Turn Up the Heat with These Spicy Recipes That Bring Serious Flavor

If you love recipes with a little kick, this roundup is your happy place. These spicy dishes range from bold glazes and zesty sauces to cozy chilis and noodle bowls that warm you right up. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner, a fresh new side, or a fiery appetizer to impress your crew, these recipes pack big flavor in simple, doable steps. Grab your favorite hot sauce and dive in.

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 bourbon glaze brings that perfect mix of sweet, sticky, and spicy. It adds instant magic to grilled meats, seafood, or even roasted veggies. If you want a fast way to level up your cookout, this glaze is your new secret weapon.
Get the Recipe: A Sweet Sticky Spicy Bourbon Glaze

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

Warm coconut rice, crispy spiced chickpeas, and a cool garlicky drizzle come together for a bowl that hits all the good notes. It is comforting, fresh, and just spicy enough to wake things up.
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 copycat Popeyes spicy mayo nails that creamy, tangy, slightly fiery flavor you want on sandwiches, burgers, and fries. It is ridiculously easy to whip up and tastes even better than the fast food version.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Popeyes Spicy Mayonnaise

Easy, Spicy Gochujang Tofu

A bowl of white rice topped with glazed tofu cubes, sliced green onions, and sesame seeds, with a pair of chopsticks on the side. — Easy, Spicy Gochujang Tofu. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Crispy tofu meets a sweet and spicy Korean inspired gochujang sauce for a dish that is fast, flavorful, and fully plant based. It is ready in about half an hour and works with rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps.
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 collard greens are tender, vibrant, and full of warm spices. They are naturally vegan and gluten free and make a super tasty side for just about any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Gomen Wat (Spicy Ethiopian Greens)

Instant Pot Copycat Cheesecake Factory Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta

This Instant Pot version of the Cheesecake Factory favorite is creamy, smoky, and packed with chipotle heat. It is an easy way to recreate a restaurant style meal at home without the big bill.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Copycat Cheesecake Factory Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta

Instant Pot Spicy Black Eyed Peas with Sausage

Tender black eyed peas and spicy andouille sausage come together in a cozy, comforting bowl. Everything simmers with herbs and seasoning for a dish that tastes like it cooked all day even though it is super quick.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spicy Black Eyed Peas with Sausage

Instant Pot Spicy Thai Lo Mein

This speedy Thai inspired lo mein has soft egg noodles, veggies, and just enough heat to keep things interesting. It is a dinner that goes from craving to table in about 15 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spicy Thai Lo Mein

Lentil and Butternut Squash Vegetarian Chili with Spicy Chickpea Quinoa Crackers

This veggie chili is hearty, sweet from the butternut squash, and full of cozy spices. The spicy chickpea quinoa crackers bring a fun crunch that makes the whole bowl even better.
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 salad brings all the vibes of Mexican street corn but in a fresh and crunchy kale base. The spicy yogurt lime dressing ties everything together with bright, zesty flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Elote Street Corn Kale Salad with Spicy Yogurt Lime Dressing

Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

These bite sized salmon patties are crisp on the outside and tender inside with a little jalapeño heat. They come together fast and get a final pop of flavor from a lemon dill aioli drizzle.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Miso Ramen with Chicken, Tofu and Spicy Tahini

This ramen bowl is rich, comforting, and boosted with a spicy tahini kick. With chicken, tofu, and a bold miso broth, it is a satisfying meal that still feels fresh.
Get the Recipe: Miso Ramen with Chicken, Tofu and Spicy Tahini

Shrimp Spring Rolls with Spicy Garlic Sauce

These fresh Vietnamese style spring rolls are packed with shrimp, herbs, and crisp veggies. The spicy garlic sauce takes them from tasty to irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Spring Rolls with Spicy Garlic Sauce

Spicy Alfredo Pasta

This creamy red pepper Alfredo has a smooth texture and a mild heat that keeps each bite interesting. It is a quick, cozy pasta dish that works perfectly on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Alfredo Pasta