19 spicy recipes that make our mouths water

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You know when you hear about those spicy recipes and instantly, your mouth starts to water? That’s the magic we’re talking about. It’s not just the kick or the heat; it’s the whole flavor adventure that comes with it. Whether it’s a slow burn or an instant hit of heat, there’s something about spicy food that keeps us wanting more.

And let’s not forget the joy of sharing these fiery dishes with friends and family. It’s like the spice brings everyone together, sparking lively chats around the dinner table. There’s also a bit of pride in being able to handle the heat and diving in for another bite. It turns a meal into an unforgettable experience. So, here are the 19 spicy recipes that not only make our mouths water but also add a dash of excitement to our meals!

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

Thai Chicken Satay

There’s something about chicken satay that makes you feel like you’re at a street food stall, even if you’re just in your kitchen. Grilled until it’s just right and served with that kicky peanut sauce, it’s the kind of snack that makes you think, “Yep, this is why I love spicy food.” It’s mouthwatering, it’s fun, and it’s undeniably tasty.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Satay

Crab, Shrimp, and Sausage Gumbo

Take a trip to Louisiana with a bowl of Crab, Shrimp, and Sausage Gumbo that’s as hearty as it is spicy. It’s packed with everything good, from seafood to sausage, all simmered in a sauce that’s rich and full of flavor. It’s the kind of spicy recipe that feeds the soul, making our mouths water and our spirits a little brighter with every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Crab, Shrimp, and Sausage Gumbo

Overhead shot of a plate of chicken 65.
Chicken 65. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken 65

Chicken 65 is the kind of dish that makes you wonder why all chicken can’t be like this. Deep-fried to perfection and tossed in spices that pack a punch, it’s crispy, it’s spicy, and it’s utterly addictive. It’s one of those spicy delights that has you reaching for piece after piece, even as your mouth is watering and you’re feeling the heat.
Get the Recipe: Chicken 65

Dan Dan Noodles

With a spicy, peanutty sauce that clings to every noodle, and just the right amount of minced pork for richness, this dish is a deep dive into flavor. It’s a beloved Szechuan classic for a reason, offering up a spicy recipe that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. A must-try for noodle enthusiasts.
Get the Recipe: Dan Dan Noodles

Overhead shot of a bowl of Thai shrimp curry over rice with silverware and lime wedges on the side.
Thai Shrimp Curry. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Thai Shrimp Curry

Think of a tender shrimp swimming in a sea of spicy, aromatic curry sauce – that’s Thai Shrimp Curry for you. It’s a dish that marries the ocean’s bounty with the warmth of Thai spices in a way that’s just irresistible. A definite go-to for when you want something that’s both comforting and exciting, making our mouths water at the mere thought.
Get the Recipe: Thai Shrimp Curry

Vegetarian Dan Dan Noodles

Who said you need meat to make a meal exciting? Vegetarian Dan Dan Noodles are here to shake things up, bringing all the bold and spicy flavors you love, but plant-based. It’s vibrant, it’s tasty, and it challenges the idea of what spicy food can be, making our mouths water and our hearts a little happier for the veggie twist.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Dan Dan Noodles

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

Thai Larb

Thai Larb is like a surprise party for your taste buds – it’s fresh, it’s zingy, and it’s got just the right amount of heat. Mixing minced meat with herbs and that tangy lime dressing, it’s light but doesn’t hold back on flavor. It’s the kind of dish that makes spicy food lovers nod in approval because it’s refreshing and makes our mouths water.
Get the Recipe: Thai Larb

Cajun Shrimp and Grits

Cajun Shrimp and Grits is that perfect mix of Southern comfort and a little bit of fire. The grits are smooth and buttery, a perfect backdrop for the spicy shrimp that’s seasoned just right. It’s the kind of meal that warms you up and keeps you coming back for more, proving that spicy food and comfort food go hand in hand.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Shrimp and Grits

Overhead shot of a white pot with Thai pumplkin curry.
Thai Pumpkin Curry. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Thai Pumpkin Curry

