So the question of what is a good paprika substitute comes down to what dish you're preparing and how much paprika that dish calls for.


Paprika vs Cayenne: Differences in the Kitchen
Hot sauce has varying flavors from brand to brand, but overall, it is spicy, smoky, citrusy, a little sweet, and sometimes nutty. If you’re looking for a replacement that mimics paprika’s taste rather than color, hot sauce is your next best pick. This works for soups and stews where you can hide its runny consistency. Add one teaspoon of hot sauce for every one teaspoon of paprika in recipes.