Smoked paprika is a key ingredient in many dishes. It gives food a smoky flavor that can’t be replicated with any other spice.
But what do you do when you’re out of smoked paprika and don’t want to skip the dish you’ve been planning all week?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll list substitutes for smoked paprika and explain how to use them.
We’ll also provide examples of recipes where these substitutes work perfectly!
Substitutes for Smoked Paprika
- Chili Sauce
- Liquid Smoke
- Smoked Sea Salt
- Pimenton De La Vera
- Ancho Pepper Powder
- Guajillo Pepper Powder
- Chipotle Powder
- Tomato Powder
- Chili Powder
- Cajun Spice
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Cayenne Pepper
- Hungarian Paprika Powder
- Sweet Paprika Powder
- Regular Paprika Powder
Chili Sauce
Chili sauce can be used as a substitute for smoked paprika. It is made from peppers that have been cooked and then pureed.
This puree can be used as a substitute for smoked paprika.
The benefits of using chili sauce as a substitute are that it is easier to find and it is less expensive.
When using chili sauce as a substitute, it is important to keep in mind that it may change the flavor of the dish slightly.
Liquid Smoke
Liquid smoke is a concentrated form of smoke that is used to flavor food.
It is made by burning wood chips or other plant materials and then capturing the resulting smoke in the water.
This produces a highly concentrated form of smoke that can be used to flavor meats, fish, vegetables, and even baked goods.
When used as a substitute for smoked paprika, liquid smoke can provide a more intense flavor to the dish.
It is also a suitable substitute for other smoked spices, such as chipotle powder or smoked chili flakes.
While it may not be an exact replacement for smoked paprika, liquid smoke can be a good way to add some smoky flavor to your dishes.
Smoked Sea Salt
Smoked sea salt makes an excellent substitute for smoked paprika in many cases.
For one, it has a more intense flavor, meaning you can use less of it to achieve the desired effect.
Additionally, it works well in both sweet and savory dishes, providing a depth of flavor that smoked paprika might otherwise lack.
Finally, it is also relatively inexpensive and easy to find, making it a convenient substitute for those who might not have access to smoked paprika.
Pimenton De La Vera
Pimenton de la Vera is a type of smoked paprika that originates from the La Vera region of Spain.
This particular variety of paprika is made from peppers that are smoked over some time, resulting in a deep, rich flavor.
Pimenton de la Vera is typically sold in three different grades, depending on the level of smoke flavor.
Because it is made from smoked peppers, Pimenton de la Vera can be used as a substitute for smoked paprika in many recipes.
It imparts a similar smoky flavor without being as intense as some other smoked paprika.
When substituting Pimenton de la Vera for smoked paprika, it is important to keep in mind that the smoke flavor will be more pronounced.
As a result, you may want to use less than the recipe calls for.
Additionally, Pimenton de la Vera is available in both sweet and hot varieties, so be sure to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Ancho Pepper Powder
Ancho pepper powder is made from dried ancho peppers, which are a type of chili pepper.
It has a deep red color and a slightly sweet flavor, with hints of chocolate and coffee.
When used as a substitute for smoked paprika, it will give the dish a similar smoky flavor, without being too spicy.
Ancho pepper powder is also a good choice for those who are looking for a gluten-free or vegan option, as it does not contain any animal products.
Many supermarkets carry ancho pepper powder, making it easy to find, and it typically costs less than smoked paprika.
Guajillo Pepper Powder
The Guajillo pepper is a common ingredient in Mexican cuisine, and its powder can be used as a smoked paprika substitute.
Guajillo powder has a similar flavor profile to smoked paprika, with a touch of sweetness and a hint of heat.
It can be used in any recipe that calls for smoked paprika, from stews and soups to grilled meats and vegetables.
Additionally, the powder can be used to add flavor and color to rubs and marinades.
When using Guajillo powder as a substitute for smoked paprika, it is important to keep in mind that it is slightly milder than its counterpart.
As such, you may need to use a bit more Guajillo powder to achieve the desired flavor profile.
Additionally, the powder can add a slight red hue to your dish. If this is not desired, you may want to experiment with other substitutes, such as chili powder or cumin.
