Red Chilli PasteRed chilli paste is a thick, spoonable paste made from red chillies. It is used to add heat, colour and flavour to stir-fries, curries, noodles and marinades.The paste is smooth and deep red. It melts into hot oil and sauces, so the heat spreads evenly through the dish. Fresh chillies or dried flakes can leave some bites hotter than others, and a paste avoids that.Ways to Use Red Chilli PasteRed chilli paste works as a base for quick sauces and as a finishing touch at the table. These are some of the dishes home cooks make with it: Stir-fried noodles and egg fried rice Curry sauces, from Thai-style curries to simple tomato-based ones Marinades for chicken, prawns, tofu or paneer Noodle soups and broths A spicy dip, stirred into mayonnaise or yoghurt Spread thinly on a sandwich or wrap How to Cook with Red Chilli PasteRed chilli paste tastes best when it is fried briefly in a little hot oil before other ingredients go in. This takes away the raw edge and brings out a deeper flavour.The heat of a chilli paste can vary a lot, so start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you cannot take it out. For a marinade, loosen the paste with a spoonful of oil or water so it coats the food evenly.Red Chilli Paste or Fresh Chillies?Red chilli paste is easier to measure than fresh chillies. There is no chopping, no deseeding and no need to wash your hands afterwards. Fresh chillies give a sharper, brighter taste. A paste gives a rounder, more even heat that suits slow-cooked sauces and marinades.Red Chilli Paste FAQHow much red chilli paste should I use?Start with about half a teaspoon to one teaspoon per portion. Taste the dish, then add a little more if you want extra heat.Can I use red chilli paste instead of fresh chillies?Yes, red chilli paste can replace fresh chillies in most cooked dishes. Add it in small amounts, because the strength differs from one paste to another.Should I cook red chilli paste before adding it to a dish?Frying it in oil for a minute or so gives the best flavour. You can also stir it straight into a hot sauce, soup or dip.Add red chilli paste to your basket, ready for your next stir-fry, curry or marinade.