8 hot and spicy dishes that will light up your tastebuds
[Photo: Burp Appetit]
Do you find yourself hogging the bottle of hot sauce on a wings and beer kinda night out with friends? Are you on the constant lookout for a spicy Asian diner on the way home from work? If yes, then you are a spice master. If not, well, science says you should be.
Did you know that spicy food is actually good for you? Among other things, capsaicin, the active component in chili peppers is said to boost metabolism and even make you live longer.
Also, eating spicy foods actually cools you down, contrary to what spicy (hot) signifies. This is why spicy foods are so popular in hot and tropical regions. And this is exactly what gave rise to the lip-smackingly-delicious tongue-burning cuisines found in India, Southeast Asia, China, the Caribbean and even the south-southwest parts of USA.
Here are eight fantastic hot and spicy recipes that will fire up your tastebuds
Cajun Sweet Potato Fries [Photo: That Girl Cooks Healthy]
The sweet potatoes pair so well with the Cajun seasoning it is tossed with. Ditch the bland and greasy takeout fries and whip up these golden beauties in the oven. Add as much or as little of the Cajun seasoning you can handle, but we would tell you to just go for it.
Get the recipe from That Girl Cooks Healthy.
Spicy Shrimp Pasta In Creamy Tomato Sauce [Photo: At The Corner Of Happy & Harried]
Move over, marinara and Alfredo. It’s all about the creamy tomato sauce. You don’t need any fancy ingredients to make this tangy and spicy dish. Pan seared shrimp and pasta are tossed in the spicy tomato sauce and suddenly, all is well with the world again. All it needs is a bottle of wine.
Get the recipe from At The Corner Of Happy & Harried.
Sichuan Chicken with Spicy Sesame Sauce [Photo: Omnivore’s Cookbook]
Once again, it is all about that sauce. Herb-poached chicken is tossed in a hot homemade chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns to make this tasty appetizer. Surprisingly, the dish is served cold, but its flavours are the exact opposite — bold, hot and will have you reaching out for more.
Get the recipe from Omnivore’s Cookbook.
Thai Red Chicken Curry [Photo: At The Corner Of Happy & Harried]
This Thai red curry is fresh and vibrant with red chilies, garlic, ginger, lemongrass and kafir lime. If the thought of making your own curry paste intimidates you, you can always go the store-bought route. Fresh coconut milk tempers the heat slightly and sweet peppers add a nice contrast in terms of flavor and texture.
Get the recipe from At The Corner Of Happy & Harried.
Hot Chicken Waffle Sliders [Photo: Southern Fatty]
Chicken and waffles is almost like a cult unto itself. But when you are in the deep south, this is how you do chicken and waffles — hot! To get a nice kick, a varieties of chilies and spices are used — Sriracha, chili powder, paprika, and cayenne. Top it off with a creamy yogurt sauce to cool down your palette.
Get the recipe from Southern Fatty.
Spicy Kimchi Pork Belly Fried Rice [Photo: Curious Nut]
Kimchi is arguably one of the best spicy condiment ever made. Tossed with rice and pork belly and topped with a runny egg, this spicy comfort food is just a wok away.
Get the recipe from Curious Nut.
Steamed Wontons In Chili Broth [Photo: Burp Appetit]
Ah, wontons! Those juicy parcels come in all shapes and sizes, sometimes steamed, boiled or fried. However you like them, just dunk them in a spicy broth infused with hot chiu chow chilli oil.
Get the recipe from Burp Appetit.
Spicy Chicken Roast [Photo: At The Corner Of Happy & Harried]
Indian cuisine doesn’t begin and end with chicken tikka and biryani. Instead, this is where real Indian spice flavors are at. Dark, spicy, bold and delicious, this chicken pot roast is made with just a few choice ingredients but can transform any lazy evening dinner into a special event.
Get the recipe from At The Corner Of Happy & Harried.
Anjana Devasahayam is a foodie, baker, recipe creator and blogger at her blog, At The Corner Of Happy & Harried. Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & Pinterest.
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