Chipotle Powder
Chipotle powder is made from smoked, dried jalapeño peppers and can be used as a substitute for smoked paprika.
The smoky flavor of chipotle powder adds depth to dishes such as chili, stews, and roasted vegetables.
Tomato Powder
Tomato powder can be used as a smoked paprika substitute in many cases.
The benefits of using tomato powder include the intense flavor it imparts, as well as the fact that it doesn’t alter the color of your dish like smoked paprika can.
Tomato powder is suitable to be used in barbecue sauces, dry rubs, and chili powders.
It compares favorably to other substitutes like chili powder and paprika, as it has a more intense flavor and won’t change the color of your dish.
When substituting tomato powder for smoked paprika, keep in mind that you may need to add a little extra liquid to your recipe to compensate for the absorbency of the tomato powder.
Chili Powder
Chili powder is a common spice that can be used as a substitute for smoked paprika.
It has a similar flavor profile, with a slightly smoky taste and a hint of heat.
Chili powder is available in both mild and spicy varieties, so you can choose the level of heat that you prefer.
It is also relatively inexpensive, making it a great budget-friendly option.
When substituting chili powder for smoked paprika, you may want to start with a small amount and add more to the taste.
This spice can be used in many different recipes, including chili, tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas.
It can also be added to dry rubs for grilled meats or used as a seasoning for roasted vegetables.
Cajun Spice
Cajun spice is a great substitute for smoked paprika. It has a similar flavor profile, but with a bit more heat and depth of flavor.
This makes it perfect for dishes that need a little extra oomph. Cajun spice is also a great way to add some extra flavor to otherwise bland dishes.
I like to use it in soups, stews, and sauces. It’s also great on roasted vegetables and grilled meats.
Red Pepper Flakes
Red pepper flakes can be used to add a smoky flavor to recipes, and can also be used as a seasoning or garnish.
Additionally, red pepper flakes are more readily available than smoked paprika, making them a more accessible option for many home cooks.
When substituting red pepper flakes for smoked paprika, it is important to start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Too many red pepper flakes can overwhelm a dish, so it is important to use them sparingly.
Additionally, red pepper flakes will provide a bit of heat to the dish, so it is important to take this into account when choosing a recipe.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a suitable substitute for smoked paprika. It has a similar pungent, spicy flavor that can add depth and interest to many dishes.
Cayenne pepper is also more widely available than smoked paprika, making it a convenient substitution in many recipes.
Cayenne pepper is an ideal substitution for smoked paprika in dishes such as paella, chili, and roast chicken.
It can also be used to add spice to soups, stews, and sauces.
When substituting cayenne pepper for smoked paprika, keep in mind that it will add heat to the dish.
Hungarian Paprika Powder
There are many cases where you can use a Hungarian paprika powder substitute as a replacement.
The benefits of using the substitute are that it is less expensive and has a more intense flavor.
The Hungarian paprika powder has a slightly different flavor than smoked paprika, but it is still very flavorful.
When substituting Hungarian paprika powder for smoked paprika, you may need to adjust the number of other spices in the recipe.
Sweet Paprika Powder
Sweet paprika powder is made from ground sweet red peppers that have been dried in the sun.
It has a milder flavor than smoked paprika, but it will still add color and flavor to a dish.
In addition, sweet paprika powder is more widely available than smoked paprika, and it is also less expensive.
Regular Paprika Powder
In many cases, regular paprika powder can be used as a substitute for smoked paprika.
This is because both paprika powders have a similar red color and provide a moderate amount of heat.
However, there are some important differences to keep in mind when making this substitution.
First, the regular paprika powder does not have the smoky flavor of smoked paprika.
This means that it will not impart the same depth of flavor to a dish.
Second, the regular paprika powder is less pungent than smoked paprika, so it may not be as suitable for use in spicy dishes.
Finally, the regular paprika powder is somewhat sweeter than smoked paprika, so it may change the flavor profile of a dish slightly.
Conclusion
When substituting for smoked paprika, there are many different options available.
The best substitute will depend on the dish you are making and your personal preferences.
With a little experimentation, you are sure to find a substitute that works well for you and your recipes.