Chili sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used both in cooking and as a dipping sauce. It's perfect for stir-fries, marinades, and barbeque sauces, and pairs wonderfully with spring rolls and dumplings.

So, can you substitute cayenne for paprika (or vice versa)? While you’ll at least end up with a similarly colored dish, the flavor won’t be the same. In a pinch, you could throw in a dash of hot paprika in place of cayenne powder. However, we wouldn’t suggest substituting these spices the other way around—you could wind up with a way-too-spicy sauce!

Paprika oleoresin is a natural food coloring and flavoring agent that is derived from the paprika pepper. It is commonly used in a variety of food products to provide a vibrant red color and a mild peppery taste. Paprika oleoresin is made by extracting the pigments and essential oils from dried paprika peppers, resulting in a concentrated liquid form.

Paprika originated in Mexico, but it was Christopher Columbus who brought it to Europe in the 15th century. The spice became popular in Hungary, where it was cultivated and improved over the centuries. Today, Hungary is known for producing some of the best paprika in the world, with a range of varieties that vary in flavor, heat, and color.

Grinding Paprika: A Step-by-Step Guide

From the name itself, you can already guess that hot paprika is a spicy variety of paprika. But more than that, what does this type of paprika have to offer? Let's find out together.

Consider combining tomato juice and hot sauce if you want a spicier and hotter blend. Simply follow the same ratios as above to make the blend and replace paprika in your recipes.

Paprika will uplift your dishes with subtle earthy notes and a gorgeous red colour, without ever overpowering the other ingredients. Making the spice a true team player.

Like with most spices, you'll come across several varieties of hot paprika. They differ in heat levels and coarseness. From mild to extra-hot and coarse to fine powder, you will surely find a variety that will work best for your recipe.

Try my homemade sriracha sauce recipe, which is different from most Americanized varieties, including the sweeter Huy Fong rooster sauce. Mine is more like the original from Thailand.