Do you love the smoky flavor of grilled foods but don’t necessarily want to fire up the grill?
Or are you looking for a way to add some depth of flavor to your cooking without artificial smoke flavoring?
If so, smoked paprika may be the perfect ingredient for you.
It’s often used in Spanish and Hungarian dishes and is a key ingredient in many traditional Catalan recipes.
While it’s commonly used to flavor meats and stews, it can also be used to add flavor to vegetables, soups, sauces, and even desserts.
However, smoked paprika can be difficult to find in stores, and it can be pricey.
If you can’t find smoked paprika or if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, there are several substitutes that will work just as well.
In this article, we’ll show you the five best substitutes for smoked paprika.
What is Smoked Paprika?

Smoked paprika is a type of chili powder that is made from dried, smoked peppers.
The most common variety is made from bell peppers, but other types of peppers can be used as well.
The peppers are dried and then ground into a powder.
The powder can range in color from bright red to deep brown, depending on the type of pepper used.
Smoked paprika has a mild, smoky flavor that can be used to add depth to many different dishes.
It is commonly used in Spanish and Portuguese dishes, but it can also be used in sauces, soups, stews, and rubs.
When shopping for smoked paprika, look for a powder that is bright red in color and has a fine, uniform texture.
Avoid powders that are clumpy or have large pieces of pepper in them.
Smoked paprika can be found in the spice aisle of most grocery stores.
It can also be purchased online.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Smoked Paprika
If you’re out of smoked paprika or can’t find it at your local store, don’t worry.
There are plenty of substitutes that will work just as well in your recipe.
Here are the five best substitutes for smoked paprika:
1 – Hungarian Paprika or Sweet Paprika

While most people are familiar with the standard red paprika, there are actually several different types of paprika available.
Hungarian paprika, for example, is a type of paprika that is grown in Hungary and has a slightly spicier flavor than the standard variety.
Sweet paprika, on the other hand, is a type of paprika that is grown in Spain and has a sweeter flavor.
While both of these types of paprika can be used as substitutes for smoked paprika, they will each impart their unique flavor to the dish.
As such, it is essential to experiment with different types of paprika to find the one that best suits your taste buds.
2 – Chipotle Chilli Powder

As any chili lover knows, there is nothing quite like the taste of chipotle chili powder.
Made from smoked and dried jalapeno peppers, this spice adds a unique depth of flavor to any dish.
Whether you are sprinkling it on tacos or using it to make your own chili powder, chipotle chili powder is a versatile ingredient that can take your cooking to the next level.
If you are new to cooking with chipotle chili powder, you may be wondering how to use it in your recipes.
The best way to start is by substituting it for smoked paprika in your favorite dishes.
This will give you a chance to experiment with the flavor without completely changing the recipe.
Once you have a feel for how the spice interacts with other ingredients, you can start using it in more creative ways.
For example, try adding it to homemade BBQ sauces or using it to spice up roasted vegetables.
However you choose to use it, chipotle chili powder is sure to add some extra zing to your cooking.
3 – Cayenne Pepper Powder

Cayenne pepper powder is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes.
It has a distinct, spicy flavor that can add a kick to any dish.
Cayenne pepper powder can be used as a rub for meats, added to soups or stews, or even sprinkled on popcorn for a unique flavor.
Whether you’re using it as a rub, soup seasoning, or popcorn topping, cayenne pepper powder is an easy way to add a little extra flavor to your favorite dishes.
If you’re looking for a substitute for smoked paprika, cayenne pepper powder is a great option.
It will give your dish the same smoky flavor without the sweetness of paprika.
When substituting cayenne pepper powder for smoked paprika, use half as much cayenne pepper powder as you would smoked paprika.
This will ensure that your dish doesn’t end up too spicy.
4 – Smoked Sea Salt

Do you love the taste of smoked food but don’t have a smoker? Or maybe you’re out of smoked paprika and need a substitute.
Either way, smoked sea salt is a great option.
You can use it to add smoky flavor to any dish, from grilled vegetables to BBQ chicken.
Just sprinkle it on top of whatever you’re cooking and enjoy the delicious flavor.
Smoked sea salt is also surprisingly versatile.
If you want a milder smoky flavor, use it in place of regular salt.
Or, if you want a more intense flavor, use it as a rub for meats or add it to sauces and marinades.
However you use it, smoked sea salt will take your food to the next level.
And who doesn’t love that?
5 – Powdered Guajillo Pepper

While Guajillo peppers are best known for their use in Mexican cuisine, they can also be used to add a smoked flavor to dishes from other cuisines.
To use Guajillo powder as a substitute for smoked paprika, add it to dishes in the same amount that you would use paprika.
Keep in mind that Guajillo powder is less sweet than paprika, so you may want to add a little bit of sugar or honey to balance out the flavors.
Additionally, Guajillo powder has a more intense heat than paprika, so you may want to start with a smaller amount and then adjust to your preferences.
When cooking with Guajillo powder, it’s important to keep in mind that a little goes a long way.
With its bold flavor and fiery heat, this spice is sure to add some excitement to your cooking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, smoked paprika is an excellent addition to any dish.
It adds a unique flavor that can’t be replicated with any other spice.
If you don’t have smoked paprika on hand, a few substitutes will work just as well.
Other paprika, chipotle chili powder, smoked sea salt, cayenne pepper powder, and powdered Guajillo pepper are all great substitutes for smoked paprika.
With so many options, you’re sure to find the perfect substitute for your dish.