There’s something super satisfying about a good, spicy dish- from the jalapeño to the scotch bonnet- capsicum gives that kick that brings food up a level. If you’re a spicy fan that just can’t get enough of the burn, try one of these 44 spicy vegan recipes. From buffalo sauce to spicy fruit salad, we’ll show you how a little pepper can make your favorite dishes really pop.
What Makes Spicy Food Spicy?
When we talk about food being spicy, we’re usually referring to the presence of capsaicin, a compound found in most peppers (although absent from the bell pepper). Capsaicin is actually a chemical irritant, that causes a burning sensation when exposed to human and other mammal tissues. It has likely been selected for in peppers, as the fiery burn causes most mammals not to eat the peppers, letting the plant grow in peace. Interestingly, birds are not effected by the capsaicin burn and therefore eat and spread the peppers seeds. Humans, being the contrary species we are, have developed a liking for spicy foods- the painful twinge of a burning pepper has lead to the development of more and more spicy peppers, as we continually up the Scoville-scores.
Is Spicy Food Good for You?
Before you go cooking up any of these spicy vegan recipes, it’s a good idea to consider if eating spicy food is, in fact, good for you. And I have no definite answers for you, but there is some indication that it is! A recent 18 year study found that individuals who ate spicy foods had a lower likelihood of death by any cause. Capsaicin has also been shown to reduce the risk of certain cancers, and even halt the progress of breast cancer. I’m sure there will be more studies done in the future, charting the power of chili, but for now I think it’s safe to say pass the hot sauce!
Millennials Bring the Heat
I’m a millennial, and we get a lot of crap, so I’m going to take a few minutes to give my generation some credit. Sure, baby boomers blame us for killing chain restaurants and fabric softener, but what millennials don’t get enough credit for is killing the bland American diet by adding some spice. Gone are the days where black pepper is considered spicy- us millennials are bringing the heat with chili-powered dishes. It’s hypothesized that because millennials grew up in more culturally diverse neighborhoods than previous generations, we’ve developed a taste for bold and powerful flavors from heat-loving cultures. It’s all in the millennials adventurous palate, and hot sauce manufacturers can thank our generation for bolstering sales. Another difference between millennials and previous generations is an increased interest in cooking at home- sorry TGI Fridays and Applebee’s, we’ll take homemade food with flavor (and vegan options)!
44 Spicy Vegan Recipes
On to the recipes- we have them divided into 12 different sizzling categories, so let’s get cooking!
Spicy Small Bites – Spicy Vegan Recipes to Serve as Starters
Start off your meal with a little punch of heat and wow your dinner guests. These spicy vegan recipes are sure to be an exciting and memorable way to get the party started!
- Green Chili Fry (Pictured) – Maayeka
- Giant Buffalo Beans – Very Vegan Val
- Vegan Buffalo Potato Nuggets – Dianne’s Vegan Kitchen
- Buffalo Cauliflower Bites – Vegetarian Gastronomy
Chili and Other Hot Soups
These recipes for stew, chowder, and chili just scratch the bottom of the spicy bowl. Let’s bring the heat (temperature) with a whole lot of heat (spice).
- Spicy Jackfruit and Black Bean Stew with Bananas (Pictured) – Very Vegan Val
- 30-Minute Three Bean Chipotle Quinoa Chili – Flavor the Moments
- Spicy Southwestern Corn, Potato, Quinoa and Red Lentil Chowder – Moon and Spoon and Yum
Spicy Beans – Spicy Vegan Recipes with Beans and Legumes
Legumes and beans are some of my favorite foods- high in protein, uber healthy, and super versatile. Here are a few creative ideas for bean-centric spicy vegan recipes!
- Spicy Red Lentil Veggie Stew with Crispy Chickpea Croutons (pictured) – Eating by Elaine
- Spicy Jamacan Lentil and Quinoa Patties – Orchids and Sweet Tea
- Spicy Garlic Roasted Chickpea Snacks – Very Vegan Val
Make Lunch Spicy
If you’re looking for some great lunchtime favorites, look no further- and don’t save your spice for dinner, start by making lunch spicy!
