Intense woodsy smoke flavor with a hint of fruitiness, smoked paprika definitely has a rich flavor that ranges from mild to hot. Made from smoked chili peppers that a dried over an oak fire prior to grounding into powder.
As a result, it adds a smoky touch to every dish that uses it. From ranch dressing to roasted chicken, this unique spice has multiple uses, but not every ingredient pairs well with it.
What to eat with smoked paprika? Smoked paprika is served in roast chicken, shrimp, potatoes and dipping sauces as well as paella and chorizo sausages to add bold flavors.
Not only meat and vegetables, but the spice also complements well with rice, dairy, nuts, cheese, and other spices.
Whether it is used in creamy sauces or soup, it instantly adds beautiful burnt orange color and smoky flavor without cooking for long hours.
Smoked paprika is an excellent spice, but it’s even better when knowing how to use it! It belongs to a class of spices that includes chili peppers, cumin, onion, and garlic, which are all extremely bold and rich in flavor.
While these ingredients might not seem like they belong on the same plate together, it can be surprising how well smoked paprika complements the flavors of many dishes. This article dives deep into the ingredients that work best with this tempting spice and some foods to try it in.
What does smoked paprika go well with?
There are many ways to enjoy the spice smoked paprika. It has a warming and earthy flavor that stands out in dishes with cream sauces, fish, mushrooms, and tomatoes.
Smoked paprika is an excellent spice for seafood, chicken and pork when used as a rub or even for marinating before cooking. Known for having a sweeter side that is more complex than the average paprika, but the taste is somewhat similar.
The easiest way to use smoked paprika is to sprinkle it over the dish after cooking. This will deliver a visual and aromatic treat, as the beautiful red color adds an attractive accent to any plate with a unique flavor.
Here are ingredients to use when preparing meals with smoked paprika:
- Fruits: pineapple, cantaloupe, lime, lemon
- Vegetables: artichoke, avocado, lettuce, bell pepper, onion, butternut squash, zucchini, carrots, tomatoes, cauliflower, potatoes, broccoli, brussels sprouts
- Meat: swordfish, ribs, lamb, chicken, pork
- Seafood: fish fillets, tilapia, salmon, cod, crab
- Nuts: pine nuts, almonds, cashews, walnuts
- Herbs: rosemary, mint, thyme, sage, tarragon
- Spices: garlic powder, red pepper, cinnamon, mustard powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper
- Rice: arborio, basmati, jasmine
- Cheese: parmesan, cream cheese, mozzarella, cheddar
- Condiments: honey, maple syrup, Greek yogurt, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, sea salt, dijon mustard, brown sugar
What spices goes with smoked paprika?
Not only in recipes for stew and barbecues, smoked paprika pairs wonderfully with other spices as well. Even though it has smoky and bold flavor, it can enhance the meal flavor when blended with similar or even unexpected spices.
One of the most widely used spice pairings is smoked paprika and garlic powder. Other spices that complement smoked paprika are:
- garlic
- cumin
- onion
- cinnamon
- black pepper
- cayenne pepper
- chili powder
- chipotle powder
These complementary seasonings can be used on top of salads, salad dressing, steamed vegetables and pasta dishes. Consider blending in herbs and various ingredients to enjoy the complex spices all mixed together.
What flavor goes well with smoked paprika?
Smoked paprika has smoky and cinnamon-like aroma and mild heat that goes well with sweet ingredients like candied walnuts or roasted cantaloupe. In addition, it pairs nicely with tomatoes and mushrooms, so any dish requiring a bit of spice can use a dash of smoked paprika.
A spicy rub for poultry or pork is an excellent way to kick up a classic dish. Mixing smoked paprika, ground black pepper, and salt makes a perfect marinade for chicken breasts or pork tenderloin, or dust the meat with a spice rub before grilling for optimum flavor.
To inspire your cooking skills, here are flavors to try with smoked paprika:
- smoked paprika + arborio rice + lemon + artichoke hearts
- smoked paprika + chicken + heavy cream + tarragon + butter
- smoked paprika + olive oil + potatoes + black pepper
- smoked paprika + lemon juice + garlic + mayonnaise
- smoked paprika + honey + olive oil + shrimp
Eat with Smoked Paprika: Conclusion
A little smoked paprika goes a long way. It’s an excellent flavor enhancer for any dish, and it can be used in many different ways.
Smoked paprika powder contains the same vitamins and minerals as regular paprika does, and has the added benefit of being spicier with a smokey background.
This is good news for those that like spicy foods, but a small amount of this seasoning provide the same level of spiciness as regular paprika.
This bold and flavorful spice is perfect for roasting chicken, shrimp, potato dishes and blending in dipping sauces. It adds beautiful color and rich flavor at the same time.
Furthermore, combine with rice, dairy, nuts, cheese, and other spices such as garlic powder is the best way to maximize the flavor profile of smoked paprika.
Smoked paprika is pretty dominant spice which makes it hard to pair with other spices. Some of the seasonings to consider combining with smoked paprika are chili peppers, cumin, onion powder, cinnamon, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and chili powder.
From fruits to arborio rice, there are many ways to utilize smoked paprika in everyday dishes. Try recipes with these flavor combination and ingredients to push the culinary boundary to another level.