Turkish Pepper Paste (Biber Salçası): What It Is & How to Use It
Turkish Pepper Paste (Biber Salçası): What It Is & How to Use It
Biber salçası is a thick, concentrated Turkish paste made from red peppers that are cooked down and reduced, sometimes sun-dried, into an intensely savory, slightly sweet or hot condiment. It's a backbone of Turkish cooking, adding deep color and umami to soups, stews, marinades, and rice. A spoonful transforms a dish.
Part of our Ultimate Turkish Pantry guide.
Key takeaways
- Biber salçası is concentrated red pepper paste — a flavor base, not a table sauce.
- It comes in two main types: sweet (tatlı) and hot (acı).
- Use it to build flavor in stews, soups, köfte, marinades, and rice pilaf.
- A little goes a long way — it's far more concentrated than tomato paste.
What does biber salçası taste like?
It's rich, deep, and savory, with a gentle natural sweetness from ripe red peppers and a subtle smokiness. The hot version (acı biber salçası) adds a warming chili kick, while the sweet version (tatlı biber salçası) is all mellow pepper depth. Either way, it brings a brick-red color and an unmistakable umami that defines so many Turkish dishes.
Sweet vs. hot pepper paste — which do you need?
| Type | Flavor | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet (tatlı) | Mellow, deep, slightly sweet | Everyday cooking, mild dishes, kids |
| Hot (acı) | Savory with chili heat | Spicy stews, ezme, marinades |
Many cooks keep both and blend them to taste. You'll find authentic options in our pickles & paste and condiments & sauces collections.
How do you cook with Turkish pepper paste?
- Soups & stews: Sauté a spoonful in oil with onion at the start to build a deep base.
- Marinades: Mix with olive oil, garlic, and spices for chicken, lamb, or köfte.
- Rice & bulgur: Stir a little into pilaf for color and savor.
- Dips: It's a key ingredient in ezme, the spicy Turkish tomato-pepper dip.
- Menemen & eggs: Add a touch for richer, redder scrambled eggs.
Pair it with the right Turkish spices to round out your dishes. For more pantry essentials, browse our canned & jarred food collection. TG Gourmet has supplied authentic Turkish staples to home cooks across the USA since 2003, sealed and shipped with care.
Frequently asked questions
Is biber salçası the same as tomato paste?
No. Tomato paste is concentrated tomato; biber salçası is concentrated red pepper. They're sometimes used together, but pepper paste has a deeper, peppery savor.
Is pepper paste spicy?
Only the hot (acı) version. The sweet (tatlı) version has no chili heat — just deep pepper flavor.
How do you store it after opening?
Refrigerate after opening and smooth the surface with a thin layer of olive oil to help keep it fresh. It typically keeps for several weeks.
Can I substitute it?
In a pinch, a mix of tomato paste and ground red pepper or paprika approximates it, but the authentic depth comes from real pepper paste.
How much should I use?
Start with one to two teaspoons per dish. It's concentrated, so you can always add more to taste.