Paprika is known for its smoky and slightly bitter flavor, with a spicy kick that ranges from mild to hot. The level of spiciness depends on the type of paprika used, with Hungarian paprika being the spiciest and Spanish paprika being the mildest. The smoky flavor comes from the way the peppers are dried and smoked before being ground into powder. Paprika is commonly used in Hungarian, Spanish, and Moroccan cuisine, and is a key ingredient in dishes such as goulash, paella, and tagines.
Paprika is known for its sweet to mildly hot flavor and vibrant color, making it a staple in many dishes. If you’re out of paprika:
While paprika and cayenne have their own stories and benefits, the real differences lie in their culinary uses. In the kitchen, the difference between cayenne and paprika shows up in three ways:
The Heat Factor

Spicy ketchup will obviously be sweeter and very mild in comparison to Sriracha, so as an ingredient, it’s good for big proportions (like for meatloaf). We wouldn’t use it for more authentic chili sauce needs (go with Sriracha there), but based on your recipe context, it can work.
Conclusion

