7 Popular Paprika Substitutes

Paprika is a distinctive spice that deserves a spot in your cupboard. However, like with many spices, there may be times when you need it for a recipe but can’t locate it in your spice rack or cupboard.

As a result, it is useful to educate yourself on what may be used as a paprika alternative.

You don’t have to abandon a dish simply because paprika isn’t available! You can cook anything you want as long as you have one of the following items.

The Best Paprika Substitute List

Paprika is a cornerstone in many wonderful dishes, but if you’re out and don’t want to wait or try a new recipe, try a paprika substitute from our list below.

Aleppo Pepper

Aleppo pepper has an intriguing flavor: it’s not as spicy as a jalapeo, but it’s also not as fiery as cayenne. When you add Aleppo pepper to a recipe, it takes on an earthy, smokey flavor with a tomato-like taste.

The intricacy of this spice contributes to its originality, giving you with the distinct paprika-like flavor you want. To replace Aleppo pepper for paprika, use 1 teaspoon for every 1 teaspoon of paprika.

Ancho Powder

When a recipe asks for Hungarian sweet paprika, this is the greatest paprika alternative. Sweet paprika is the most common form of paprika.

It is created from tomato pepper and has a mild flavor. Ancho powder isn’t as spicy as cayenne pepper, but its moderate heat is ideal for adding a hint of fire to your dish. You may also add it to meals to color it. 1 teaspoon ancho powder for 1 teaspoon paprika, taste, and add more if you want it hotter.

Bell Pepper

If you have bell peppers on hand, you can easily manufacture your own paprika alternative! Put sliced peppers on a baking sheet and dehydrate for 6 to 10 hours at 120F.

Next, in a mill grinder, ground the dried bell peppers and sift the powder before using. This paprika alternative is quite fragrant, and the flavor is unique. You may use this powder in place of paprika.

Black or White Pepper

Since it is a pantry staple, black pepper is the most practical paprika alternative. (If black pepper is unavailable, white pepper may be used). The disadvantage of black and white peppers is that they lack the distinctive red tint of paprika. Feel free to use black or white pepper in place of the paprika.

Cajun Spice

Cajun seasoning is a combination of black, white, and cayenne pepper. Since it contains black and white pepper, it is comparable to chili powder. Cajun spice is not as fiery as pure cayenne pepper; it is an excellent option for paprika if you like a moderate spice with a tangy flavor. Cajun may be used in place of paprika.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is the most frequent paprika alternative. Those who are unfamiliar with spices may even mistake cayenne with paprika due to their similar appearance and color.

Cayenne pepper is an excellent hot paprika substitution, but if you’re replacing sweet paprika, be aware that it may be too spicy.

A teaspoon of ordinary paprika is equivalent to just a half teaspoon of cayenne pepper, so use it sparingly as a paprika alternative. Use half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to one teaspoon of ordinary paprika as a replacement.

Chili Powder

Chili powder is a great alternative to cayenne pepper if you prefer a milder taste. It is ideal for this purpose. Chili powder is prepared from either red or cayenne peppers.

Since it is not as hot as cayenne pepper, it is a good substitute for paprika; use the same quantity of chili powder as you would paprika. Chili powder may be used in the same quantity as paprika.

Hot Sauce

Using hot sauce as a paprika replacement works best in situations where flavor takes precedence over color. When it comes to taste, a hot sauce prepared from chili peppers, such as chili sauce and pepper sauce, may be used as a paprika substitute in any dish. Combine equal parts spicy sauce and paprika.

Tomato Juice and Chili Powder

When it comes to color and presentation, tomato juice’s red tint is a fantastic alternative for paprika. Keep in mind that tomato and paprika do not taste the same. Therefore, just as hot sauce adds taste but not color, tomato juice adds color but not spice.

As a result, if you opt to use tomato juice as a paprika alternative, season it with chili powder or hot sauce to enhance the flavor and make it more paprika-like. Use a teaspoon of tomato juice and a sprinkle of chili powder for every teaspoon of paprika.

Is Cayenne Pepper the Same as Paprika?

No. Cayenne pepper is not the same as paprika. Also, cayenne pepper is hotter than paprika. While there are several forms of paprika, none equal to the heat of cayenne pepper.

When replacing paprika for cayenne, be sure your food is clearly meant to be hot. Cayenne pepper should not be used as a replacement to sweet paprika (rather than ordinary, spicy paprika).

Can You Use Cumin Instead of Paprika?

Yes. Cumin and paprika may be used interchangeably as long as the proportions are considered. Cumin is hotter than paprika, so start with half the quantity called for in the recipe. If you want extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or pepper.

Cumin has a similar smokiness and earthy taste to paprika. These spices have a brilliant and lively scarlet hue, which makes them ideal for garnishing dishes.

Can You Use Chipotle Powder in Place of Paprika?

Chipotle powder is made from dried chipotle chillies. Its strong, smokey taste makes it an excellent replacement for smoked hot paprika. One teaspoon chipotle powder equals one teaspoon paprika.

To add a hint of spiciness, use chipotle powder instead of sweet paprika, but only in a tiny quantity, since it may drastically change the flavor of the whole meal. One teaspoon chipotle powder equals one teaspoon paprika.

The Verdict

There are several paprika substitutes available. Nonetheless, there are several aspects to consider before doing so. Be careful to use the appropriate paprika substitution for each meal.

Employing the wrong alternative might modify or ruin the flavor. For example, if the recipe asks for only a hint of spice, don’t add sweet paprika.

Additionally, keep the spiciness of each of these replacements in mind. Each option may generate spiciness ranging from mild to moderate to very intense.

To avoid overpowering the palate, use a reasonable quantity of the paprika alternative in your recipes.

Employing a paprika replacement allows you to use the other spices in your cabinet. If you’re in the midst of preparing supper, you’d want to know the best substitutions to use so you don’t have to stop and hurry to the shop.

Knowing about these great substitutes will help you save time and effort while preparing your favorite dishes.