In a nutshell: capsaicin is a lipophilic compound that can be found in different concentrations in peppers that are described as hot, such as Habanero, Jalapeño, and Scorpion. It is a compound that produces a burning sensation in any tissue it comes into contact with. So, the more capsaicin in the pepper, the more the heat gets turned up.
Another option is to use a spice blend or a spice rub because these may contain large amounts of paprika. Cajun and Creole seasonings, for example, are mainly paprika along with garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne, so you could certainly substitute one for the other. Similarly, Old Bay seasoning is mainly celery salt and paprika. As in the cases above, go with a 1:1 ratio.
Paprika powder is made from dried and ground Capsicum annuum peppers, such as bell peppers or chili peppers. It is known for its vibrant red color and can be sweet, hot, or smoked, depending on the variety of peppers used. Paprika is often used to add color and a subtle, sweet or smoky flavor to dishes.
When it comes to appearance, paprika is usually sold in powdered form, while bell peppers are sold as whole or sliced vegetables. Paprika also comes in different varieties, such as sweet, hot, and smoked, which can affect its flavor profile.
While newbies might think all hot sauces just taste like “hot,” they couldn’t be more wrong. Experienced chili-heads understand that every hot sauce has a complex flavor profile as a result of the various peppers and additional ingredients it contains. From goes-with-everything garlic to tangy vinegar, sweet fruits, refreshing citrus, and beyond, each hot sauce has a complex flavor that can make or break a dish. Get to know your sauce, read the ingredient list, and try a dash on its own to decide how to best utilize the various layers of deliciousness.