17 Spicy Recipes to Improve Your Weeknight Meals

If you are someone who likes your food with a lot of heat, these spicy recipes are just what you are looking for to make your meals more exciting. You can find everything from warm stews to quick stir fries that all pack a serious punch of flavor. They will take your taste buds on a real adventure that is sure to please anyone who loves a little spice. Just keep a glass of water nearby because these dishes offer a powerful kick to your plate.

Spicy Tomato Basil Pasta

This wholesome and tasty spicy tomato basil pasta is perfect for any night of the week. Ready in no time and always delicious!

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Pork Chile Colorado with Nopales

Soft pieces of pork are cooked in a yummy red chile sauce with nopales, or cactus paddles, for this Pork Chile Colorado with Nopales recipe. It is a super tasty dish that is full of deep, rich flavor and is a traditional Mexican meal that is very satisfying.
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Spicy Salmon Salad

This Spicy Salmon Salad is perfect for a light but flavorful lunch or dinner, featuring flaky salmon with a spicy seasoning. It is full of big, bold flavors yet still feels fresh and delicious, making it a hit that is both healthy and exciting to eat.
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Chamorro en Salsa Verde (Green Salsa Beef Shanks)

Beef hind shanks are cooked until they are fall-apart tender in an authentic Mexican green salsa for Chamorro en Salsa Verde. It is a savory and satisfying dish that is best when paired with rice and vegetables for a complete and hearty culinary experience.
Get the Recipe: Chamorro en Salsa Verde

Vietnamese Beef Stew

This aromatic Vietnamese Beef Stew, called Bo Kho, is a flavorful dinner that is full of warm spices and tender beef. It is a delicious and comforting dish that is sure to please with its unique blend of herbs and a slow-cooked, rich broth.
Get the Recipe: Vietnamese Beef Stew

Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Shredded chicken is cooked in a smoky tomato sauce with a little chipotle pepper for these Chicken Tinga Tostadas. The chicken is piled onto crispy tortillas for a tasty Mexican meal that is not too spicy, so everyone will love it when you are sharing with friends.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Gochujang Pasta

This recipe for Gochujang Pasta is a zesty noodle dish that uses Korean chili paste to create a flavor that will captivate your taste buds. It is prepared and ready to be relished in just twenty minutes, making it a very fast and exciting weeknight dinner option for people who enjoy spice.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Pasta

Carne con Papas (Mexican Meat and Potatoes)

Carne con Papas is a Mexican dish of beef and potatoes that is cooked in a tasty tomato sauce until everything is tender. It is an awesome meal for the whole family that is so good you will want to clean your plate, perfect for any night.
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Spicy Rigatoni Vodka

You can feel the fiery embrace of Calabrian chilis in this Spicy Rigatoni Vodka recipe, which is a traditional pasta sauce with a spicy kick. It is a restaurant-quality dish that you can create effortlessly at home for a special and very flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Rigatoni Vodka

Chicken in Creamy Poblano Sauce

Chicken in Creamy Poblano Sauce is a dish where tender chicken is covered in a smooth and rich sauce made from roasted poblano peppers. It is so delectable and comforting that it might just tempt you to lick your plate clean after you are finished eating.
Get the Recipe: Chicken in Creamy Poblano Sauce

Instant Pot Spicy Asian Beef Stew

This Instant Pot Spicy Asian Beef Stew is perfect for busy weeknights because it is ready in no time but is still full of delicious flavors. The pressure cooker makes the beef very tender and infuses it with a spicy and savory broth that is very warming.
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Pork Chile Verde

Pork Chile Verde features tender pieces of pork that are slowly cooked in a savory and tangy green tomatillo salsa until they are incredibly soft. It is a classic Mexican recipe brimming with amazing flavors that is perfect for serving in bowls with warm tortillas.
Get the Recipe: Chile Verde

Peri Peri Chicken

Peri Peri Chicken gets its name from the African chilies used to make a spicy and flavorful marinade for the chicken before it is grilled or roasted. It has become a globally popular dish known for its fiery taste and is perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors.
Get the Recipe: Peri Peri Chicken

Guajillo Chicken

Chicken in Guajillo Sauce is an incredibly delicious weeknight meal where the chicken is cooked in a rich and mildly spicy sauce made from guajillo chilies. It is best served with rice or warm bread to soak up all the tasty sauce from the plate.
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Spicy Calabrian Shrimp

This spicy Calabrian Shrimp recipe is great for those who love a little heat in their food. Full of flavor and ready in no time. So good, you’ll want to lick the plate clean!

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Pollo Saltado

Pollo Saltado is a Peruvian stir-fry that is a culinary marvel, combining tender chicken breast with onions, tomatoes, and ají amarillo chile pepper. It is elegantly served over french fries and rice, creating a unique and delicious meal that brings together different culinary traditions.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Saltado

Tom Kha Kai

Tom Kha Kai is a Thai Coconut Chicken Soup that embraces the essence of ingredients like lemongrass, lime, chili, and coconut milk. Each spoonful treats your palate to a luscious blend of creaminess, spiciness, and tanginess, making it a uniquely flavorful and comforting soup.
Get the Recipe: Tom Kha Kai