Black pepper
Also called peppercorn
Pepper's bite and aroma fade fast once ground, so freshly cracked is the way to go.
Flavor profile
Aroma: sharp, woody, piney
Good to know
Origin: India
Forms: whole peppercorn, cracked, ground
Storage: Keep whole peppercorns in a sealed jar and grind just before use.
How to use black pepper
Grind fresh
Grinding at the table keeps the volatile aroma that pre-ground pepper has lost.
Toast whole
A quick dry-pan toast brings out warm, citrusy notes before cracking.
What goes with black pepper
- Parmesan. Pepper's sharp heat contrasts with parmesan's nutty salt, as in pepper-crusted cheese and cacio e pepe variants.
- Salt. Salt sharpens flavor while pepper adds piperine heat and aroma, so the two season nearly every savory dish.
- Turmeric. Pepper's sharp heat cuts turmeric's muddy earthiness, a staple pairing in curries.
- Lemon. Lemon's acidity highlights black pepper's piquant notes differently.
- Olive oil. Olive oil disperses pepper's piquant heat evenly.
- Egg. Black pepper's spice cuts through egg's inherent richness.
- Tomato. Tomato's acidity and sweetness offset pepper's heat.
- Butter. Butter's creaminess softens the heat from black pepper.
- Beef Chuck. Black pepper's spiciness lifts beef chuck's umami.
- Quinoa. Black pepper's spiciness gives quinoa a needed kick.
Mistakes to avoid
- Adding lots at the start of a long cook, where it turns harsh and bitter.
- Relying on pre-ground pepper that has sat for months.
Ideas for tonight
- Crack coarsely over a steak just before searing.
- Finish pasta with plenty of fresh pepper and cheese.
- Pair with turmeric in a curry.
Black pepper: questions
What does black pepper taste like?
Pepper's bite and aroma fade fast once ground, so freshly cracked is the way to go. Its strongest notes are pungent, warm, with an aroma that is sharp, woody, piney.
What goes well with black pepper?
Black pepper pairs best with parmesan, salt, turmeric, lemon, olive oil. Pepper's sharp heat contrasts with parmesan's nutty salt, as in pepper-crusted cheese and cacio e pepe variants.
How do you use black pepper in cooking?
Grind fresh: grinding at the table keeps the volatile aroma that pre-ground pepper has lost.
How should you store black pepper?
Keep whole peppercorns in a sealed jar and grind just before use.
What is the most common mistake with black pepper?
Adding lots at the start of a long cook, where it turns harsh and bitter.
