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It may be getting warmer out, but if there’s one thing we know it’s that there’s never the wrong time for some hot and spicy food. There are a lot of ways to bring the heat. You can lay on the Buffalo sauce, smother your food in chipotle sauce, or add Sriracha to anything that’s edible. When it comes to peppers, try adding jalapeño, cayenne, serrano, and habanero peppers to give your food a spicy kick.
Before moving forward, here are some recommendations for store-bought spicy vegan sauces!
To find more recipes that can help you get your spicy fix, check out 15 Hot and Spicy Global Recipes and 21 Recipes for Your Fiery Taste Buds and then get ready for these 15 hot and spicy recipes that bring on the heat.
1. Spicy Sriracha Tofu With Coconut Rice
This Spicy Sriracha Tofu is super easy to make. Tofu is cooked in a spicy mix and served with fragrant jasmine coconut rice. If you’re making this for a family, be sure to double up! What’s amazing about this dish is not only how wonderful the spicy flavor combines with the coconutty rice, but that you can make large portions for just a few dollars and even throw in more vegetables.
2. Masala Mushroom Bhuna: Indian Spicy Sautéed Mushrooms
This Masala Mushroom Bhuna dish is quick-cooked with constant stirring for 15 minutes, but it tastes like it has been slow-cooked to perfection for hours. The technique is called “bhuna” in North India, which is slow-cooking without water to yield a rich-tasting curry. But with mushrooms, you don’t have to wait! They’re tender, spicy, and tasty.
3. Spicy Curry Laksa
Laksa is a spicy rice noodle soup that’s popular in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and other Southeast Asian countries. There are many different regional varieties of this soup, but curry laksa is distinct for being especially rich and savory thanks to the use of coconut milk. This Spicy Curry Laksa is simple to make, nourishing, and full of fresh, vibrant flavors. You have to try it!
4. Spicy Cauliflower Chickpea Burger
This Spicy Cauliflower Chickpea Burger brings on the heat. Filled with veggies and Buffalo sauce, piled with amazing toppings, and smothered with even more Buffalo sauce, you’re definitely going to get your hot and spicy fix. You’ll be torn between devouring it immediately and taking it slow to savor ever bite.
5. Santa Fe Roasted Stuffed Peppers With Spicy Cashew Mozzarella
These colorful Santa Fe Roasted Stuffed Peppers are a must-try for all! They’re filled with savory sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and carrots, as well as protein-rich quinoa and black-eyed peas that’ll keep you full. The cashew mozzarella is optional, but its is highly recommended. You won’t believe how easily you can turn cashews into gooey, melty mozzarella. Combine everything together, roast it in the oven, and enjoy a meal that you’ll definitely be coming back to.
6. Sticky Chipotle Cauliflower Wings
These Sticky Chipotle Cauliflower Wings are almost too good to be true. They taste super indulgent, but considering the bulk of the snack is cauliflower, they’re actually relatively light. Enjoy the savory-sweet kick off these “wings” with some creamy vegan blue cheese or coconut yogurt dip.
7. Raw Chili Chocolate Brownies With Fudge Glaze
Yes, even desserts can be spicy! A touch of chili powder — or however much you want — gives these scrumptious Raw Chili Chocolate Brownies quite a kick! The fudge glaze is the only part of the recipe that is not raw, so if you want to keep the brownies fully raw, feel free to omit the glaze. They will still be delicious!
8. Serrano Pepper and Sweet Pea Soup
This seasonal Serrano Pepper and Sweet Pea Soup is full of flavor, spice, and body. Loaded with good-for-you green pea protein and deep, earthy flavors from the onion sauce, this soup is a unique way to make the most of spring produce. Plus, it all comes together in a blender in no time.
9. Spicy Tofu Steamed Buns
These Spicy Tofu Steamed Buns are inspired by those soft, chewy buns you can order at Chinese restaurants and convenience stores. The tofu filling of these buns is marinated in a spicy, umami sauce so that it fully takes on the flavors and the buns are tender and coconutty. A splash of beet juice can be used as natural food coloring to turn the buns pink, but whether you choose to or not, they’re delicious.
10. Dry Potato Cauliflower Curry
For most curries, the tempering of spices happens prior to cooking everything. In this Dry Potato Cauliflower Curry, tempered cumin and cloves add a final warming touch. The addition of other spices gives this curry an awesome, tangy flavor that balances the heat. Serve with roti or rice of your choice.
11. Peach Habañero Sauce
When peach season is in full swing, what better way to take advantage of all that goodness than with this Peach Habañero Hot Sauce? The sweet peaches play well with the zesty heat of the habañero peppers, but beware: this sauce does pack quite a punch. If you’re not a huge fan of extra-spicy foods, feel free to scale back the amount of peppers in the recipe. Remember to always wear gloves when handling spicy peppers!
12. Jalapeño Zucchini Fritters
For a surefire crowd-pleaser, include these Jalapeño Zucchini Fritters at your next get-together. They’re flavorful with a spicy kick and have a crispy exterior with a soft center. Serve these with avocado cream dip for a fun and delicious appetizer.
13. Tofu Huevos Rancheros
You’ll love everything about this recipe for Tofu Huevos Rancheros. It has texture, flavor, and nutrition! You get the vegetables from the peppers, but you can add even more if you like. The tofu has protein, and the tomatoes are savory. It tastes so fresh from the cilantro, and then you get a little bit of heat from the jalapeño. Seriously, the best flavor combination in the world. Serve with refried beans and avocado.
14. Spicy Eggplant Curry
Freshly ground spices like cardamom lend their aroma and distinct flavor to this Spicy Eggplant Curry. It’s spicy to the taste, yet coconut milk adds a depth of creaminess to prevent it from being overwhelming. It’s perfect for serving over steamed basmati rice to ensure that not a drop will be missed.
15. Cast-Iron Skillet Bibimbap
Bibimbap is a traditional Korean dish that consists of cooked rice and varied toppings, traditionally served in a hot stone pot called a dolsot. This Cast-Iron Skillet Bibimbap is made with carrots, red cabbage, mung bean sprouts, cucumbers, pan-fried mushrooms, and spicy tofu. A cast-iron skillet is used in place of a dolsot, making the rice crispy.
Really, is it ever the wrong season for something spicy? We say “NOPE”!
Learn How to Cook Plant-Based Meals at Home
Reducing your meat intake and eating more plant-based foods is known to help with chronic inflammation, heart health, mental well-being, fitness goals, nutritional needs, allergies, gut health, and more! Dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer, and prostate cancer, and has many side effects.
For those of you interested in eating more plant-based we highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App — with over 20,000 delicious recipes it is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals, and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.
Here are some great resources to get you started:
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