15 Spicy Foods from Around the World You Need to Try

Spicy foods have a universal appeal, igniting taste buds with a fiery kick that food enthusiasts adore. Around the world, cultures have embraced spicy ingredients like chili peppers, spices, and hot sauces to craft dishes that are as flavorful as they are bold. From the fiery curries of India to the pepper-packed soups of Mexico, there is a global love affair with spicy cuisine.

Thai Green Curry

Thai Green Curry is a fragrant and spicy dish that combines the heat of green chili paste with creamy coconut milk. To make it, sauté two tablespoons of green curry paste in hot oil, then add one can of coconut milk and mix until smooth. Toss in bite-sized chicken pieces, bamboo shoots, and vegetables like zucchini or green beans. Simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked and the vegetables are tender. Finish with fresh Thai basil and a squeeze of lime juice, and serve over steamed jasmine rice for a spicy, aromatic meal.

Mexican Chiles Rellenos

Chiles Rellenos is a beloved Mexican dish that packs a spicy punch. Roast and peel large poblano peppers, then stuff them with a mix of shredded cheese, cooked ground meat, or beans. Dip the stuffed peppers in a fluffy egg batter and fry them until golden. Prepare a spicy tomato sauce by blending tomatoes, garlic, onions, and chipotle peppers, then simmer it for a few minutes. Pour the sauce over the fried peppers and serve with rice or refried beans for a smoky, spicy treat.

Indian Vindaloo Curry

Vindaloo Curry is a fiery Indian dish known for its bold flavors and intense heat. Start by marinating cubed pork or chicken in a mixture of vinegar, garlic, ginger, and ground spices like cumin, coriander, and chili powder. In a pan, sauté onions until golden, then add the marinated meat and cook for a few minutes. Add tomatoes, water, and more spices, and let the curry simmer until the meat is tender. Serve with basmati rice or naan bread to balance the heat and savor the complex flavors of this classic dish.

Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Jamaican Jerk Chicken brings the flavors of the Caribbean with its spicy and smoky marinade. Blend Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and lime juice to make a flavorful paste. Rub the marinade generously over chicken pieces and let them sit for at least two hours, or overnight for deeper flavor. Grill the chicken over medium heat until cooked through, basting occasionally for extra smokiness. Serve with rice and peas or a fresh mango salsa to complement the fiery heat.

Korean Spicy Tteokbokki

Tteokbokki is a popular Korean street food with chewy rice cakes smothered in a spicy-sweet sauce. To prepare it, boil water with anchovy stock, then stir in gochujang (Korean chili paste), gochugaru (chili flakes), soy sauce, and sugar. Add rice cakes, fish cakes, and boiled eggs to the pot and simmer until the sauce thickens and the rice cakes are soft. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a satisfying dish that combines spice with a touch of sweetness.

Sichuan Mapo Tofu

Mapo Tofu is a fiery dish from China’s Sichuan region, famous for its numbing spiciness. Start by frying ground pork in a hot pan with garlic, ginger, and Sichuan peppercorns. Add doubanjiang (fermented chili bean paste) and soy sauce, then mix in cubed tofu. Pour in a bit of water or chicken broth, letting it simmer until the tofu absorbs the spicy sauce. Top with chopped green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil, and serve hot over steamed rice for an unforgettable spicy experience.

Peruvian Rocoto Relleno

Rocoto Relleno is a traditional Peruvian dish featuring spicy stuffed peppers. Begin by hollowing out rocoto peppers (or similar spicy peppers) and boiling them briefly to reduce their heat. Prepare the filling with ground beef, onions, garlic, raisins, hard-boiled eggs, and a blend of Peruvian spices like cumin and oregano. Stuff the peppers with this savory mixture, top with cheese, and bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted. Serve with potato slices and a light cream sauce for a spicy yet balanced dish.

Ethiopian Doro Wat

Doro Wat is Ethiopia’s famous spicy chicken stew. Marinate chicken pieces in lemon juice, salt, and ginger, then sauté onions in a heavy pan until deeply caramelized. Add berbere spice blend, garlic, and clarified butter, followed by the chicken and water or broth. Simmer until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens. Traditionally served with injera, a spongy sourdough flatbread, this dish delivers a complex and rich heat that is unique to Ethiopian cuisine.

Trinidadian Doubles with Pepper Sauce

Trinidadian Doubles are a spicy and flavorful street food. Start by preparing flatbreads called bara with flour, turmeric, and yeast. Cook chickpeas with garlic, cumin, and curry spices until tender. Assemble the dish by placing the chickpeas on the bara and topping them with a fiery pepper sauce made from Scotch bonnet peppers, vinegar, and garlic. Enjoy as a handheld snack or a hearty meal that showcases Trinidad’s love for spice.

Vietnamese Spicy Pho

Spicy Pho is a variation of Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup with an added kick. Simmer beef bones with ginger, onion, star anise, and cinnamon for a flavorful broth. Add chili paste, sriracha, and thinly sliced beef, chicken, or tofu. Serve over rice noodles with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime, and extra chili slices for garnish. This dish is perfect for warming up on a cold day with its combination of soothing and spicy flavors.

Moroccan Harissa Chicken

Harissa Chicken is a spicy Moroccan dish that highlights the bold flavors of harissa paste. Rub chicken pieces with a mix of harissa, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice, then let it marinate for at least an hour. Roast the chicken until golden and cooked through. Serve with couscous or flatbread, and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a meal that is as aromatic as it is fiery.

Malaysian Laksa

Laksa is a spicy noodle soup popular in Malaysia, known for its creamy and spicy broth. Make the base by blending chilies, lemongrass, garlic, and shrimp paste, then cook it with coconut milk and chicken or shrimp stock. Add rice noodles, tofu puffs, bean sprouts, and boiled eggs, and simmer until everything is heated through. Top with fresh lime, cilantro, and sambal chili for extra heat and enjoy this Southeast Asian classic.

West African Spicy Jollof Rice

Jollof Rice is a beloved West African dish with a spicy twist. Cook a rich tomato base with blended peppers, onions, tomatoes, and chili powder. Add chicken or vegetable broth, rice, and your choice of protein like chicken, shrimp, or fish. Simmer until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the flavorful sauce. Garnish with fried plantains or a side of spicy pepper sauce for an unforgettable meal.

Japanese Spicy Ramen

Spicy Ramen is a Japanese favorite that balances heat with umami flavors. Prepare a broth using miso paste, soy sauce, chicken stock, and chili oil. Add ramen noodles, sliced pork, soft-boiled eggs, and fresh vegetables like spinach or corn. Top with chili flakes, sesame seeds, and green onions for a spicy, comforting bowl that can be customized to your preferred heat level.

Mexican Spicy Pozole Rojo

Pozole Rojo is a traditional Mexican soup with a bold chili flavor. Start by simmering pork or chicken with garlic, onions, and bay leaves to create a rich broth. Blend dried guajillo and ancho chilies with garlic and oregano to make a spicy red sauce, then stir it into the broth. Add hominy and simmer until everything is tender. Serve with shredded cabbage, radishes, lime wedges, and a dash of hot sauce for a hearty and spicy dish.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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