

Links
Crushed red pepper flakes are basically just dried peppers that are not ground to powdered form. Because it has not been ground further, it will leave you a mix of seeds and pepper flakes. This condiment is often used to garnish pizza, soups, and stews to add a layer of spicy flavor. That said, it might not be a good backup for some recipes because of its coarse texture. The good thing is you can always use your handy spice grinder to ground it into powdered form.
Even though it's easily available in stores and online, I prefer to make my Thai Sweet Chilli Sauce at home. I know that sounds like one extra thing to do - but hear me out. Making this Asian sauce at home is insanely easy. It requires minimal prep, most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and the cooking process is mostly hands free.
Experiment with different types of paprika in the recipes you usually include the spice in. if you're worried about using spicy paprika in place of the sweet paprika, you might be pleasantly surprised to discover that a spicy paprika creates a tasty end result. A different kind of paprika in cold dishes, such as deviled eggs, won't have much of a difference, however, since cooking is what brings out the flavor of the paprika, according to Schlosser.
Most of the best quality paprika comes from either Hungary or Spain. These countries have very different ways of making the spice. In Hungary, the peppers are commonly cured and sun dried. In Spain, the peppers are often cured over smoldering oak logs in large barns for a deep and smoky flavor.
Although sriracha currently has no parallel in the culinary world, it’s spicy cousin sambal oelek is slowly giving it a run for its money. These two chili-based sauces have a lot in common, from chili, salt, vinegar and water, so much is the same. The difference comes down to the garlic and sugar used in sriracha sauce and of course in the cooking methodology.
Common chili powder ingredients:
Now, to use cajun spice as a substitute for paprika, add it gradually to your recipe. Make a taste test before adding more. I usually start with one-eight of a teaspoon for every teaspoon of paprika the recipe calls for.
When cooking with dried red pepper pods, it's important to handle them with care. The oils in the peppers can cause irritation to the skin and eyes, so it's best to wear gloves when handling them. Additionally, it's a good idea to remove the seeds from the pods before using them if you prefer a milder heat.
The heat of peppers is measured using the Scoville Heat Scale, which ranks the heat of a given pepper in units known as Scoville Heat Units (SHU). Bell peppers of all colors register zero SHU, meaning they're not hot at all. Jalapeños are medium, measuring 2,500 to 8,000 SHU, while extremely hot chiles like habaneros or Scotch bonnets come in at 100,000 to 350,000 SHU.
Sweet smoked paprika, also known as pimentón, is a distinctive type of paprika that is smoked over oak wood before being ground. This process imparts a rich, smoky flavor that elevates dishes with its depth and complexity. Sweet smoked paprika is particularly popular in Spanish cuisine, where it is used in dishes like patatas bravas, roasted meats, and stews. Its sweet yet smoky flavor pairs well with grilled vegetables, seafood, and even cheese-based dishes. The unique taste of sweet smoked paprika makes it a favorite among chefs looking to add a sophisticated twist to traditional recipes.
To use Aleppo chili powder in your recipe, add the same amount or half the amount of what's listed in your recipe for hot paprika.