Let’s get it on: 33 seductively spicy recipes to turn up the heat

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Do you yearn for spicy food? If you’re ready to turn up the heat, these 33 seductively spicy recipes will ignite your taste buds and leave you begging for more. From Chinese Salt and Pepper Wings to Mango Habanero Salsa, these dishes are guaranteed to light your fire.

Low angle shot of korean fried chicken with a hand holding a piece of the chicken.
Korean Fried Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

Low angle shot of a bowl of salt and pepper chicken.
Salt and Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

I made these Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings with Szechuan peppercorns and stir-fried hot chile peppers and garlic and I couldn’t stop eating them! They are so crunchy, spicy, and addictive.
Get the Recipe: Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

Camarones a la Diabla

shrimp in red chile sauce on a white plate with lime wedges in the background.
Camarones a la Diabla. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Camarones a la Diabla is one of my all-time favorite recipes. Plump, tender shrimp are seared in a skillet and then tossed in a rich, fiery sauce made from dried chiles. You can vary the type and amount of chile to get exactly the heat level that’s right for you.
Get the Recipe: Camarones a la Diabla

Crispy Beef

Low angle shot of crispy beef on a plate.
Crispy Beef. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Crispy Chilli Beef is one of my favorite Chinese restaurant dishes—strips of tender beef are fried until crispy and then tossed in a sticky, sweet, spicy sauce. It’s easy to make at home, and no deep fryer is needed!
Get the Recipe: Crispy Beef

Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

Low angle shot of korean fried chicken with a hand holding a piece of the chicken.
Korean Fried Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken is crispy, crunchy, spicy, and sweet. It’s easy to make and you won’t be able to stop eating it.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites

Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites.
Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites are guaranteed to disappear fast at the cookout! They’re just as cheesy, crunchy, spicy, and flavorful as regular poppers, but easier to make AND easier to eat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites

Mango Habanero Salsa

Overhead shot of a bowl of mango habanero salsa with a hand lifting a spoonful of the salsa.
Mango Habanero Salsa. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Mango Habanero Salsa is the perfect fiery topping for fish tacos or simply for dipping. It’s spicy and sweet, and really easy to make. It’s also crazy delicious.
Get the Recipe: Mango Habanero Salsa

Cajun Shrimp and Grits

Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Cajun Shrimp and Grits. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Cajun Shrimp and Grits is spicy, satisfying comfort food. Creamy, buttery grits are topped with Cajun spiced shrimp.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Shrimp and Grits

Chicken Curry Laksa

laksa in a white bowl.

Spicy chicken curry Laksa is the stuff dreams are made of. What’s more enticing than a steamy bowl of rich, spicy soup with layers of flavor, chunks of chicken, and tender rice noodles?
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry Laksa

Kung Pao Chicken

low angle shot of a bowl of kung pao chicken.
Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This kung pao chicken is just like what you get at your favorite Chinese takeout restaurant. Tender bits of chicken, crunchy peanuts, a salty-sweet sauce, and a hit of spice all come together to make one delicious dish.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Thai Pumpkin Curry

Thai Pumpkin Curry. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.
Thai Pumpkin Curry. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Thai Pumpkin Curry Soup is a delicious and satisfying meal that takes just 25 minutes to make. Thai curry paste and rich, creamy coconut milk add layers of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Thai Pumpkin Curry

Szechuan Shrimp

Low angle shot of szechuan shrimp in a wok.
Szechuan Shrimp. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Spicy Szechuan Shrimp is easy to make at home. Hot bean paste, chili oil, and Szechuan peppercorns give it a kick!
Get the Recipe: Szechuan Shrimp

Air Fryer Orange Chicken

friend chicken pieces in orange sauce garnished with sesame seeds in a black bowl with chopsticks and a green and white napkin.
Air Fryer Orange Chicken. Photo credit: all Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Orange Chicken is crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and tossed in an addictive sweet-savory sauce made with orange juice and zest. Based on the popular Chinese takeout dish, this healthy and easy air fryer version is a total crowd pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Thai Chicken Curry

low angle shot of a blue and white striped bowl filled with Thai chicken curry.
Thai Chicken Curry. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Thai Chicken Curry is so good! I love how easy it is to make and that you can use whatever veggies you have on hand! It’s so delicious and can be made either on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Curry

Instant Pot Chicken Korma

low angle shot of bowls of chicken korma.
Instant Pot Chicken Korma. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Instant Pot Chicken Korma is a super-fast way to enjoy this spicy, rich curry. It’s quick to make, with a short ingredient list, but the recipe doesn’t sacrifice flavor for speed.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Korma

Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken

Overhead shot of a striped bowl with kung pao chicken.
Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken is so delicious! It’s full of spicy flavor from dried chiles and Szechuan peppercorns. Toasted peanuts add the perfect crunch, too. It’s so quick and makes a full meal if you pair it with steamed rice.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken

Gochujang Noodles

Gochujang noodles in a skillet with chopsticks.
Gochujang Noodles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Gochujang Noodles are so full of flavor, you won’t be able to stop eating them. Imagine chewy noodles bathed in a rich and creamy, spicy, savory sauce studded with tender greens and meaty sliced mushrooms.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Noodles

Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

Overhead shot of two white bowls with chicken hot and sour soup.
Chicken Hot and Sour Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken Hot and Sour Soup starts with a rich, tangy, spicy broth. Then it’s filled with mushrooms, bamboo shoots, tender chicken, tofu, and ribbons of egg. It’s seriously nutritious and seriously delicious.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

Thai Larb

Low angle shot of a striped bowl filled with Thai larb salad garnished with shallot slices.
Thai Larb. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

