Is there anything more annoying than when you run out of smoked paprika while preparing your favorite stew or soup? And I thought so.
If you’re struggling to find smoked paprika substitutes, I’ve made a list of some of the best alternatives that you can use in any dish.
I divided them into two sections. The first one comprises the top 5 substitutes for smoked paprika which are my first choices.
The second section is about other substitutes that will add color or smoky flavor to your dish. They are also great alternatives if you happen to lack the ones listed in the first section.
So, let’s see!
Top 5 Smoked Paprika Substitutes
From Chipotle chili powder to Guajillo chili powder, here are the best substitutes for smoked paprika out there:
1. Chipotle chili powder
DID YOU KNOW? Chipotle is derived from the Aztec word chipotle which means smoked chili.
Similarities
• Flavor: Both Chipotle chili powder and smoked paprika have a strong, smoky flavor.
• Texture: Both Chipotle chili powder and smoked paprika have a dry and fine texture.
• Heat level: Both Chipotle chili powder and smoked paprika are mildly spicy.
• Availability: Both Chipotle chili powder and smoked paprika can be found in grocery stores, supermarkets, and online shopping sites.
• Price: Chipotle chili powder and smoked paprika share the price of $4 per 1 oz.
Differences
• Type of pepper: Chipotle chili powder is made from dried and ground jalapeno peppers, whereas smoked paprika is made from dried and ground tomato pepper variety.
• Color: Chipotle chili powder has a deep reddish-brown color, while smoked paprika has a deep red color.
How to use Chipotle chili powder
You can use Chipotle chili powder as a substitute for smoked paprika at a ratio of 1:1. It is best used in soups, salsas, chili, stews, rubs, and marinades.
2. Ancho chili powder
Ancho chiles are the most popular chile pepper in Mexico, and here’s how it compares to smoked paprika.
Similarities
• Color: Both Ancho chili powder and smoked paprika have a deep red color.
• Flavor: Ancho chili powder and smoked paprika have a strong, smoky flavor.
• Texture: Both Ancho chili powder and smoked paprika have a dry and fine texture.
• Heat level: Both Ancho chili powder and smoked paprika are mildly spicy.
• Availability: Both Ancho chili powder and smoked paprika are widely available in grocery stores, supermarkets, and online shopping sites.
• Price: Ancho chili powder and smoked paprika share the price of $4 per 1 oz.
Differences
• Type of pepper: Ancho chili powder is made from dried and ground poblano chili peppers, whereas smoked paprika is made from dried and ground tomato pepper variety.
See Also: 15 Best Substitutes For Ancho Chiles To Try Today
How to use Ancho chili powder
You can use Ancho chili powder as a substitute for smoked paprika at a ratio of 1:1. It is best used in pasta, chili, vegetables, soups, pizza, stews, rubs, and marinades.
3. Cayenne chili powder
Cayenne pepper contains high amounts of vitamins A, C, and E, and it is similar to red pepper flakes and chili flakes.
Similarities
• Flavor: Cayenne chili powder and smoked paprika share a strong, smoky flavor.
• Texture: Both Cayenne chili powder and smoked paprika have a dry and fine texture.
• Heat level: Both Cayenne chili powder and smoked paprika are mildly spicy.
• Availability: Both Cayenne chili powder and smoked paprika can be found in grocery stores, supermarkets, and online shopping sites.
Differences
• Type of pepper: Cayenne chili powder is made from dried and ground cayenne chili peppers, whereas smoked paprika is made from dried and ground tomato pepper variety.
• Color: Cayenne chili powder has a bright orange-red color, while smoked paprika has a deep red color.
• Price: The average price of Cayenne chili powder is $3 per 1 oz, while smoked paprika costs around $4 per 1 oz.
How to use Cayenne chili powder
Feel free to use Cayenne chili powder as a substitute for smoked paprika at a ratio of 1:1. Additionally, Cayenne chili powder is best used in chili, sauces, salsa, stews, soups, rubs, and marinades.
