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Smoked paprika is hard to replace, but there are a few options if you don’t have this spice on hand! Here are the best substitutes for smoked paprika.
Smoked paprika is a unique spice that is hard to replace! It’s similar to the more common Hungarian sweet paprika, but it’s Spanish and made from peppers that were smoked over a fire. This infuses a smoky flavor into anything it touches!
It is not spicy, though there’s a hot variation you should avoid. Other names for this spice are pimentón, Spanish smoked paprika, or sweet smoked paprika.
If at all possible, I highly recommend just buying some smoked paprika! It’s available at most grocery stores, and it’s a versatile ingredient in so many delicious recipes. But if that’s just not possible, here are a few last-minute substitutions.
Best substitutes for smoked paprika
Note that how these options work depends on the type of cuisine and how the smoked paprika is used. I’ll include some tips on all of that.
1. Liquid smoke (for flavor)
The best substitute for smoked paprika that infuses a smoky flavor into food is liquid smoke. Liquid smoke is very strong, and if you use too much, it can be overpowering. Be light-handed!
Here’s the conversion: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika = ½ teaspoon liquid smoke. You could also add another ½ teaspoon regular paprika for color.
2. Regular paprika + cumin (for color)
Here’s a substitute for smoked paprika that approximates it in color and nuance, but not in smoky flavor. If you’re really in a pinch, this could do, but it’s a far cry from the original.
Make a mixture of 2 parts regular paprika (also known as Hungarian sweet paprika) and 1 part cumin. That means 1 teaspoon smoked paprika = 2/3 teaspoon regular paprika + ⅓ teaspoon cumin. It doesn’t have to be exact.
Where to buy smoked paprika
Many online sources have some bogus ideas for smoked paprika substitutes, like chipotle powder and cayenne. Please do not use these. They would be much too spicy!
If you can’t find either of the above options in your local grocery store, save yourself the heartache and just buy it online. Then you can experience the full effect of real smoked paprika. You won’t be disappointed.
Related recipes
Here are some of my favorite recipes featuring smoked paprika:
Hi there – I frequently use smoked paprika in a favourite recipe that I love! But now I’m concerned about PAHs or whatever (ie. the reason smoked meats are supposed to be bad for you) due to the smoking process (liquid smoke is also supposed to be bad for health).
May I ask, is this not a concern for you when using this spice? If not, there is some info I’ve missed? (Just wondering if I should cut it out of my diet for health reasons, namely cancer prevention.)
Many thanks!!
I’m not an expert enough to know an answer for you! It is not a concern for us.
Hello; I gotta say this is such a confusing topic for me! When I followed your link, the product just says paprika, while others listed similarly say smoked paprika. I have an organic paprika in my kitchen yet no where does it say it is smoked… arg!
I’m so sorry! They must have re-directed the old link. We have a new link on the page to smoked paprika. It definitely needs to say “smoked” on the label and it’s a VERY different product.