Smoked paprika is a type of spice made from dried and smoked red peppers. It has a smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor that can be used to enhance the taste of many dishes.
Smoked paprika is commonly used in Spanish and Portuguese cuisine, but it can also be used in other cuisines around the world. It is an essential ingredient in many traditional dishes such as paella, chorizo, and gazpacho.
You see how important this smoky flavor is, This is why I am bringing you a whole article that will talk about the different smoked paprika substitutes you can use.
Smoked Paprika Substitutes (16 Best Ideas)
These are my favorite smoked paprika substitutes I always seem to have:
1. Regular Paprika
Regular Paprika is a great substitute for smoked paprika when you can’t find it in stores or online. It has the same earthy, mild flavor as smoked paprika and can be used to give your dishes a smoky flavor without having to use a smoker.
Regular Paprika is also much cheaper than smoked paprika and can easily be found in most grocery stores.
2. Cumin
This is a popular substitute for smoked paprika. It has a strong, earthy flavor with hints of nuttiness and sweetness that can add depth to any dish.
A dash of cumin is also rich in antioxidants and provides essential vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for our health. Additionally, one part cumin has anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
3. Sweet Paprika
This is a good substitute for hot paprika, and I am sure every home cook agrees. Sure, not every spice rack has it, but this paprika powder has a sweet flavor. It is also known as the most delicious type of paprika.
It has a milder flavor than smoked paprika and is perfect for adding a subtle sweetness to dishes. Sweet Paprika can also be used to add color and flavor to your dishes without the smokiness of smoked paprika.
4. Chili Powder
This is a popular spice also known as one of the best smoked paprika substitutes. It is made from ground chili peppers and typically contains other spices such as cumin, garlic powder, oregano, and salt.
Chili powder has a mild to medium heat level and can be used to add flavor to dishes without the smoky flavor of smoked paprika. It can also be used in place of other spices such as cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for added heat.
5. Coriander
One of the most unknown ingredient substitutes for Spanish paprika is the hot variety of coriander. In fact, in Spain and Mexico, both are used together, especially when making patatas bravas and hot pepper recipes.
Coriander can be used in many dishes, from soups to salads, and even as a garnish on grilled meats. When used in place of smoked paprika, coriander adds an extra layer of flavor that is sure to please any palate.
6. Ancho Pepper Powder
It is a mild, sweet-tasting powder made from dried poblano peppers. It has a rich, smoky flavor that can be used to add depth and complexity to dishes.
Ancho Pepper Powder can be used as a one-to-one replacement for smoked paprika in recipes, or it can be blended with other spices to create unique flavor profiles. When substituting Ancho Pepper Powder for smoked paprika, it is important to adjust the amount of spice in the recipe.
7. Guajillo Pepper
Guajillo peppers are dried, which gives them a deep red color and a sweet-smoky flavor. They are typically milder than smoked paprika, but still, have enough heat to add some kick to your dishes.
Guajillo peppers can be used in place of smoked paprika in many recipes, such as chili con carne or taco seasoning. They can also be used to make sauces or marinades for meats and vegetables.
8. Cayenne Pepper Powder
Cayenne pepper powder is made from ground dried cayenne peppers, which are native to Central and South America. It has a bright red color and a slightly sweet, yet fiery taste.
Cayenne pepper powder can be used in place of smoked paprika to add smoky flavor and heat to dishes like chili, tacos, stews, soups, and more. In fact, this powder is similar to red pepper flakes and chili flakes.
9. Chipotle Powder
One of my best substitutes that don’t have a Scoville scale includes this powder. This is an increasingly popular substitute for smoked paprika. It has a smoky flavor that is similar to smoked paprika, but it also has a spicy kick that adds a unique flavor to dishes.
The chipotle powder can be used in dishes such as tacos, chili, and enchiladas to add smokiness and heat.
10. Liquid Smoke
Liquid Smoke can be used in place of smoked paprika in recipes that call for it and provides the same smoky flavor without the time-consuming process of smoking the food.
It can also be used to enhance the flavor of many different dishes such as soups, stews, sauces, and marinades.
11. Jalapeño Peppers
Jalapeño peppers can be used in many different dishes and recipes, from tacos to soups and stews. They are also a great way to add flavor and spice to any dish without having to use too much of the spicy ingredients.
They can be easily found in most grocery stores, making them a convenient alternative for those who don’t have access to smoked paprika.
12. Hungarian Paprika
One of the unknown smoked paprika substitutes is this option. It has a mild, sweet flavor that can be used to add color and depth to dishes like sauces, soups, stews, and more.
It is also commonly used in Hungarian cuisine. Hungarian Paprika is made from dried red peppers that have been ground into a fine powder.
13. Poblano Peppers
Poblano peppers are milder than other types of chili peppers, which makes them an excellent choice for adding a smoky flavor without overwhelming the dish.
The poblano pepper has a unique flavor profile that adds depth and complexity to dishes, making it an ideal choice for adding smokiness to recipes.
Additionally, poblano peppers can be used in place of smoked paprika in many dishes, such as stews, sauces, and soups.
14. Sea Salt
Sea salt has a milder flavor than smoked paprika and can be used to add a subtle smoky taste to any dish.
It is also much easier to find in stores and can be used in a variety of dishes. Smoked paprika, on the other hand, can be harder to find and has a more intense flavor that may not work for all recipes.
15. Spice Blend
Be it Italian, French, or any other spice blend. They can also be used in place of smoked paprika in recipes that call for it. They add depth and complexity to dishes without being too overpowering or spicy.
16. Spanish Pimentón Powder
Spanish Pimentón Powder is a versatile and flavorful spice that can be used as a substitute for smoked paprika. It is made from dried red peppers that are ground into a fine powder. The flavor of the powder is smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy.
Substitutes For Smoked Paprika
This spice isn’t just for Spanish cooking. Smoked paprika can also be used to add flavor to sauces, soups, stews, marinades, rubs for meats and vegetables, and even desserts.
With its unique flavor profile and versatility in cooking applications, smoked paprika is an excellent addition to any kitchen pantry. This is why I make sure to always have at least a few smoked paprika substitutes in my kitchen.
