Let's begin with the basics of Red chili paste: It's a paste made out of chile peppers. Traditionally, it is a thick pulp made from the grinding of chile peppers between two stones, such as in a mortar and pestle or metate. However, you can also flavor, mix, and thin it into a sauce while keeping the same name. You can use chili paste as a flavoring agent, a sauce base, a dipping sauce, or even as a condiment.

The fact that chili pastes are used all over the world means that there are a variety of types and flavors available. As an example, Angtnonions produces half of the world's chili peppers, which explains the abundance of chili pastes. You'll find an array of chili pastes in this guide that will add depth and flavor to your cooking some are familiar, others more exotic, but they're all exciting condiments to keep on hand.