Red pepper flakes might be an unexpected answer to What is a substitute for paprika?, but trust me when I tell you that it's one of the best paprika substitutes!

Now, let’s say you don’t have any of these ingredients, your last resort would be to use black and white pepper to replicate the peppery and smoky kick that paprika offer. Chili flakes will also do in some recipes that use paprika as a garnish such as deviled eggs and potato salad.

Orange bell peppers are a cross between red and yellow bell peppers. They have a sweet, mild flavor and a bright orange color. Orange bell peppers are a good source of vitamin C and other antioxidants.

Spanish Paprika

No matter what kind of paprika you choose, make sure you cook it with some kind of liquid. All paprika contains a relatively high amount of natural sugar, so exposure to direct heat on the bottom of the pan can burn it very easily. Because of their very different flavor profiles, we do not recommend substituting smoked paprika for regular paprika, or vice-versa.

Capsicum oleoresin, like other oleoresins, is generally considered safe for consumption when used in food and food-related products. It is derived from the Capsicum genus of peppers and is known for its pungent flavor and intense heat. Here are some considerations regarding the safety of capsicum oleoresin:

Apart from different varieties of peppers, such as black, white, and cayenne pepper, cajun spice contains other spices and herbs. They can include onion powder, garlic powder, salt, thyme, rosemary, and oregano.

Adding paprika to your food can also help your health. Containing capsicum and high in fibre, it can assist with digestion, breaking down foods more easily. Paprika is also high in vitamin C and is said to normalise blood pressure and improve circulation. So it’s definitely worth adding to your dishes in the winter to provide some extra warmth. As well as vitamin C, paprika also contains good levels of vitamin E, which helps the body produce red blood cells. That means it can help heal wounds. If you get a cut, sprinkle some of the powder on it and press gently with a clean cloth for a few seconds. The spice is loaded with antioxidants too, which fight cell damage, so it’s linked to helping prevent heart disease and cancer. It’s also an effective treatment against acne, rejuvenating your skin. The iron found in paprika is also said to encourage hair growth, by improving circulation to the scalp. And it can help maintain hair colour too, due to vitamin B6, which aids in the production of melanin, a pigment that gives your hair colour. But if you’re planning on using it for this reason, always test a small amount on your wrist first, just in case you have a reaction.

This is my shortcut for salt-preserved chilies. I’m not really sure if it actually approximates salt-preserved chilies, but it does add really great spice and texture! Set aside and prepare the rest of your ingredients.

Homemade chili garlic sauce is terrific on EVERYTHING, and I highly recommend you pair it with my 15-minute Garlic Chili Noodles and Spicy Cucumber Salad!