Black pepper
Pungency from piperine, aroma from terpenes in the outer layer. The terpenes volatilise within minutes of grinding, which is the whole argument for grinding to order; piperine itself is stable, so pre-ground pepper stays hot while going flat. Unrelated to Sichuan peppercorn in every respect: different plant family, different active compound, different sensation. Where a Chinese recipe wants a background pepper note, white pepper is usually the intended one, being earthier and less aromatic.
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Substitutes
oneWhite pepper
Ingredient 98Recipes using it
twelveSouth African Pepper Steak Pie
Shin, oxtail and tendon braised in merlot and set in their own gelatin, frozen as pucks and baked in individual puff pastry pies.
South African · Second revision · 22 OCT 2026Roasted beef, marrow, chicken and lamb bones held at a light simmer overnight, with no salt
French · First revision · 21 OCT 2026Poached eggs on garlic quark, with chilli butter and a heavy herb mix
Turkish · First revision · 13 OCT 2026Anthony Bourdain's Steak Tartare
Les Halles bistro tartare, chopped by hand and mixed at the last minute
French · First revision · 13 OCT 2026Sauce Périgueux Spaghettini with Seared Duck Breast
A demi-glace truffle sauce on spaghettini, with cold-pan duck breast and a bitter leaf salad
French · First revision · 13 OCT 2026Sichuan architecture on a Japanese noodle, bound in a cold silken tofu emulsion
Sichuan · Second revision · 13 OCT 2026Yolk-only carbonara with guanciale, pecorino and Grana Padano
Italian · First revision · 13 OCT 2026Pan-Seared Duroc Pork Chop, Demi-Glace and Mustard Sauce
Dry-brined 2.5 cm chops, fat cap rendered, turned every 30 s, thyme-garlic butter baste
British · Second revision · 13 OCT 2026A refrigerator pickle of jalapeño rounds in a warm spirit and cider vinegar brine. Ready in 24 hours. Best crunch in the first 3 to 4 weeks.
Mexican · Second revision · 13 OCT 2026Seven batches. The first one cut to a spec rather than to the seam.
South African · Seventh revision · 13 OCT 2026Spatchcocked chicken in a pounded paste, cooked upright beside wood coals
Isaan · First revision · 13 OCT 2026Fan oven with a steam tray below, then the top grill for the char
Isaan · First revision · 23 SEP 2026