- Spicy Vegan Nachos Supreme (pictured) – Yup It’s Vegan
- Crazy Good Gochujang and Peanut Butter Sandwiches – Quite Good Food
- Spicy Chinese-Style Stir-Fried Sweet Potatoes – Very Vegan Val
- Spicy Black Bean Quinoa Patties – Tasting Page
- Healthy Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Casserole – Sprouting Zen
Sizzling Bowls
Stir-fry, grains, greens- a lot can go in a bowl, and as long is it’s vegan and spicy I’m on board!
- Air-Fried Eggplant in Spicy Garlic Sauce with Jicama (Pictured) – Very Vegan Val
- Spicy Red Sriracha Quinoa – Strength and Sunshine
- Black Bean Tomato Coconut Curry Bowls – Tin and Thyme
Time for Curry
- Vegan Seitan Tikka Masala (pictured) – My Dainty Soul Curry
- Vegan Tofu Amritsari Masala – Vegan Richa
- Easy Vegan Daal and Kachumber – Lovely Jubley
- Spicy Potato Curry (Dum Aloo) – Mrishtanna
Red Hot Noodles
If spicy vegan recipes are for you, you’ll love these spicy vegan noodle recipes. There’s nothing like oodles of noodles with a kick to make your day!
- Spicy Cold Noodles, Sichuan Style (pictured) – Very Vegan Val
- Instant Pot Thai Peanut Noodles – Sandhya’s Kitchen
- Sweet and Spicy Garlic Noodles – The Cheeky Chickpea
Spicy Dips
Don’t let chips be a bore- dress them up with one of these spicy dips. Nothing says “Let’s Party!” more than a good, spicy, chili-filled dip!
- Spicy Chipotle Kabocha Dip (pictured) – Spabettie
- Vegan Jalapeno Popper Dip – Vegan Huggs
- Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip – Shane and Simple
- The Best Vegan Chili Cheese Dip – Cadry’s Kitchen
Keep it Hot-Sauce
Let’s get down to the heart of the matter- spicy is, at it’s essence, all about the hot sauce. Try making your own with one of these tongue-tingling recipes!
- Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce (pictured) -That Girl Cooks Healthy
- Quick Homemade Sriracha – Happy Kitchen.Rocks
- Red Zhug (Yemenite Hot Sauce) – Sunnyside Hanne
Tofu on Fire – Spicy Vegan Recipes with Tofu
Everyone’s favorite soy protein is essentially a big flavor sponge, which makes tofu the perfect vehicle to deliver that spicy kick you’re after. Keep the tofu spicy, and eat up!
- Chili Braised Tofu (pictured) – Very Vegan Val
- Spicy Baked Peanut Butter Tofu – Choosing Chia
- Firecracker Tofu – Vegan Travel Eats
- Tofu in Chili Garlic Sauce – V Nutrition and Wellness
Can’t Believe it’s Not Spicy Chicken
The chicken isn’t chicken, the beef isn’t beef, but all of these meat substitutes are one thing- spicy!
- Jackfruit Carne Asada (pictured) – The Nut-Free Vegan
- Cajun Roasted Cauliflower Steaks – Sandhya’s Kitchen
- Bang Bang Cauliflower – Yup, It’s Vegan
- Korean Air Fried Cauliflower Wings – The Belly Rules the Mind
Not Your Typical Spicy Dish (Drinks, Desserts, and Such)
We love anything that goes against the grain of what food usually is– so here they are. From spicy co*cktails to fruit salad with an edge, don’t be fooled by these sweet looking treats!
- Spicy Cucumber Mint Margarita (pictured) – The Tasting Page
- Spicy Chocolate Shake with Cinnamon Fries – Vegan Yack Attack
- Ripe Papaya Salad – Sunnyside Hanne
- Homemade Spicy Fruit Salad – Vegetarian Gastronomy
Like Spicy Vegan Recipes? Pin it!
Related Posts:
- Pasta with Roasted Yellow Bell Pepper Sauce
- Umami Bomb Cucumber Chili Noodles
- Roasted, Fiery Pineapple Corn Salad
- Szechuan-Style Chili Shrimp of the Woods
