Salt and spices

Paprika: what it is, how to pick and store it

Ground dried red peppers. Sweet paprika is mild and colorful, smoked paprika tastes of wood smoke, and hot paprika has some heat.

How to pick it

Use the kind the recipe names: smoked and sweet paprika taste different, though either works in a pinch.

How to store it

Keep it in a closed jar away from heat, steam and light (not above the stove). Ground spices fade with time: if it smells faint, it will taste faint, so use a little more or replace it.

Out of paprika? What to use instead

  • Smoked paprika: The same amount. Adds a smoky flavor; lovely in most savory dishes.
  • Chili powder: The same amount. Adds cumin, garlic and a little heat.

Swaps for paprika, with what changes

Paprika: cups to grams

Paprika
MeasureGrams
1 cup109 g
½ cup54 g
⅓ cup36 g
¼ cup27 g
1 tablespoon6.8 g
1 teaspoon2.3 g

Weights from USDA FoodData Central. Paprika: converter and grams to cups

Recipes with paprika (51)

More recipes with paprika

More salt and spices

SaltBlack pepperGarlic powderCuminCinnamonRed pepper flakesNutmegCayenneChili powderAll 60 ingredient guides

Pick and store tips are in our own words. Storage times and safe temperatures are only shown where a U.S. government source gives them, named on each line; for anything not listed here, see USDA's FoodKeeper app.