Give Roast Beef A Bold, Smoky Flavor Kick With One Staple Seasoning

Roast beef has incredible gustatory potential. However, flavors often fall short whenever less-than-incredible ingredients are used to season the protein. In order to prevent a bland and boring result, it's important to look beyond classic contenders like salt and pepper and rely on other delicious seasonings to give roast beef the makeover that it deserves. Of the many flavorful spices worthy of the challenge, one that just can't be beaten is zesty paprika.

A spice made by pulverizing dried red peppers, paprika typically has a sweet profile with vegetal notes of earth and a delicately warm and woody aroma. Given this breadth of flavor, paprika easily adds depth to any dish, including a drab rendition of roast beef. Along with imparting layers of flavor and fragrance to the meat, paprika also works to complement and contrast the profile of the protein, underlining umami while keeping richness in check with its bright yet bitter nuances. But, that's not all that makes the spice such a staple for seasoning roast beef.

Since sweetly toasty paprika pairs well with so many ingredients, the versatile spice can be integrated into a bunch of roast beef recipes without the risk of detracting from other ingredients in a dish — paprika is there to elevate all components. As if that weren't enough, the flavorful seasoning even boasts the benefit of transforming aesthetics, adding a touch of crimson color to the meat's caramelized exterior (and potentially, amping up texture in the process), and leading to a better-tasting bite. 

Beyond the mild and mellow jars of sweet paprika found on supermarket shelves, there are dozens of other varieties teeming with complexity. For example, Hungarian paprika can range from vibrantly fruity to hot and fiery, whereas Spanish pimentón offers an especially smoky finish. Although any paprika will fare with savory roast beef, we suggest the latter due to its intensely woodsy and ultra-umami profile.

When it comes to determining how much to add, we suggest considering the size of the roast and the type of paprika used. Generally, a spoonful of spice tends to be enough. But, you can add more based on preference. Just be sure to opt for the freshest paprika possible so as to guarantee the boldest flavors. That said, to extract maximum deliciousness, you can even bloom the spice prior to working it into a recipe. 

Speaking of which, introducing paprika into a roast beef recipe can be as simple as sprinkling it onto the meat before cooking. Paprika can also be put to use in a rub or a marinade complete with complementary ingredients like earthy garlic, citrusy coriander, sweet honey, or spicy harissa. Otherwise, serve the protein with a paprika-forward sauce or compound butter. No matter how you experiment with the seasoning, make no mistake that paprika is the key to revamping roast beef!