Buck's Spices

Spice Barista Corner

Spice Barista

From the Spice Barista

How hot are Thai bird chiles, and how should I use them?

A real customer question, curated into a useful guide for cooking, product use, and finding just the right thing.

Thai Red Chile Bird Chili Peppers are much hotter than mild sauce chiles like Chilhuacle Negro or many New Mexico chiles. They bring a bright, direct, lingering heat that belongs in Thai curries, stir-fries, soups, dipping sauces, chile oils, and pickles.

Start with one whole or chopped chile in a dish, especially if you are not sure how much heat you want. Leave the seeds in for more intensity, or shake some out for a slightly softer burn. These are small chiles, but they are not casual.