Smoked paprika is hard to substitute, but there are a few options if you don’t have this spice on hand! Here is the best substitute for smoked paprika powder.
Preparing a recipe that calls for smoked paprika and you can’t find it? Smoked paprika is a unique spice that is almost impossible to replace! It is similar to the more common Hungarian paprika, but is Spanish and made with fire-smoked chili peppers. This imparts a smoky flavor to everything it touches! It’s not spicy (although there is a spicy variant: avoid it!). Other names for this spice are: Pimentón, Spanish smoked paprika or sweet smoked paprika.
When everything is possible: We highly recommend it Buy smoked paprika! It’s available at most grocery stores or you can buy online here! You can use it in many delicious recipes. But if not… here are some last minute replacements.
The best substitute for smoked paprika
Note that how these options work depends on the type of cuisine and how the smoked paprika will be used.
1. Liquid smoke (for flavor).
The best smoked paprika substitute that adds a smoky flavor to food? liquid smoke. Liquid smoke is very strong and if you use too much it can be overwhelming. So be light! What is the conversion: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika = ½ teaspoon liquid smoke. You can also add another ½ teaspoon of regular paprika for color.
2. Regular Paprika + Cumin (for color).
Here’s a smoked paprika substitute that comes close in color and shade, but not in the smoky flavor. If you’re really in a hurry, this might do the trick: but it’s a far cry from the original. Prepare a mixture of 2 parts regular paprika (aka Hungarian sweet paprika) and 1 part cumin. That means 1 tsp smoked paprika = 2/3 tsp regular paprika + ⅓ tsp cumin (it doesn’t have to be exact).
Where to buy smoked paprika
Many online sources offer fake ideas for smoked paprika substitutes: like chipotle powder and cayenne pepper. Please do not use: they would be much too spicy! If you can’t find any of the above options, save yourself the heartache and buy it online. You will then be able to fully feel the effect real Smoked Paprika: You will not be disappointed.
Here are some of our favorite smoked paprika recipes:
