Let’s be honest—spicy food just makes everything better! If you’re anything like me, you’re always ready to turn up the heat. And here’s some more great news: spice isn’t only about making your taste buds tingle, there are actual health benefits behind that fiery kick (hint: it’s capsaicin). Capsaicin is the compound responsible for the heat in your favorite spicy foods, but did you know it can also boost your metabolism, promote heart health, and even trigger the release of endorphins? Plus, capsaicin has anti-inflammatory properties, so it’s a win-win for your whole body!
How to Bring The Heat
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch of these bad boys brings a surprising amount of spice! They’re great on pasta and in other tomato-based recipes. Sriracha: For any Asian vegetarian recipe that needs a little kick, I usually reach for everyone’s favorite Thai hot sauce: Sriracha. Adobo: If Mexican is on the menu, I reach for the adobo. I always keep a jar of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce in the fridge, using either the sauce or a minced chipotle pepper to bring some smoky heat. Cayenne Pepper: Dried and ground cayenne is great for adding heat to things like roasted chickpeas, tofu, and cauliflower. Sliced Jalapeño: You can never go wrong with throwing a few slices of jalapeño (or any type of pepper), fresh or pickled, into your recipe! Leave the seeds in for extra spiciness, or take them out to tame the heat.
These recipes won’t melt your face off—they’re the kind of everyday spiciness that adds just the right amount of warmth without knocking you out. It’s the perfect balance between heat and flavor that’ll keep you coming back for more!
23 Spicy Vegetarian Recipes
Whether you’re sprinkling crushed red pepper flakes on pasta, drizzling Sriracha on a stir-fry, or tossing jalapeños into your tacos, these spicy vegetarian recipes bring the perfect kick to your favorite dishes.
