Paprika powder is widely used in cuisines around the world, including Hungarian, Spanish, and Indian cuisines, among others. It is a versatile spice that can be used to season meats, stews, soups, vegetables, and rice dishes. It is also a key ingredient in spice blends such as goulash seasoning, curry powder, and various rubs and marinades.
So, can you substitute cayenne for paprika (or vice versa)? While you’ll at least end up with a similarly colored dish, the flavor won’t be the same. In a pinch, you could throw in a dash of hot paprika in place of cayenne powder. However, we wouldn’t suggest substituting these spices the other way around—you could wind up with a way-too-spicy sauce!
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.