Paprika can range from mild to hot – the flavor also varies from country to country – but almost all plants grown produce the sweet variety. Sweet paprika is mostly composed of the pericarp, with more than half of the seeds removed, whereas hot paprika contains some seeds, stalks, ovules, and calyces. The red, orange or yellow color of paprika is due to its content of carotenoids.
Red pepper flakes might be an unexpected answer to What is a substitute for paprika?, but trust me when I tell you that it's one of the best paprika substitutes!
After the peppers are cleaned and sorted, they are crushed or ground using special machinery to produce the desired texture of chili flakes. The crushed chili flakes are then packaged into various sizes and containers, ready to be shipped to customers and distributors.


Chinese crushed red pepper, also known as Chinese chili flakes, brings a bold, spicy flavor to dishes. These flakes are made from dried chili peppers and are widely used in Chinese cuisine to add heat and aroma to stir-fries, noodle dishes, and sauces. Chinese crushed red pepper varies in heat level, with some varieties offering a mild warmth suitable for enhancing flavors without overwhelming dishes, while others provide a fiery kick that intensifies the heat.
Mince the garlic. I used a garlic press; a food processor also works well. Then again, nothing wrong with old-fashioned elbow grease!