8 Uses for Calabrian Chili Peppers

Cooking with Calabrian chili peppers, A.K.A. Italian Bomba Sauce (Trader Joe's brand) is one of the best ways to add delicious spice to your home cooking. Let this post serve as a suggestion: buy a jar! Keep them in your refrigerator, and refer to the list below when you need a Calabrian Chili recipe or idea.

Which Calabrian Chili Peppers should I buy?

Look for chopped or crushed Calabrian chili peppers in oil, which are different from chopped cherry peppers or "sandwich spread." Both are perfectly good condiments, but they're different types of peppers, so they're not interchangeable.

Trader Joe's Italian Bomba Hot Pepper Sauce

Trader Joe's calls their crushed Calabrian chili peppers "Italian Bomba Hot Pepper Sauce", made of crushed fermented peppers with small amounts of oil and vinegar. They pack a good amount of heat, and the fermentation makes them incredibly flavorful! These are my go-to.

Cento "Calabrese Pepperoncino"

Additionally, Cento brand's chopped Calabrian chili peppers are also tasty. They call them "Calabrese Pepperoncino" which is Italian for "Calabrian Pepper." Many large grocery stores sell Cento products, so this one may be a more accessible option.

Tutto Calabria

Finally, many Italian delis and specialty markets (and Amazon.com) sell Tutto Calabria Brand Calabrian Chili Peppers. Tuttocalabria is an Italian company that produces its products in the Calabria region of Italy.

Or simply, order them online

8 Calabrian Chili Recipes for everyday cooking

1: Scramble them into scrambled eggs

Calabrian chili peppers are absolutely perfect in scrambled eggs. Not only do they satisfy the need for something spicy, but they also give scrambled eggs a beautiful orange hue. They resemble the color of a sunrise! How symbolic.

To make Calabrian Chili scrambled eggs beat them into the eggs, then scramble the eggs as you normally would. Low and slow is a very popular method, but for weekdays I prefer a high heat/ fast scramble. This way they cook quickly but without browning. Remove them from the heat while they're still a little shiny. Serve immediately.

I typically add my chili-beaten eggs to a sauté of veggies for a more flavorful and nutrient-packed breakfast.

2: Calabrian Chili Spicy Mayo

I love good spicy mayo, as long as it's actually spicy. However, sometimes it just tastes like regular mayonnaise with a slight aftertaste of Sriracha. So instead I make my own by combining 1Tb Calabrian chili peppers with ¼c mayonnaise. As always, season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

This spicy creamy condiment is perfect for amping up the flavor of turkey clubs, burgers, and even grilled cheeses. You can also use it as a substitute for regular mayo when making cole slaw.

Try making a sandwich with TWO homemade ingredients- Homemade Pepper Turkey and homemade spicy mayo. Serve on whole grain bread with diced cornichon pickles.

3: Spicy Vodka Sauce with Peas

Spicy Vodka Sauce with Farfalle and Peas is an On the Bias favorite. I created this recipe because there aren't enough red pepper flakes in the world to make penne alla vodka spicy enough for me. Instead, the recipe breaks from tradition and uses Calabrian chili peppers alongside the usual tomato paste. It also calls for creme fraiche instead of heavy cream.

4: Tuna Salad with Calabrian Chili Peppers

For a spicy Italian-American tuna salad crossover, combine 2 cans of tuna with 1Tb of each: Calabrian chilis, mustard, mayo, capers, and diced red onion. Add a touch of oil and vinegar, season with salt and pepper and viola. Serve on toast and top with fresh parsley.

5: Peanut and Calabrian Chili Shrimp Wraps

These shrimp utilize Calabrian chili peppers and peanut butter for a spicy nutty flavor profile. They're perfect for wrapping in a crisp lettuce wrap with luscious white rice. Click here for the recipe

This recipe uses Italian Bomba to spice up the peanut and soy based sauce for these delightful shrimp wraps.

6: Flank Steak with Calabrian Chili Butter

Use a fork to combine 3Tb butter and 1Tb Calabrian Chili Peppers in a small bowl. Sear a flank steak like you normally would. Use the Calabrian chili butter to baste the flank steak for the final 1 minute of cooking.

Here's a more in-depth TikTok video on how to make Flank Steak with Calabrian Chili Butter.

7: Calabrian Chili Oil

Whisk the Calabrian Chili Peppers with olive oil and use it as a topping for pizza, pasta, eggs, toast, and more. This recipe for Lemon Ricotta Pizza with Calabrian Chili Oil is one of On the Bias's most popular recipes!

One of my favorite Calabrian chili recipes, as it's flavorful, beautiful, easy, and impressive!

8: Calabrian Chili Marinated Butter Beans

This is the newest Calabrian Chili recipe to OTB. Make these Calabrian Chili Marinated Butter Beans with just 5 ingredients. And that includes salt! They're a perfect addition to appetizer platters, roasted fish dishes, and salads.