When pumpkin meets the heat of Thai spices, magic happens. This curry is a blend of sweet and spicy, creamy enough to feel indulgent but with a kick that keeps you on your toes. It’s the perfect pick-me-up for chilly days, serving up a bowl of coziness that has us all saying, “More, please!” because it’s just that mouthwatering.
Get the Recipe: Thai Pumpkin Curry

Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

On those days when you’re craving something that’ll wake up all your senses, Chicken Hot and Sour Soup is the way to go. It’s got that tangy kick, that spicy edge, and all the goodness of chicken and veggies. It’s a soup that’s both comforting and exciting, making our mouths water and reminding us why we love spicy food in the first place.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

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

Camarones a la Diabla

For those who like their food with a bit of a dare, Camarones a la Diabla delivers. It’s shrimp, but not as you know it – these guys are swimming in a sauce that’s so spicy, it’s devilish. It’s the dish you go to when you want to turn the heat way up and have a meal that’s memorable for all the right reasons. A mouthwatering challenge, if you will.
Get the Recipe: Camarones a la Diabla

Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles

Picture this: noodles that are all cozy in a spicy peanut sauce, making every bite a mix of creamy and zesty. It’s the sort of dish that comfort food dreams are made of, with just enough spice to make things interesting. For anyone who thinks noodles are life, this is one of those spicy recipes that proves you right and keeps you coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles

Laksa in a white bowl.
Chicken Curry Laksa. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken Curry Laksa

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Chicken Curry Laksa to make you feel like everything’s right in the world. It’s spicy, it’s soupy, and it’s loaded with noodles and chicken that soak up all that lovely flavor. It’s the kind of dish that’s a meal in itself, making our mouths water with its perfect blend of heat and heartiness.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry Laksa

Szechuan Shrimp

Let’s talk about a dish that turns up the heat and doesn’t apologize for it. With Szechuan Shrimp, you’re getting into an adventure where each bite is a bold mix of spicy and savory, kind of like a flavor roller coaster. It’s exactly what you need when you’re craving something that’ll make your mouth water and maybe even break a sweat.
Get the Recipe: Szechuan Shrimp

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

Crispy Beef

If you’re all about that crunch, Crispy Beef with its spicy-sweet sauce will hit the spot. It’s beef that’s been fried until it’s irresistibly crunchy and then tossed in a sauce that balances sweet, savory, and spicy. It’s a dish that’s all about texture and taste, making our mouths water and proving that sometimes, the simplest things are the best.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Beef

Thai Chicken Curry

Ever have one of those days where you just need a bit of warmth and a whole lot of flavor? That’s where Thai Chicken Curry comes in. It’s like a hug in a bowl, with coconut milk smoothing out the spicy edges and tender chicken that just falls apart. It’s a curry that reminds you why spicy food is so darn good, making your mouth water with each spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Curry

Cucumber kimchi on a white plate with a pair of chopsticks lifting a slice of cucumber.
Cucumber Kimchi. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Cucumber Kimchi

For a side that brings a little heat to the table, Cucumber Kimchi is a fresh take. It’s crunchy, it’s spicy, and it’s bursting with flavor, making it the perfect accompaniment to just about anything. It’s the kind of spicy recipe that adds zest to your meal, making our mouths water and adding a bit of excitement to the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Kimchi

Veggie Pad Thai

Veggie Pad Thai is like a carnival of flavors, all bright and bold and making you wonder why you don’t eat like this every day. With tofu and a bunch of fresh veggies, all tangled up in that spicy, tangy sauce, it’s a dish that fills you up without weighing you down. It’s spicy, it’s satisfying, and yes, it makes our mouths water every single time.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pad Thai

Gochujang chicken on a platter with fresh herbs.
Gochujang Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Gochujang Chicken

When you mix juicy chicken with the unique heat of gochujang, you get something special. Gochujang Chicken is a blend of sweet, savory, and spicy that just works. It’s the kind of dish that makes you appreciate the art of balancing flavors, making our mouths water and leaving us wondering why we don’t use gochujang in everything.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken

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