Spicy paprika packs a flavorful punch. Its sweet heat and vibrant hue jazz up stews, rubs, chilies, and more. But what if you’re all out of this tasty red powder?
Don’t ditch your dishes! With the right substitutions, you can mimic paprika’s color,
This article explores 12 ingredients to use when your paprika runs dry. You’ll discover:
- Peppery spices that match paprika’s heat
- Powders that provide rich red color
- Blends that recreate smoky, sweet notes
- How to tweak amounts when substituting
With these flavorful fixes, you can save your cooking from bland disaster. Read on to master paprika substitutions! Then turn up the flavor on your dishes, with or without paprika in the mix.
What is Paprika?
Paprika is a ground
Paprika comes in sweet, smoky, and spicy varieties. It adds vibrant color and robust flavor to dishes. Paprika also boasts antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.
12 Handy Substitutes for Spicy Paprika
When you run out of paprika, don’t lose heart. Try these easy-to-find stand-ins:
1. Maras Pepper Flakes
With sweet and spicy notes, maras pepper from the Middle East mimics paprika’s flavor. Use 1⁄2 teaspoon flakes per 1 teaspoon paprika. Add more for extra heat.
2. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne packs more heat than paprika. Use just 1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne for every 1 teaspoon paprika. Blend with sugar for sweetness and salt to cut
3. Cajun Seasoning
This blend contains cayenne, garlic, thyme, oregano, and more. Use 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning for 1 teaspoon paprika. It adds layered flavor.
4. Chipotle Powder
Smoky chipotle chilies make a moderately spicy powder. Substitute 1 teaspoon chipotle powder for 1 teaspoon paprika.
5. Bell Pepper Powder
Dehydrate and grind red bell peppers into a sweet, mild powder. Use 2 teaspoons for every 1 teaspoon paprika.
6. Aleppo Pepper
This Turkish pepper has medium
7. Black Peppercorns
Peppercorns add mild heat without color. Grind them for tomato sauces and Italian dishes.
8. Gochugaru
This Korean pepper blend offers mild
9. Pimentón de la Vera
Smoked Spanish paprika makes an excellent substitute. Swap 1:1 for regular paprika.
10. Chili Powder
Chili powder tastes hotter than paprika. Use less and add slowly until desired heat level.
11. Smoked Sweet Paprika
Short on spicy paprika? Use smoked sweet paprika and add other spices like cayenne for heat.
12. Hungarian Paprika
Another mild, sweet paprika variety. Add cayenne or hot sauce for
Paprika vs. Chili Powder
Paprika and chili powder look similar but taste quite different:
- Paprika has sweet notes while chili powder is spicy.
- Chili powder also contains garlic, cumin, and other seasonings.
- Replace paprika with less chili powder, adjusting until the heat is right.
Choose the Best Substitute for Your Dish
With so many paprika substitutes, which should you use? Consider:
- Spice level – Match heat to the paprika variety called for.
- Flavor – Pick substitutes with sweetness and smokiness where needed.
- Color – Cayenne or chili powder add hue for stews and chilies.
- Preparation – Opt for pre-ground spices instead of whole spices when in a hurry.
With the right stand-in, you can still enjoy paprika’s vibrancy in your cooking. Now turn up the heat on your meals with these flavorful fixes!
