Whether you’re a culinary expert or you’re just starting your journey into home cooking, paprika deserves a spot on your spice rack. Paprika is made by grinding dried peppers and, depending on the type of pepper used, it can add subtly sweet, smoky or spicy notes to your dishes.
It’s a staple seasoning because it’s so versatile in the kitchen, showing up in anything from classic devilled eggs to fancy fusion tacos. Watch the video below to learn all about paprika, then read on for 10 easy recipes with paprika.
Recipes That Use Paprika
Spicy Tomato Egg Skillet
Whether you need a flavorful brunch main or you’re craving a breakfast-inspired dinner, give this spicy egg skillet a try. The easy homemade tomato sauce is loaded with flavor, leaning on paprika, marjoram and fennel seed for fiery and earthy notes. And, as a one-pot dish needing just 15 minutes of active prep time, it’s ideal for weeknight dinner.
Classic Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a perennial crowd-pleaser, and they just wouldn’t be the same without paprika. Just a dusting of paprika adds subtly sweet and pepper notes, complementing the creamy yolks and tender egg whites. This is one recipe where switching up the paprika changes the flavor significantly: Try smoky paprika for BBQ-inspired flavor, or hot paprika for a pleasant kick.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Comfort food doesn’t get any easier, or more delicious, than this slow cooker chicken tortilla soup. Just dump the ingredients into your slow cooker, add the homemade spice mix — a zesty blend that includes paprika, chili powder and additional warming spices — and let your slow cooker do all the work. Top with crushed tortilla chips to bring the flavor over the top.
Beef Paprikash
Paprika is a staple in Hungarian cooking, and this beef stew is possibly the tastiest way to showcase its flavor. The bold, smoky notes in paprika play perfectly off hearty beef, while tomato paste, onions and bell peppers add plenty of umami. Beef paprikash is traditionally over egg notes, but it’s also delicious on rice or polenta.
Classic Chicken Paprika
Chicken paprikash is a favorite in Hungary, too. And this recipe offers an easy-to-make twist on a classic. It’s simple: sear the seasoned chicken in a skillet, then add tomatoes and paprika to allow the flavors to meld. This is the type of recipe that tastes even better the next day, so consider making a double batch for leftovers.
Spanish Chicken Skillet
Paprika and chicken are a match made in heaven, so give this one-skillet meal a try, too. Combining paprika with thyme adds a Spanish-inspired flavor profile to this dish, while tomatoes, peppers and onion add plenty of texture. As a bonus, this dish comes together in just 35 minutes for easy weeknight dining.
Homestyle Pork Chops
The easiest way to make any meat tastier? Add paprika and thyme. These pork chops prove that mains don’t have to be complex to be delicious, and a light coating of seasoning lets the pork’s natural sweetness shine through. Serve with your favorite sauteed veggies for a complete meal.
Smoked Paprika Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin gets a serious flavor upgrade from paprika, too. This recipe leans in on Southern BBQ-inspired flavor, looking to smoked paprika for some serious smokiness, plus a generous coating of brown sugar for sweetness. The sugar caramelizes as the pork bakes for tender meat with crispy edges — just like you like it.
Smoked Paprika Rubbed Steak Fajitas
Paprika also plays a key role in Mexican cuisines, and smoked paprika, in particular, makes for delicious tacos. So give this recipe a try if you’re looking for a flavor-packed Taco Tuesday. The paprika adds smokiness to tender sirloin steak, providing enough depth of flavor to stand up to the feta and olive topping.
Grilled Mahi Mahi Tacos with Spicy Mayo
If you’re looking for a light, refreshing take on tacos, paprika can help with that too. A blend of cumin, paprika and black pepper add warm, savory notes to mahi-mahi, while a homemade spiced lime mayo adds brightness and cuts through the spice. Whip up these tacos and a batch of margs, and you’ve got the ultimate summer dinner.
