Both crushed red pepper and paprika have distinct culinary roles and can be used to enhance a variety of dishes:
Bell Pepper Powder
Red Bell Peppers
Try my homemade sriracha sauce recipe, which is different from most Americanized varieties, including the sweeter Huy Fong rooster sauce. Mine is more like the original from Thailand.

The most vital of those ingredients is the Golden Goose Egg Secret #1 of making delicious Chiu Chow sauce at home: garlic. Lots and lots of it—enough to ward off potential dates within a 10-mile radius. Enough to scare the vampires out of your kids’ nightmares. Yes. That much.
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!
The use of capsaicin oleoresin extends beyond the culinary realm, as it is also utilized in various non-food applications. In the pharmaceutical industry, capsaicin oleoresin is used in topical creams and ointments for its potential analgesic properties, providing relief for muscle and joint discomfort. It is believed to work by desensitizing pain receptors in the skin, offering a warming sensation and temporary relief from minor aches and pains.
In Spanish, paprika has been known as pimentón since the 16th century, when it became a typical ingredient in the cuisine of western Extremadura.Despite its presence in Central Europe since the beginning of Ottoman conquests, it did not become popular in Hungary until the late 19th century. Now, more than 70% paprika are planted and harvested from China origin.
Of course you can buy some from the grocery store on your next outing, but this Homemade Chili Sauce is so much better.

Consider combining tomato juice and hot sauce if you want a spicier and hotter blend. Simply follow the same ratios as above to make the blend and replace paprika in your recipes.

In addition to sourcing high-quality paprika peppers, it is important to work with suppliers who use safe and effective solvents for extracting the pigments and essential oils from the peppers. Ethanol and acetone are commonly used solvents in the extraction process, and suppliers should ensure that the solvents are properly distilled and purified to meet food safety standards.
Natural paprika suppliers understand the importance of quality and consistency in their products. They work closely with farmers to ensure that the peppers are grown and harvested at the peak of ripeness, resulting in a paprika that is full of flavor and aroma. The peppers are carefully dried and ground to preserve their natural color and taste, creating a product that is fresh and flavorful.
Now add your Sichuan chili flakes and sugar. Stir to combine.