No kitchen spice cabinet is complete without paprika. Even if you dont use this crimson-colored powder often (though you should!), it always seems to be lurking on the shelf.
True paprika comes from a number of specific pepper types grown exclusively in Spain and Hungary and is even the national spice of Hungary (via Pepper Scale). There, among other countries, the pepper pods are dried and then ground into the fine powder you see in the spice jar or bottle.
While only certain families of peppers are used to make paprika, there are three different variations on the market: sweet, smoked, and hot (via Cooking Light). Its also worth noting that you can tell if paprika is hot or sweet based on the color (via Taste Essence). Orange paprika is among the hottest paprika colors, while dark red paprika is the sweetest variety.
Sweet paprika is most often simply labeled as paprika, and it works best for garnishing dishes like deviled eggs. This type of paprika does not pack any heat, so its a great go-to for most dishes (via Cooking Light). Add it into dishes for the pop of color and a mildly smokey, earthy depth of flavor. But if you dont have sweet paprika on hand, here are some of the best substitutes for it.
According to Taste Essence, chili powder is among the best paprika substitutes because it has one of the most similar colors and flavors to paprika. Made in the same way as paprika, chili powder tends to be made from cayenne peppers or red peppers, but this pepper powder lacks the same signature heat as cayenne pepper. The dark red color is quite close to that of paprika which will liven up many dishes along with its low heat and mildly sweet, smokey flavor.
Thats why you can use chili powder in equal parts to paprika in most recipes. Any savory recipes that call for paprika can be made with chili powder thanks to its mild and earthy flavor. Consider it for marinades, soups, stews, roasts, vegetables and so much more. Chili powder is undoubtedly one of the easiest substitutes for paprika thanks to its abundance as a pantry staple and its ability to be used in equal parts to paprika.
For recipes that can use a liquid ingredient as opposed to a powder, tomato juice is an option to replace sweet paprika (via Taste Essence). While tomato juice wont add quite the same vibrant red color and certainly doesnt have the same mild smokey flavor, it is a sweeter option for those who dislike other spicy pepper powder alternatives. If you do want to add slightly more heat or smokiness, you can always sprinkle a bit of chili powder or cayenne pepper into the dish too.
When using tomato juice, you can substitute it for both the paprika and the water or stock that the recipe calls for, according to Taste Essence. Thats why this alternative is best for dishes like soups, stews, braises, and more. If youd prefer to pack more flavor or need to cut down on the liquid, you might consider using tomato paste, too, instead of tomato juice. Youll still need to sprinkle in a touch of pepper for additional smokey flavor, but its another option to consider.
Cayenne pepper can be used as an alternative to sweet paprika. If you are not a fan of heat, it might actually surprise you that cayenne pepper is one of the best options because the heat can be toned down. Cayenne pepper will add the same vivid color to dishes, but to tone down the heat, youll want to use less of it. If you really dont want any heat in the dish or you need a subtle flavor, you can add a touch of sugar to get a closer flavor to sweet paprika (via Raw Spice Bar).
Cayenne pepper can be used in a wide variety of dishes ranging from sweet and spicy to savory. Consider using it in sweet and spicy desserts, in marinades, on vegetables, in casseroles and so much more. For dishes that can take the heat, use half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper per one teaspoon of sweet paprika. Try adding in half a teaspoon of sugar for dishes that need a milder flavor.
If you run out of paprika and also happen to be a huge hot sauce fan, youll be glad to know that you can use it as a substitute (via Taste Essence). Hot sauce as well as other chili sauces offer a similar smokey, sweet, and slight heat as paprika to dishes. Though youll also get a tang from the vinegar in the hot sauce, its still a suitable option for many dishes.