4. Chili powder
The first commercial blend of chili powder was created by a German immigrant in Texas in 1892. It is used in a wide array of cuisines from Chinese to Thai.
Similarities
• Flavor: Chili powder and smoked paprika share a smoky flavor.
• Texture: Both chili powder and smoked paprika have a dry and fine texture.
• Heat level: Chili powder and smoked paprika are mildly spicy.
• Availability: Chili powder and smoked paprika are widely available in grocery stores, supermarkets, and online shopping sites.
Differences
• Type of pepper: Chili powder is a blend made from different chili peppers (dried and ground), cumin seed, oregano, and garlic powder. Contrary to it, smoked paprika is made from dried and ground tomato pepper variety.
• Color: Chili powder has a deep red-brown color, while smoked paprika has a deep red color.
• Price: The average price of chili powder is $1 to $2 per 1 oz, while smoked paprika costs around $4 per 1 oz.
How to use chili powder
You can use chili powder as a substitute for smoked paprika at a ratio of 1:1. Chili powder is popularly used in Chili con carne, tacos, enchiladas, and burritos. It is also used in stews, soups, meats, and beans.
5. Guajillo chili powder
Guajillo chiles are commonly used in Mexican dishes. Here’s how Guajillo chili powder is compared to smoked paprika:
Similarities
• Color: Both Guajillo chili powder and smoked paprika have a deep red color.
• Flavor: Guajillo chili powder and smoked paprika share a smoky flavor.
• Texture: Both Guajillo chili powder and smoked paprika have a dry and fine texture.
• Heat level: Both Guajillo chili powder and smoked paprika are mildly spicy.
• Availability: Both Guajillo chili powder and smoked paprika can be found in grocery stores, supermarkets, and online shopping sites.
Differences
• Type of pepper: Guajillo chili powder is made from dried and ground mirasol chili peppers, whereas smoked paprika is made from dried and ground tomato pepper variety.
• Price: The average price of Guajillo chili powder is $3 per 1 oz, while smoked paprika costs around $4 per 1 oz.
How to use Guajillo chili powder
You can use Guajillo chili powder as a substitute for smoked paprika at a ratio of 1:1. Guajillo chili powder is best used for chili, soups, sauces, salsa, and stews.
See Also: Best Substitute For Guajillo Chiles: 13 Sweet And Spicy Options
More Smoked Paprika Substitutes
If you don’t have any of the top substitutes listed above, or there aren’t any in stores, below is the list of other great alternatives you should consider. Some of these substitutes are great for adding color, while others provide smoky flavor.
To add color to your dish:
• Regular paprika + cumin: Mix 2 parts Hungarian sweet paprika and 1 part cumin. E.g. 1 tsp smoked paprika = ⅔ tsp regular paprika + ⅓ tsp cumin. Feel free to experiment with regular paprika and cumin according to your preference and the desired color.
• Sumac: The word sumac comes from the Arabic “summaq” which translates to “dark red.” In other words, sumac will add that desired crimson-red color to your meal.
• Tomato paste or powder: These two will also give you the desired color and tomato flavor as well. Tomato paste or tomato powder will add sweetness and some depth to your meal.
• Other spices: Coriander aka cilantro (or dry cilantro) or ground cumin are perfect alternatives for smoked paprika. Also, you can use spice blends that already contain smoked paprika such as Tex-Mex spice or Ras el Hanout.
To add smoky flavor to your dish:
• Liquid smoke: If you want to add that smoky flavor to your dish but you don’t have smoked paprika, then liquid smoke is the next best option. However, you should be careful not to overdo it (as I once did).
• Smoked sea salt: Similar to liquid smoke, smoked sea salt will give you the desired smoky flavor. Keep in mind that adding too much salt to your dish can compromise other seasonings.
Conclusion
There are plenty of smoked paprika substitutes out there, but I would recommend that you stick to the top 5 substitutes listed in the first section.
If you’re only interested in adding color or smoky flavor to your dish, you can find great substitutes in the second section.
If all else fails, you can always go to the store and purchase smoked paprika in its original flavor and form. Good luck substituting!
