Banish bland: 37 spicy dishes to challenge your mouth

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Looking to kick your meals up a notch? You’re in the right spot. From the fiery depths of gochujang noodles to the sizzling intensity of harissa chicken, these 37 recipes have got enough spice to make you think twice.

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

Kung Pao Chicken

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

A Chinese classic that goes heavy on the heat. The combo of Szechuan peppercorns and dried chilies will challenge your spice tolerance.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Mongolian Chicken

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

With a mouth-puckering mix of ginger and red pepper flakes, this dish brings the heat without overwhelming the palate.
Get the Recipe: Mongolian Chicken

Spicy Miso Ramen

A bowl of ramen with karaage chicken.
Spicy Miso Ramen. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A hearty broth infused with miso and chili oil makes this ramen a spicy adventure for your mouth.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Miso Ramen

Chicken 65

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

A South Indian favorite, its combination of red chili and curry leaves promises to kick the bland out of your meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken 65

Camarones a la Diabla

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.

Literally translating to “shrimp of the devil,” this dish features shrimp enveloped in a fiery, smoky sauce.
Get the Recipe: Camarones a la Diabla

Sriracha Ranch

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

The union of cooling ranch and Sriracha gives a new meaning to dipping sauces. Perfect for those who want to dip their toes into spicy foods.
Get the Recipe: Sriracha Ranch

Szechuan Shrimp

Szechuan shrimp in a walk with a serving spoon.
Szechuan Shrimp. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Tantalize your taste buds with a healthy dose of Szechuan pepper and hot bean sauce.
Get the Recipe: Szechuan Shrimp

Spicy Cucumber Salad

Overhead shot of spicy cucumber salad in a black bowl with a fancy serving spoon on the side.
Spicy Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A refreshing yet hot dish, where cucumber meets red pepper flakes for a crunch with a kick.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Harissa Chicken

harissa chicken in a baking pan with a plate of it over rice with yogurt and herbs on the side.
Harissa Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A North African delight, this dish relies on Harissa paste to deliver its robust spicy flavors.
Get the Recipe: Harissa Chicken

Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

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

With a gochujang-based glaze, this chicken offers a Korean twist to your fried favorites.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

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.

The sweet mango teases your palate before the habanero heat kicks in, making it a thrilling side.
Get the Recipe: Mango Habanero Salsa

Cajun Shrimp and Grits

A bowl of grits topped with cajun shrimp.
Cajun Shrimp and Grits. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Think comfort food can’t be spicy? The Cajun seasoning in this Southern staple begs to differ.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Shrimp and Grits

Dan Dan Noodles

dan dan noodles in a white bowl with chopsticks.
Dan Dan Noodles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A Szechuan street food classic, the dish’s numbing spice comes from its special tahini and chili oil sauce.
Get the Recipe: Dan Dan Noodles

Thai Chicken Satay

overhead shot of thai chicken satay on a black plate with peanut sauce on the side.
Thai Chicken Satay. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Grilled chicken skewers meet a spicy peanut sauce, providing a Thai treat for your spice-seeking soul.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Satay

Chicken Curry Laksa

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

This Malaysian noodle soup is rich in spices and coconut milk, making every spoonful a multi-layered experience.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry Laksa

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.

A meat salad that brings the heat through its potent mixture of lime juice, fish sauce, and Thai chilies.
Get the Recipe: Thai Larb

Cucumber Kimchi

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

A spicy, fermented take on cucumbers that offers a crunch with every spicy bite.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Kimchi

Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

Basket of fried chicken with chilies and garlic.
Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A minimalist approach to spice; these wings rely on cracked black pepper for their heat.
Get the Recipe: Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

Salpicon de Res

Low angle shot of mini tostadas with salpicon de res or shredded beef salad on top.
Salpicon de Res. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A Mexican shredded beef salad that combines the heat of jalapeños with the tartness of lime.
Get the Recipe: Salpicon de Res

Gochujang Chicken

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

Chicken marinated in gochujang sauce offers a Korean heat that builds with each bite.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken

Gochujang Noodles

Low angle shot of gochujang noodles with greens, mushrooms, and cheese on a grey and white plate.
Gochujang Noodles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These noodles bring the flavor with a sauce that balances sweet, salty, and spicy in one dish.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Noodles

Mussels in Jalapeno Cream Sauce

A bowl of steamed mussels in jalapeno cream sauce ready to eat.
Mussels in Jalapeno Cream Sauce. Photo credit: Sage Alpha Gal.