Hot sauce will work well in many recipes such as marinades, rubs, soups, stews, roasts, braises, and more. You can top off recipes with a touch of hot sauce for the same flavor and a dash of color or you can incorporate it earlier into the dish to have the flavor cooked into the dish to meld with the other prominent ingredients. Start by adding a few shakes and taste-test the recipe as you go until you are happy with the flavor. You can always add more, but you cannot take it out once its been added in. So, use caution to flavor the dish with hot sauce.
What to Use Instead of Paprika on Deviled EggsCayenne pepper– a sprinkle is all you need since it has a little more heat than paprika.Chili powder– has a similar color and flavor to paprika, but less heat.
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Cayenne pepper– a sprinkle is all you need since it has a little more heat than paprika.
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Chili powder– has a similar color and flavor to paprika, but less heat.
Aleppo Pepper Powder
Cooking Chew also suggests using Aleppo pepper powder. Aleppo powder is also made by drying and grinding up red Aleppo peppers, so youll still get a similar color and flavor from the sweet paprika alternative. According to Cooking Chew, Aleppo peppers fall between cayenne peppers and paprika in terms of spiciness. So you dont have to worry about the level of heat Aleppo powder will add to a dish.
Because Aleppo powder is somewhat hotter than typical sweet paprika, youll want to use half the amount that the recipe calls for. So if you need one tablespoon of paprika, you should substitute it for half a tablespoon of Aleppo pepper. Because this easy substitute is so close to the original ingredient, it means you can use Aleppo pepper powder in all of the recipes and dishes you love that call for sweet paprika. If you dont have it on hand already, add it to your grocery list so you can add it to your backstock the next time you shop.
Red Chili Flakes
Red chili flakes are another dried pepper alternative to paprika. However, they obviously have a coarser, chunkier texture than that of finely ground paprika or other pepper powders (via Cooking Chew). Apart from the larger pieces and different textures, red chili flakes will provide a very close color and flavor to paprika.
If you do opt to use red chili flakes, use just one-quarter of what the recipes call for in paprika. This will help you achieve the flavor you want without added heat.
Its also worth noting that you can always pop your red chili flakes into the food processor along with the other ingredients to make a smooth mixture if youre whipping up something like a sauce or hummus. Otherwise, just sprinkle in the flakes and youll hardly notice the seeds and flakes in your dishes. From marinades and dry rubs to soups and casseroles, you can use this alternative for most savory recipes.
5 Uses For Paprika — Beyond Deviled Eggs
FAQ
What can I put on deviled eggs if I don’t have paprika?
Why do you put paprika on deviled eggs?
Why do people put paprika on eggs?
Do you put paprika on deviled eggs?
Dress up your deviled eggs with these 10 Deviled Eggs Garnishes that aren’t the usual sprinkling of paprika. Now let me just say for the record I have absolutely nothing against the usual sprinkling of paprika on top of my deviled eggs. Nope, not a thing. As you can see here in my Classic Southern Deviled Eggs
What can you substitute for boiled eggs?
For vegans looking for an alternative to a boiled egg, substitute about 2 ounces of firm or extra firm tofu. The texture of tofu is relatively close to an egg while the protein and calorie content is similar. Tofu has no cholesterol and a range of nutrients similar to those found in eggs. For example, substitute chopped firm tofu for boiled eggs in egg salad recipes. For individuals allergic or sensitive to eggs, shrimp is a reasonable substitute. About 8 large shrimp weighing 6 grams each would increase protein from 6 grams to 11 grams, while calories would be reduced, and cholesterol would be cut in half.
What goes well with deviled eggs?
The flavors of fresh herbs, parmesan, and a hint of garlic will pair splendidly with the yolks and other filling ingredients. You could even give the deviled eggs a bit of fresh basil as a garnish. Using pimento cheese is a clever and distinct way to spice up your deviled eggs.
What is a good substitute for Paprika?
The deep red color of sumac spice is an excellent substitute for the vibrancy that paprika lends to a dish. In addition to its fruity and mild flavor profile, sumac is also rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and omega 3 fatty acids, making it one of the healthiest substitutions around! 8. Saffron