So, you reckon you’re a spice master? Let’s put that to the test with these 21 mind-blowingly spicy dishes. We’re venturing way beyond basic chili and taking a deep dive into the world of spice that’ll have you reaching for the water glass more than you’d like to admit. Each recipe is a masterpiece of heat, designed not just to challenge your spice tolerance but to delight your palate with explosive flavors. Dare to discover what’s beyond your spice horizon?
![Shrimp in red chile sauce on a white plate with lime wedges and a fork in the background.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/camarones-diabla-la-horiz-1-1.jpg)
Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings
![Basket of fried chicken with chilies and garlic.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/salt-and-pepper-chicken-16-x-9.jpg)
If you’re after something with a bit of a kick, these wings are where it’s at. They’re crispy, seasoned just right, and pack a peppery punch that keeps you coming back for more. Perfect for game day or a spicy snack, they’re a hit with anyone who loves a little heat.
Get the Recipe: Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings
Gochujang Noodles
![Low angle shot of gochujang noodles with greens, mushrooms, and cheese on a grey and white plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/gochujang-noodles-fdl.jpg)
Dive into a bowl of noodles that brings the heat in the best way possible. The rich, spicy flavor of gochujang transforms a simple dish into a fiery treat. It’s a must-try for those who like their meals with a bold taste and a memorable zing.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Noodles
Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles
![Overhead shot of a bowl of noodles with vegetables and thai peanut sauce.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/peanut-sauce-noodles-la-horiz-2-scaled-1-1024x684-1.jpg)
Here’s a dish that combines the creamy comfort of peanut sauce with a spicy twist. Every bite of these noodles is a delightful blend of flavors that’s both familiar and thrillingly new. It’s perfect for when you want something hearty yet full of spicy surprises.
Get the Recipe: Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles
Crab, Shrimp, and Sausage Gumbo
![A bowl of crab, shrimp, and sausage gumbo.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/gumbo-horiz.jpg)
This gumbo is a hearty, soul-warming dish that brings the heat alongside a medley of flavors from the sea and land. The combination of crab, shrimp, and sausage creates a rich, spicy broth that’s unforgettable. It’s a deep dive into Southern cooking with a spicy twist.
Get the Recipe: Crab, Shrimp, and Sausage Gumbo
Chicken Curry Laksa
![Laksa in a white bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/chicken-laksa.jpg)
For those who love their soup with a side of spice, this laksa is a dream come true. It’s a creamy, coconut-based soup loaded with tender chicken and noodles, spiced to perfection. It’s an exotic, spicy bowl that promises warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry Laksa
Dan Dan Noodles
![Dan dan noodles in a white bowl with chopsticks.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/dan-dan-noodles-8.jpg)
This classic dish is a true delight for spice lovers, featuring noodles tossed in a savory, spicy sauce. The heat is perfectly balanced with the rich flavors of minced meat and preserved vegetables. It’s a Sichuan favorite that’s bold and unapologetically spicy.
Get the Recipe: Dan Dan Noodles
Chicken 65
![Overhead shot of a plate of chicken 65.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/chicken-65-3.jpg)
This dish brings the heat in bite-sized pieces, making it perfect for snacking or as a bold appetizer. With its origins in Indian cuisine, it’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and smothered in a fiery red seasoning. It’s an addictive, spicy treat that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Chicken 65
Thai Pumpkin Curry
![Overhead shot of a white pot with Thai pumplkin curry.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/thai-pumpkin-curry-1-1.jpg)
Embrace the warmth of Thai spices blended seamlessly with the sweetness of pumpkin in this curry. It’s a vibrant, comforting dish that’s as nourishing as it is flavorful. This curry is a testament to how well spice and sweetness can dance together in harmony.
Get the Recipe: Thai Pumpkin Curry
Cajun Shrimp and Grits
![A bowl of grits topped with cajun shrimp.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/shrimp-and-grits-horiz.jpg)
This Southern classic gets a spicy makeover with a generous helping of Cajun seasoning. The shrimp are succulent and flavorful, sitting atop creamy grits. It’s a dish that’s rich in tradition and taste, perfect for anyone who loves their meals with a bit of a kick.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Thai Larb
![Low angle shot of a striped bowl filled with Thai larb salad garnished with shallot slices.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Thai-Larb-Salad-1600.jpg)
If you’re looking for a salad that packs a punch, this one’s a game-changer. It’s a meat salad that’s bursting with the flavors of lime, chili, and herbs, making each bite a spicy delight. It’s a fresh, zesty dish that’s perfect for those who love their food with a bit of fire.