When you’re in the mood for something light, spicy, and deliciously savory, this Thai Larb is perfect. Easy to make and totally addictive!
Get the Recipe: Thai Larb

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu.
Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu is so delicious, it will make even non-believers into tofu lovers! Crispy tofu cubes are tossed with spicy chile peppers, crispy garlic, sliced scallions, and a sprinkling of flavorful spices.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu

Mongolian Chicken

Overhead shot of a bowl of mongolian chicken.
Mongolian Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Mongolian Chicken, like its sibling Mongolian Beef, is a restaurant favorite, and for good reason. Tender chicken pieces are fried to a golden-brown crisp and then tossed in a sweet-savory, gingery hoisin-based sauce studded with fresh green onions.
Get the Recipe: Mongolian Chicken

Spicy Cucumber Salad

Overhead shot of Spicy Cucumber Salad with black beans in a black bowl.
Spicy cucumber salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Spicy Cucumber Salad, spiked with chili crisp and fermented black beans, is super refreshing on a hot day! Bring it to the cookout and watch it disappear fast!
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Sriracha Ranch

A bowl of sriracha ranch dressing.
Sriracha Ranch. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Sriracha Ranch Dressing is all the things people love about ranch dressing—creamy, fresh, herby—but with the added kick of spice from sriracha sauce that takes it over the top. https://allwaysdelicious.com/sriracha-ranch-dressing/
Get the Recipe: Sriracha Ranch

Thai Chicken Satay

Thai Chicken Satay on a black plate with veggies.
Thai Chicken Satay. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Thai Satay Chicken is loaded with authentic flavors like turmeric, lemongrass, chiles, and fish sauce. A rich and spicy Thai Peanut Sauce is perfect for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Satay

Prik Nam Pla

Overhead shot of Prik Nam Pla dipping sauce with limes and peanuts on the side.
Prik Nam Pla. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Prik Nam Pla, the ubiquitous Thai dipping sauce, perfectly illustrates the essential Thai cooking principle of balancing salty, sour, sweet, and spicy flavors. It has all of these wrapped up in one crazy delicious sauce.
Get the Recipe: Prik Nam Pla

Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles

Spooning thai peanut sauce over salad.
Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles is a dish I could eat every day and never get tired of it. It’s a quick, easy, delicious vegetarian meal with tons of spicy Thai flavor.
Get the Recipe: Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles

Thai Red Curry Sauce

Overhead shot of a bowl of thai red curry sauce with a cilantro leaf on top.
Thai Red Curry Sauce. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Thai Red Curry Sauce is one of my favorite sauces because of its intense, spicy flavor and its versatility. I spoon it over chicken, fish, shrimp, tofu, veggies, and noodles. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for chicken satay, Thai meatballs, noodles, and more.
Get the Recipe: Thai Red Curry Sauce

Vegetarian Dan Dan Noodles

Plate of vegetarian dan dan noodles.
Vegetarian Dan Dan Noodles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Vegetarian Dan Dan Noodles defy tradition since the traditional topping for the fiery noodles normally starts with ground pork. But I promise you, this easy meatless version is every bit as addictive.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Dan Dan Noodles

Veggie Pad Thai

Bowl of peanut veggie pad thai.
Veggie Pad Thai. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This veggie Pad Thai is delicious and easy to make. Rice noodles are quickly stir-fried with classic Thai seasonings (including vegan fish sauce!), bean sprouts, and fried tofu.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pad Thai

Harissa Paste

Harissa paste in a canning jar with ingredients scattered around the table.
Harissa paste. Photo credit: Robin Donovan.

This homemade harissa recipe is surprisingly easy, and once you learn how to make it, you’ll find a million ways to use it in your cooking. It delivers intense heat and complex flavor that always puts a smile on my face.
Get the Recipe: Harissa Paste

Zhoug Sauce

low angle shot of a bowl of zhoug with veggies on the side.
Zhoug Sauce. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

I put zhoug sauce on everything—hummus sandwiches, falafel, samosas, omelets or scrambled eggs, steak, fish, and turkey burgers. as a dip for sweet potato fries, or stirred into yogurt for a creamy, spicy sauce.
Get the Recipe: Zhoug Sauce

Shichimi Togarashi

Low angle shot of a white bowl filled with shichimi togarashi with a spoon in it.
Shichimi Togarashi. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Shichimi Togarashi is a magical Japanese condiment. It’s a perfect perfect seasoning mix to add kick to fish, meat, rice, or noodle dishes. Shichimi Togarashi, or “seven spice,” Itis a spice mixture of dried chile, dried orange or tangerine zest, sesame seeds, seaweed, and usually sansho pepper or Sichuan peppercorns. It’s easy to make and you’ll want to put it on everything!
Get the Recipe: Shichimi Togarashi

Pickled Jalapenos

Two canning jars filled with pickled jalapenos on a wooden board with fresh jalapenos on the side.
Pickled Jalapenos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Pickled Jalapenos are a staple in my house. We put them on everything: tacos, quesadillas, tuna salad sandwiches, wraps, nachos, chilaquiles, enchiladas, burgers, and more. These quick Pickled Jalapenos can be ready in about 20 minutes to stave off any spicy condiment emergencies!
Get the Recipe: Pickled Jalapenos

Sichuan Chili Oil

low angle shot of a jar of chili oil with a spoon lifting some of the oil out of the jar.
Sichuan Chili Oil. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Are you addicted to chili oil or chili crisp like I am? It’s easy to make at home and you can add all your favorite flavors!
Get the Recipe: Sichuan Chili Oil

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