Now add your Sichuan chili flakes and sugar. Stir to combine.
The big difference between these two mixtures is the consistency. Sauces such as hot sauces are more liquid than pastes. It is meant to lightly coat food and even enhance the taste of the food instead of covering it up with its taste. Pastes meanwhile are thicker, more viscous, and more concentrated. It’s common to see pastes such as sriracha spread onto food in a light layer instead of being allowed to coat it.
Overall, paprika and bell pepper have very different flavor profiles that can add depth and complexity to dishes in different ways.



