What Can I Substitute for Kashmiri Chilli Powder?

Kashmiri chilli powder is known for its bright red colour and mild heat, making it a staple in authentic Indian cooking. If you don't have it on hand, you can use several substitutes to achieve similar colour and flavour in your Indian dishes. The key is to match both the vibrant red colour and mild spice level that makes Kashmiri chilli powder unique.

Here are the 5 best substitutes for Kashmiri chilli powder, ranked by how closely they match the original:

1. Paprika + Regular Chilli Powder

• Mix 3 parts paprika with 1 part regular chilli powder
• Best overall substitute
• Matches both colour and heat level

2. Sweet Paprika Alone

• Use equal amount
• Good for colour, less heat
• Best when cooking for people who don't like spicy food

3. Regular Chilli Powder

• Use 1/4 to 1/3 of the amount called for
• Adds heat but less colour
• Adjust based on your spice tolerance

4. Korean Red Pepper Powder

• Use 1/2 the amount
• Similar color
• Slightly different flavour profile

5. Mix of Cayenne + Paprika

• Use 1 part cayenne to 4 parts paprika
• Good balance of heat and colour
• Adjust ratio to taste

Remember: These substitutes might change the final taste of your dish slightly. Always start with less and adjust according to your preference. For the most authentic results, we recommend using genuine Kashmiri chilli powder in your cooking. You can also learn more about the differences in our guide on Kashmiri vs regular chilli powder, or try these substitutes in our butter chicken recipe or lamb rogan josh recipe.