Mix Up the Peppers

The goal is to achieve a balance that complements your dish without overwhelming it. Each substitute brings its own unique flavor and heat level, offering an opportunity to customize and experiment in your culinary creations.

BLACK PEPPER

Paprika is a spice made from dried and ground peppers. It is commonly used in Hungarian and Spanish cuisine, but it is also used in many other dishes around the world. Paprika comes in different varieties, ranging from sweet to hot, and the flavor can vary depending on the cultivar used.

Be warned, though; cayenne pepper powder is hotter than extra-hot paprika. Thus, make sure you use less than what is required in your recipe.

When you look at the plethora of red chili powders available, you may well be confused as to how similar or how different they really are. As for paprika and red chili powder, both are red, though of different shades, and look quite similar.

For example, lower concentrations of oleoresin Capsicum may be used to provide a mild to moderate level of spiciness in food products, such as salsas, hot sauces, and snacks. These formulations can offer a pleasant heat without being overwhelmingly spicy.

Chili peppers are considered to be any of the fruits of the Capsicum genus that contain capsaicin, the compound responsible for the peppers' characteristic heat. The heat level of chili peppers is measured on the Scoville scale, which quantifies the amount of capsaicin present. Varieties of chili peppers range from mild to extremely hot, offering a wide range of options for adding heat to dishes.

Basically made of paprika, cayenne pepper powder, garlic powder, oregano, and other flavorful seasonings, Cajun spice (also called Cajun seasoning) features a bold spicy flavor with a subtle earthiness. Although it contains the combined heat of paprika and cayenne, this seasoning is considered mild because, again, it’s made with a combination of seasonings. Despite being made from a combination of spices, some versions are still hot because different brands pack different amounts of ground peppers in their bottle. For this reason, we recommend testing this alternative first before using it.

Hungary has an incredibly complex grading system for their various paprikas. It measures flavor, color, and heat level, and each paprika falls into one of 8 distinct categories. Needless to say, Hungarians take their paprika very seriously!

Red pepper flakes, also known as crushed red pepper, are made from dried and crushed whole red chili peppers—including the seeds, which contribute to its heat. This spice is renowned for its ability to deliver a consistent, fiery flavor with a slightly fruity undertone, making it a favorite for sprinkling over pizza, pasta dishes, and stir-fries. Red pepper flakes are versatile and can be used in cooking or as a garnish to add a bit of spice to any dish.

Need to know how to use chili paste with garlic? Your gorgeous red chili garlic sauce pairs perfectly with Vietnamese cuisine, especially my Vietnamese pizza. It is also a perfect addition to Asian dishes such as my chili oil ramen or stir fry dishes. You can make a spicy dipping sauce for hot pot!