- One of the most popular uses of Chinese paprika is in the preparation of Mapo Tofu, a classic Sichuan dish. The spicy sauce, made with doubanjiang, tofu, and minced meat, is a perfect balance of heat, sourness, and richness. The dish is beloved for its bold flavors and satisfying texture, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts around the world.

fresh and dried chiles supplier.
Chili Powder: A Blend of Spices
But did you know it requires heat to bring out its spicy flavor? It's why it's best to use it in recipes that require cooking.
This type is made from gradually smoking pimentón (a type of Spanish smoked pepper). Since it’s dried by way of smoking, the flavor it imparts is somewhat woody, peppery, and smoky with a mild spicy kick. Unlike other types, this one is prized for its smokiness rather than the heat level it can provide. Check the best smoked paprika substitute options below:


Bell peppers are not called paprika; rather, they are the primary ingredient used to make paprika. The confusion may arise from the fact that both bell peppers and paprika are derived from the same species of plant, Capsicum annuum. However, the process of turning bell peppers into paprika involves drying and grinding the peppers into a fine powder, resulting in the popular spice known as paprika.
Paprika Powder
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.
Although red peppers originated in North America, they were brought to Europe in the 1500s, starting in Spain and Portugal, before making their way via the spice trade to North Africa, Central Europe, and even Asia. Today, paprika has established itself as a pantry staple from the Mediterranean to North Africa, Africa, and the Middle East.
What is capsaicin exactly?
Answer: No, they’re not directly interchangeable. When comparing paprika to crushed red pepper, it’s important to know that these two spices differ significantly in flavor and heat. Paprika, often made from sweeter peppers, provides color and a mild taste without much heat. Crushed red pepper, made from hotter peppers and seeds, offers a spicy kick. Substituting one for the other can change your dish’s flavor and spice level significantly, as paprika is milder and more about flavor, while crushed red pepper is all about adding heat.
Oleoresin Capsicum is available in various concentrations, typically measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU), which quantify the level of spiciness or heat in a pepper or pepper-derived product. The higher the SHU value, the greater the spiciness.