Have you ever wondered, “What is smoked paprika?”, or the difference between smoked paprika and paprika in recipes? I’ve got these answers and more for you – plus 20 easy and healthy recipes that use smoked paprika!
What is Smoked Paprika?
Smoked paprika, also known as Spanish paprika or chili, is a variety of paprika made from sun-dried and smoked red peppers. It originated in Spain and is used in many different Spanish dishes, but is now easily found in the US and Canada. As the name suggests, it has a sweet, woody and smoky flavor.
Smoked Paprika vs Paprika
Both smoked paprika and regular paprika are made from dried and ground red peppers. However, the peppers used to make smoked paprika are also first smoked over an oak fire. This infuses them with a unique smoky flavor.
Both smoked paprika and regular paprika can be made with chilies of varying spice levels.
Is smoked paprika spicy?
Whether smoked paprika is hot or not depends on the type of paprika used to make it. You can find smoked paprika in various spice grades – Donut (Sweet), bittersweet (“bittersweet” aka mild), or Spicy (hot).if you choose Donut smoked paprika, no spice, you’ll have sweetness Spicy Paprika is sure to add flavor to any recipe.
If you see smoked paprika at the store without a label, it is most likely sweet smoked paprika.
Smoked Paprika Substitute
Smoked paprika should be available in nearly every grocery store by now, so I definitely recommend getting some the next time you’re out shopping. However, if you’re making a recipe with smoked paprika and find you don’t have paprika on hand, you have a few options:
- Use paprika. Ancho chili powder and chipotle powder are also made with smoked and sun-dried peppers, so they add a smoky flavor to dishes. Just keep in mind that paprika can be a little spicy.
- Add cumin to the paprika. Another option is to add some cumin to regular chili powder. 2 parts paprika and 1 part cumin adds a little smokiness, although it’s not a perfect substitute.
20 Easy Recipes Using Smoked Paprika
Now that you know the answer to “What is smoked paprika?” And to learn why it adds such a wonderful flavor to dishes, let’s delve into some of my favorite recipes using smoked paprika.
Pulled Instant Pot Roast Chicken Recipe
For an easy dinner ready in under 30 minutes, turn to this Instant Pot BBQ Chicken recipe! Served with a sweet, smoky, terrific sauce, this chicken is the perfect addition to sandwiches, sweet potatoes, salads, and more.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ready in just 20 minutes, these air fryer chicken tenders feature a crispy, gluten-free breading and are seasoned with smoked paprika and other spices. Perfect for lunch or dinner.
Baja Fish Taco Rice Bowls
These Baja Fish Taco Rice Bowls are a fun and easy dinner with smoked, pan-fried fish, crunchy slaw and guacamole over rice. Don’t forget to add your favorite toppings!
Instant Pot Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili
For a gluten-free vegan chili packed with smoky paprika flavor, try this easy Instant Pot Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Mason Jar Southwestern Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing
This Mason Jar Southwest Chicken Salad is perfect for cooking! Fresh and healthy, great flavor and a great weekday lunch.
Easy Mexican Instant Pot Black Beans (No Soaking)
These super delicious Mexican Instant Pot Black Beans are ready to mix in just 45 minutes—no soaking required! Serve as a side dish or add to tacos, burritos, rice bowls, and more.
Easy Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
Seasoned with a handful of spices, then tossed with oil and Parmesan, this Roasted Parmesan Cauliflower is a side dish no one can resist.
The Best Marinated Grilled Flank Steak Recipe
Grilled steak has never tasted so good! Marinated in lime juice, cilantro, and a few other spices, this grilled flank steak is surprisingly tender every time.
Easy Vegan Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
These Vegan Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a quick and easy weeknight meal. With just the right amount of spice and toppings like black beans and corn, these sweet potatoes are ready in just 30 minutes.
Ultimate Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
There’s nothing like a warming bowl of soup on a cold night! With a handful of spices, veggies, chicken, and cilantro, this creamy chicken tortilla soup is perfect for busy weeknights.
Slow Cooker Barbacoa Short Rib Tacos
The meat in these Slow Cooker Barbacoa Short Rib Tacos is so tender it melts in your mouth! Serve with your favorite toppings like cilantro, onion, and avocado for an easy weeknight meal.
Easy 20 Minute Garlic Butter Foil Baked Salmon
This Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is delicious! Seasoned Salmon slathered in a Honey Garlic Butter Sauce, grilled to perfection and served with a slice of lemon – ready in just 20 minutes!
Epic Sweet and Smoky Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe
This sweet and smoky homemade BBQ sauce is the perfect combination of flavors. A little sweet, a little smoky, and just the right amount of spiciness. Add to chicken, ribs, pork, burgers and more!
The BEST Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Salad
These spicy shrimp tacos feature pan-fried shrimp wrapped in smoky spices. Serve the tacos with your favorite toppings and dinner is ready in less than 30 minutes.
The Crispiest Honey BBQ Air Fryer Chicken Wings
These Honey BBQ Air Fryer Chicken Wings come with a smoky honey BBQ sauce. Using the air fryer to do all the work, this addictive appetizer is ready in just 20 minutes!
Smoked Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts
All you need to make this smoky bacon-wrapped chicken breast is chicken, bacon, and a few spices (including smoked paprika). Wrap the chicken in bacon, pop it in the oven, and dinner is ready in less than an hour.
Hearty Smoked Chicken Chili Recipe
Not only is this Smoked Chicken Chili super delicious, but it’s super easy to make too! Adding fresh veggies, beans, and shredded chicken, this easy chili recipe is ready in less than an hour.
Incredibly Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
These juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts are the perfect solution for a quick and healthy dinner. Seasoned with basil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cumin, they have a pleasant smoky flavor that goes well with almost any side dish.
Super Delicious Chicken Mole Recipe
An easy take on a Mexican classic, this Chicken Mole recipe features loads of spices, dried chiles, almonds, tomatoes, garlic, and of course, Mexican chocolate.
Air Fryer Beer Fried Fish Tacos
Perfectly seasoned, crispy and delicious, these Air Fryer Beer Fried Fish Tacos are a delicious lunch or dinner. Top with coleslaw and jalapeño cream and serve with fresh lime wedges.
