Cooking with red bell peppers can be a joy, thanks to their vibrant colour, sweet flavour, and versatility in various dishes. The most common questions when using red bell peppers often involve how to slice them, how to roast or grill them, and how to stuff them.
Some common problems people encounter when cooking with red bell peppers include overcooking, resulting in a mushy texture, and undercooking when you're aiming for fully softened and caramelized peppers. Roasting can also be a challenge, as the skin can burn quickly under high heat.
To get the most out of your red bell peppers, always remove the seeds and the white pith, as these parts can be bitter. Roast, grill, or sauté them on medium heat to preserve the sweet flavour while giving a deliciously charred and soft texture. You can also use them raw in salads, salsas, or sauces for a pop of fresh, sweet taste.
Here's a little known tip: to easily remove the skin after roasting, put the hot pepper into a plastic bag and seal it. Wait 15 minutes, then rub the skin off.
A fun trick to test the ripeness of a pepper is to give it a gentle shake. If you hear a slight rattling sound, it means the seeds inside are loose and the pepper is at peak ripeness.
How do I slice a red bell pepper?
How do I roast a red bell pepper?
How do I grill a red bell pepper?
How can I stuff a red bell pepper?
Why is my cooked bell pepper too crisp or too soft?
Can I eat the seeds and white parts of a bell pepper?
Can I eat red bell peppers raw?
Are red bell peppers spicy?
How can I easily peel a roasted bell pepper?
How can I tell if a bell pepper is ripe?