Turn Up the Heat With These Bold and Spicy Dishes Everyone Will Crave

If you love a little kick in your meals, this roundup is about to be your new happy place. These dishes bring the spice from all angles, whether you want something creamy, saucy, crispy, or totally comforting. From easy Instant Pot dinners to fiery twists on classic favorites, each one adds big flavor without extra fuss. Grab your fork, because things are about to get deliciously spicy.

A Sweet Sticky Spicy Bourbon Glaze

A close-up of a spoon being dipped into a thick, dark marinade sauce with visible seeds and spices. — A Sweet Sticky Spicy Bourbon Glaze. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

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This glossy bourbon glaze brings a perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and savory to grilled meats, seafood, and anything that needs a bold flavor boost.
Get the Recipe: A Sweet Sticky Spicy Bourbon Glaze

Coconut Ginger Rice with Spicy Turkish Roasted Chickpeas & Garlic Yogurt Drizzle

Creamy coconut ginger rice topped with crisp, spiced chickpeas and a cool garlic yogurt drizzle makes a hearty and flavor packed bowl you’ll want on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Ginger Rice with Spicy Turkish Roasted Chickpeas & Garlic Yogurt Drizzle

Copycat Popeyes Spicy Mayonnaise

A bowl of spicy mayonnaise and garlic on a cutting board. — Copycat Popeyes Spicy Mayonnaise. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

This homemade spicy mayo is tangy, creamy, and has just the right heat. Slather it on chicken sandwiches, burgers, or fries and you’ll never miss the drive thru.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Popeyes Spicy Mayonnaise

Easy, Spicy Gochujang Tofu

An overhead image of gochujang tofu rice bowl with chopsticks on the side. — Easy, Spicy Gochujang Tofu. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Crispy tofu coated in a sweet and spicy Korean style gochujang sauce makes an easy and satisfying plant based dinner ready in about half an hour.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Spicy Gochujang Tofu

Gomen Wat (Spicy Ethiopian Greens)

An overhead view of gomen wat in a white bowl. — Gomen Wat (Spicy Ethiopian Greens). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These Ethiopian inspired greens are simmered with warm spices for a vibrant, nutritious side dish that brings instant depth to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Gomen Wat (Spicy Ethiopian Greens)

Instant Pot Copycat Cheesecake Factory Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta

This creamy, smoky chipotle chicken pasta is a spot on copycat that cooks quickly in the Instant Pot. Comforting, spicy, and perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Copycat Cheesecake Factory Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta

Instant Pot Spicy Black Eyed Peas with Sausage

Spicy andouille sausage and tender black eyed peas come together in a flavorful, comforting pot of goodness that’s easy to make any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spicy Black Eyed Peas with Sausage

Instant Pot Spicy Thai Lo Mein

Soft egg noodles, veggies, and a kick of Thai inspired heat make this fast, saucy lo mein a go to weeknight dinner that’s ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spicy Thai Lo Mein

Lentil and Butternut Squash Vegetarian Chili with Spicy Chickpea Quinoa Crackers

A cozy vegetarian chili loaded with lentils and squash, served with crisp and spicy chickpea quinoa crackers for the perfect finishing crunch.
Get the Recipe: Lentil and Butternut Squash Vegetarian Chili with Spicy Chickpea Quinoa Crackers

Mexican Elote Street Corn Kale Salad with Spicy Yogurt Lime Dressing

This fun twist on elote tosses kale, corn, and a spicy lime yogurt dressing into a fresh and flavorful salad you’ll want to serve with everything.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Elote Street Corn Kale Salad with Spicy Yogurt Lime Dressing

Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

These quick salmon patties are loaded with jalapeño, a touch of cayenne, and a bright lemon dill aioli. Perfect as appetizers or a light meal.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Miso Ramen with Chicken, Tofu and Spicy Tahini

Creamy, spicy tahini meets savory miso broth in this comforting ramen bowl with chicken and tofu. It’s rich, hearty, and full of cozy heat.
Get the Recipe: Miso Ramen with Chicken, Tofu and Spicy Tahini

Shrimp Spring Rolls with Spicy Garlic Sauce

Fresh, crisp Vietnamese style spring rolls paired with a bold spicy garlic sauce make a refreshing snack or light meal you’ll keep craving.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Spring Rolls with Spicy Garlic Sauce

Spicy Alfredo Pasta

Two plates of creamy tomato fettuccine garnished with fresh basil leaves, served with small bowls of pepper and grated cheese on a light table. — Spicy Alfredo Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Creamy Alfredo gets a fiery upgrade with a red pepper base and herbs. It’s a quick one pot pasta that hits all the cozy notes with a nice kick.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Alfredo Pasta

Spicy Bacon Chickpea Burgers

These smoky, spicy chickpea burgers with bacon are a fun way to switch up burger night without losing any bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Bacon Chickpea Burgers