Not all paprika tastes the same, but that doesn't mean that you can't use one that's different than what's called for in your recipe. For example, you can used spicy paprika in place of sweet, but the final product will have much more of a kick. Smoked paprika will impart a different flavor, too.

Spicy ketchup will obviously be sweeter and very mild in comparison to Sriracha, so as an ingredient, it’s good for big proportions (like for meatloaf). We wouldn’t use it for more authentic chili sauce needs (go with Sriracha there), but based on your recipe context, it can work.

Where It All Began

Another worthy replacement for smoked paprika is ancho chili powder. It’s made from dried and ground ancho chiles. This pepper is more common in Mexican cooking but found its way into the United States by way of Tex Mex cuisine. They offer mild to medium heat that only ranges from 1,000 to 1,500 SHU. It has a deep, smoky and slightly sweet flavor. For this reason, you don’t have to worry as much when using this as a replacement as it won’t overpower your dish as easily compared to chipotle powder. To use as an effective backup, you can incorporate exactly how much a recipe calls for smoked paprika.

Hot paprika, on the other hand, is made from hotter varieties of red peppers, such as cayenne or chili peppers. It has a deeper red color and a much spicier, more intense flavor compared to sweet paprika. Hot paprika adds a fiery kick to dishes and is commonly used in spicy dishes like chili, curry, and spicy sausages. It is also a key ingredient in dishes from regions like Hungary and Spain, where it is used to add heat and flavor to traditional recipes.

What Customers Say: “Slow heat and a long aftertaste. It has a very vinegary aroma that catches the first taste, little bit of garlic, and the heat sort of rises up slowly and lingers long after. It's a perfect combo and must-have for any Cajun flavor fanatics.”

That said, black pepper or white pepper has a distinct spiciness and heat level that can match what paprika brings to the table. In fact, I add the same amount of ground black pepper or white pepper when using it to substitute hot paprika in my recipe.

Paprika is used in a variety of different cuisines but it’s adored by Hungarians. You won’t find a goulash without it. In Spain and Mexico it’s used to flavour chorizo and paella. And in Portugal and Turkey for stews and soups.

WHAT TYPE OF CHILI PEPPER TO USE