used as a flavor base in soups and marinades.

Is red pepper paste gluten-free and vegan?

Typically, red pepper paste is gluten-free and vegan as it is made primarily from red peppers and seasonings.

How long does homemade red pepper paste last?

When stored properly in sterilized jars and topped with a layer of olive oil, homemade red pepper paste can last up to 6 months in the refrigerator. The olive oil layer helps to preserve the paste by preventing mold growth.


More Turkish Recipes To Try


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Turkish red pepper paste biber salcasi
5 from 5 votes

Turkish Red Pepper Paste (Biber Salcasi)

A vibrant and versatile Turkish condiment made from concentrated red peppers, perfect for enhancing soups, stews, and grilled dishes.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 2 hours
Total: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 16
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Ingredients 

  • 2 lbs red bell peppers , See notes
  • 2 tbsp kosher salt

Instructions 

  • Cut the peppers into chunks and remove the seeds and membranes.
  • Place peppers in a pot, fill halfway with water, bring to a boil, and cook for 1 hour until soft.
  • Drain the water, return peppers to the pot, and blend until smooth with an immersion blender.
  • Add 2 tablespoons kosher salt, and simmer on medium heat for2 to 3 hours, stirring constantly until the mixture is very thick.
  • Transfer to a clean jar, top with olive oil, seal, and refrigerate.

Video

Notes

Traditionally this recipe is made with Kapya pepper which is a sweet long red pepper. However, if Kapya pepper isn’t available, red bell peppers will do just fine. 

Nutrition

Calories: 15kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.004g | Sodium: 874mg | Potassium: 120mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1.775IU | Vitamin C: 73mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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About Shadi HasanzadeNemati

I'm here to show you how to make delicious Persian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food at home. My easy to follow recipes will bring exciting new flavors to your table!

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5 from 5 votes

5 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I like to add a bit of this paste to everything! It’s so simple and adds the best flavor.

  2. 5 stars
    We made this paste to use as a spread, but then also took your recommendation to use the leftover in a shakshuka. It was delicious! Thanks!

  3. 5 stars
    Wow! This was so easy to make! Excited to put it to use in some recipes this weekend!

  4. 5 stars
    This red pepper paste was packed with flavor and so easy to make! We added it to pasta sauce like you suggested and it totally transformed our dinner last night!