Making a recipe that calls for smoked paprika and can’t find it? Smoked paprika is a unique spice that it is hard to replace! It’s similar to the more common Hungarian sweet paprika, but it’s Spanish and made from peppers that were smoked over a fire. This infuses a smoky flavor into anything it touches! It is not spicy (though there’s a hot variation: avoid that!). Other names for this spice are: pimentón, Spanish smoked paprika or sweet smoked paprika. If at all possible: we highly recommend buying some smoked paprika! It’s available at most groceries or you can buy it online here! You can use it in so many delicious recipes. But if not…here are a few last minute substitutes.

Best substitutes for smoked paprika

Note that how these options work depend on the type of cuisine and how the smoked paprika is used.

1. Liquid smoke (for flavor).

The best substitute for smoked paprika that infuses a smoky flavor into food? Liquid smoke. Liquid smoke is very strong and if you use too much it can be overpowering. So be light handed! What’s the conversion: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika = ½ teaspoon liquid smoke. You could also add another ½ teaspoon regular paprika for color.

2. Regular paprika + cumin (for color).

Here’s a substitute for smoked paprika that’s approximates it in color and nuance, but not in smoky flavor. If you’re really in a pinch, this could do: but it’s far cry from the original. Make a mixture of 2 parts regular paprika (also known as Hungarian sweet paprika) and 1 part cumin. That means 1 teaspoon smoked paprika = 2/3 teaspoon regular paprika + ⅓ teaspoon cumin (it doesn’t have to be exact).

Where to buy smoked paprika

Many online sources have some bogus ideas for smoked paprika substitutes: like chipotle powder and cayenne. Please do not use these: they would be much too spicy! If you can’t find either of the above options, save yourself the heartache and buy it online. Then you can experience the full effect of real smoked paprika: you won’t be disappointed.

Here are some of our favorite recipes featuring smoked paprika:

20 Best Smoked Paprika RecipesEasy Shrimp PaellaWedge Salad with Smoky RanchSmoky Instant Pot Lentils and RiceSmoky Homemade Deviled EggsVegan Biscuits and GravySpanish Patatas BravasShiitake BaconCauliflower Tacos with Yum Yum Sauce Best Substitute for Smoked Paprika - 10