Seafood takes a walk on the wild side with a sauce that mingles creamy textures with jalapeño heat.
Get the Recipe: Mussels in Jalapeno Cream Sauce

Chicken Curry

A bowl of chicken curry with rice and lime.
Chicken Curry. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

This dish elevates the simple chicken curry with a generous amount of red and green chilies.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry

Taco Meatballs

A white platter with cheese stuffed meatballs, limes, radishes and onions.
Taco Meatballs. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

A Tex-Mex twist on a classic, the incorporation of chipotle and cumin ensures these meatballs are far from bland.
Get the Recipe: Taco Meatballs

Creamy Mexican Corn And Bean Soup

Corn and bean soup in a blue bowl.
Creamy Mexican Corn And Bean Soup. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Spices like chili powder and cayenne pepper turn this creamy soup into a hot culinary affair.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mexican Corn And Bean Soup

Spicy Potato Soft Tacos with Chimichurri

Three Spicy Potato Soft Tacos sit on a wooden cutting board surrounded by a yellow linen and parsley.
Spicy Potato Soft Tacos with Chimichurri. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Soft tacos meet the heat through a spicy chimichurri and potato filling.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Potato Soft Tacos with Chimichurri

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

A baking dish full of chicken enchiladas is surrounded by cut limes, a halved avocado, and a green linen.
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

The slow-cooked chicken soaks up all the spicy goodness, making it a comfort food that packs a punch.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

pasta aglio olio e peperoncino is mixed with a black pasta fork.
Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Garlic and red pepper flakes bring the heat in this Italian pasta dish that’s deceivingly simple.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

Spaghetti Arrabbiata

Spaghetti Arrabbiata is twirled on a black plate on a white marble counter.
Spaghetti Arrabbiata. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Classic spaghetti gets a hot makeover with a generous addition of red pepper flakes.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Arrabbiata

Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Hot honey lemon pepper wings on a dark blue plate surrounded by lemon pepper, lemons, a white linen, and lemonade.
Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

A sticky glaze made of hot honey and lemon pepper seasoning gives these wings a zesty kick.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Bloody Mary Shrimp

plate of bloody mary shrimp on peach tiles with a baguette.
Bloody Mary Shrimp. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Shrimp bathed in a Bloody Mary mix offers a cocktail-like experience without the hangover but with all the spice.
Get the Recipe: Bloody Mary Shrimp

Crockpot Chicken Verde

Blue bowl of crockpot chicken verde soup.
Crockpot Chicken Verde. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Slow-cooked in a spicy verde sauce, this chicken dish delivers on both flavor and convenience.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken Verde

Spicy black-eyed pea dip with Tomatoes, garlic and jalapeno

Dip on plate with tomatoes and spicy peppers around.
Spicy black-eyed pea dip with Tomatoes, garlic and jalapeno. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This dip offers a balanced heat from the jalapeños while the black-eyed peas keep it grounded.
Get the Recipe: Spicy black-eyed pea dip with Tomatoes, garlic and jalapeno

Spicy Tofu Tacos

Side view of tacos on a plate, one with bite taken out.
Spicy Tofu Tacos. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Pan-fried tofu is given a spicy upgrade, proving that plant-based doesn’t mean bland.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tofu Tacos

Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread

Overhead view of sliced cornbread.
Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Sweet cornbread gets a spicy twist with jalapeños and cheddar, making it a perfect side for chili or soups.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread

Spicy Beef and Red Pepper Rice Bowl

Spicy beef and red pepper rice bowl topped with a fried egg over white rice.
Spicy Beef and Red Pepper Rice Bowl. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Thin slices of beef cooked in a spicy red pepper sauce offer a quick yet flavor-packed bowl.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Beef and Red Pepper Rice Bowl

Spicy Mango Chicken Skillet

Spicy mango chicken skillet with jalapeños.
Spicy Mango Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sweet mango and spicy chili flakes join forces to create a chicken dish that’s a true flavor bomb.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Mango Chicken Skillet

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