Get the Recipe: Thai Larb
Veggie Pad Thai
![Low angle shot of a light blue bowl of pad thai.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/veggie-pad-thai.jpg)
Even without the meat, this Pad Thai holds its own with a tangle of noodles and a heap of vegetables, all tossed in a tangy, spicy sauce. It’s a dish that proves vegetarian meals can be just as bold and exciting. It’s a flavorful, spicy twist on a classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pad Thai
Camarones a la Diabla
![Shrimp in red chile sauce on a white plate with lime wedges and a fork in the background.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/camarones-diabla-la-horiz-1-1.jpg)
For a dish that lives up to its name, these shrimp are devilishly spicy and utterly delicious. They’re simmered in a sauce that’s fiery and rich, offering a seafood experience like no other. It’s a bold, spicy dish that’s sure to ignite your palate.
Get the Recipe: Camarones a la Diabla
Gochujang Chicken
![Gochujang chicken on a platter with fresh herbs.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Gochujang-Chicken-1600-2.jpg)
This chicken dish gets its kick from gochujang, a Korean chili paste that’s both spicy and complex. It’s a savory, slightly sweet, and undeniably spicy meal that’s perfect for those looking to explore the depths of Korean flavors. It’s spicy chicken, but not as you know it.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken
Vegetarian Dan Dan Noodles
![Low angle shot of a plate of vegetarian dan dan noodles with broccoli.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/vegetarian-dan-dan-noodles.jpg)
Spice doesn’t always need meat to make its mark, and this dish is proof. With a vegetarian twist, the noodles remain a vibrant, mouth-tingling experience. It’s a dish for those who love to explore the spicy side of life, offering flavors that are both bold and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Dan Dan Noodles
Szechuan Shrimp
![Low angle shot of szechuan shrimp in a wok.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Szechuan-Shrimp1600-2.jpg)
Dive into the spicy, numbing flavor of Szechuan peppercorns with this shrimp dish. It’s a spicy treat that’s not for the faint-hearted but promises a culinary adventure. It’s a mouthwatering, eye-watering experience that truly captures the essence of Szechuan cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Szechuan Shrimp
Thai Chicken Curry
![Low angle shot of a blue and white striped bowl filled with Thai chicken curry.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/thai-chicken-curry-fdl.jpg)
This curry is a treasure trove of flavors, with tender chicken pieces stewed in a spicy, aromatic sauce. It’s a dish that brings the heat in a creamy, dreamy curry that’s both comforting and exhilarating. It’s perfect for those chilly nights when you need a spicy pick-me-up.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Curry
Crispy Beef
![Low angle shot of crispy beef on a plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/crispy-beef-1.jpg)
If you’re in the mood for something crispy, spicy, and utterly satisfying, look no further. The beef is fried to perfection and tossed in a sauce that’ll make your taste buds tingle with joy. It’s a spicy dish that combines texture and taste in the best way possible.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Beef
Chicken Hot and Sour Soup
![Two bowls of hot and sour soup.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Chicken-Hot-and-Sour-Soup-1600-2.jpg)
On days when you need a little spice to clear your head, this soup is a go-to. It’s a perfectly balanced bowl of hot, sour, and spicy flavors, with tender chicken adding to its hearty appeal. It’s a soup that comforts and excites, making it a favorite for those who like it hot.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Hot and Sour Soup
Thai Shrimp Curry
![Overhead shot of a bowl of Thai shrimp curry over rice with silverware and lime wedges on the side.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/thai-shrimp-curry-13-copy-1024x683-1.jpg)
This curry brings together succulent shrimp and a spicy, aromatic broth for a match made in heaven. It’s a rich, flavorful dish that’s both elegant and easy to love. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it’s a spicy delight that transports you straight to the heart of Thai cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Thai Shrimp Curry
Cucumber Kimchi
![Cucumber kimchi on a white plate with a pair of chopsticks lifting a slice of cucumber.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cucumber-Kimchi-1600.jpg)
For a spicy side that’s both refreshing and fiery, this take on kimchi is a revelation. It’s crunchy, spicy, and slightly tangy, making it the perfect companion to any meal. It’s a dish that proves spice can come in the coolest packages, offering a unique twist on a Korean classic.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Kimchi
Thai Chicken Satay
![Overhead shot of thai chicken satay on a black plate with peanut sauce on the side.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Thai-Chicken-Satay-1600-2.jpg)
These skewers are a fantastic way to enjoy chicken, with each piece soaked in a spicy, flavorful marinade. Grilled to perfection, they’re served with a spicy peanut sauce that’s absolutely to die for. It’s a dish that brings the heat in the most delightful way, perfect for any grill-out or get-together.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Satay