The extra ingredients used in sriracha dilutes the sauce which makes it slightly less spicy than the chili-based sambal oelek. Sriracha tends to be sweeter with a hint of garlic whereas, all you can taste in sambal oelek is the rich chili and vinegar flavor.

Now that you have a good idea of what hot or spicy paprika is, let me introduce you to my favorite substitutes for paprika.

Unless a recipe specifies otherwise, you’ll maximize your flavor with paprika by adding it later in the cooking time. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can degrade both the color and the flavor from paprika, creating a less attractive dish.  

The reason bell peppers are often used to make paprika is due to their mild and sweet flavor, as well as their vibrant red color. When dried and ground, bell peppers produce a sweet paprika with a rich red hue, adding both flavor and color to a wide range of dishes.

In addition to its health benefits, hot chili sauce also adds a burst of flavor to dishes. The combination of chili peppers, garlic, and vinegar creates a tangy and spicy taste that can enhance the overall enjoyment of a meal. Many people find that adding hot chili sauce to their food not only increases the heat level but also adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.

Slice the fresh chili peppers thinly. Place into a mortar and pestle along with 2 teaspoons salt. Grind and mix thoroughly with the pestle. You don’t need to form a paste, just break down the peppers slightly.