5 Spicy Pepper Recipes You Must Try

Pepper Lime Grilled Shrimp

Pepper lime grilled shrimp is a delectable treat that brings out the spicy side of shrimp, balanced by the fresh zest of lime. Here’s how to make it:

• 1 kg fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 limes, juiced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• 2 teaspoons red pepper paste or freshly ground pepper
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Begin by preparing your grill or grill pan for medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili flakes, red pepper paste, and salt.
3. Add the shrimp to the mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Let them marinate for 15-20 minutes.
4. Thread the shrimp onto skewers if using, or place directly on the grill.
5. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and charred.
6. Serve hot with a squeeze of lime.

🍋 Note: Marinating the shrimp for longer can make the lime juice start to "cook" the shrimp, creating a ceviche-like texture.

Spicy Thai Basil Beef

Enjoy the heat and fragrance of this Thai-inspired beef dish:

• 500g beef, thinly sliced
• 1 red pepper, julienned
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3-4 red Thai chilis, thinly sliced
• 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves

Instructions:

1. Heat some oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat.
2. Add garlic and Thai chilis, stir-fry until fragrant.
3. Add the beef and stir-fry until it’s browned.
4. Add the red pepper, fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Stir-fry for a few minutes.
5. Just before finishing, add the Thai basil leaves, tossing everything together until the basil has just wilted.

🌶️ Note: Adjust the number of Thai chilis according to your spice tolerance.

Jerk Chicken with Spicy Pineapple Salsa

This Caribbean-inspired dish combines fiery spices with the sweet freshness of pineapple salsa:

• 6 chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 1 tablespoon allspice
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons thyme
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• Juice of 1 lime

Instructions:

1. Mix all the spices, garlic, sugar, soy sauce, vegetable oil, and lime juice to make a marinade.
2. Rub the chicken pieces thoroughly with the marinade and let them sit for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Grill the chicken, basting with any leftover marinade, until cooked through.
4. Serve with:

Pineapple Salsa:

• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeno, deseeded and finely chopped
• Cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste

Spicy Three Pepper Chicken Stir Fry

This recipe uses a trio of peppers to give your stir fry an unbeatable kick:

• 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, julienned
• 1 green bell pepper, julienned
• 1 yellow bell pepper, julienned
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, season the chicken with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a wok or large skillet, add garlic, cook until fragrant.
3. Add the chicken and stir-fry until nearly cooked.
4. Add the peppers and continue stir-frying until the vegetables are slightly tender.
5. Pour in soy sauce and toss everything together. Add cilantro just before serving.

Spicy Red Pepper Soup

Finish off with a comforting, yet fiery soup perfect for chilly evenings:

• 4 large red bell peppers
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (400g) tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Creme fraiche or sour cream for garnish

Instructions:

1. Roast the red peppers on a grill or under a broiler until charred, let cool, then peel off the skins.
2. In a pot, heat olive oil, sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
3. Add the roasted peppers, canned tomatoes, stock, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes.
5. Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or in batches in a regular blender.
6. Serve hot, topped with a dollop of creme fraiche or sour cream.

Throughout this journey into the realm of spicy peppers, we've explored how these fiery flavors can transform everyday ingredients into mouth-watering culinary experiences. From the zesty lime and pepper shrimp to the invigorating Thai basil beef, each dish demonstrates the potential of peppers to enhance and diversify our meals. The Jerk Chicken with Spicy Pineapple Salsa adds an international twist, while the Spicy Three Pepper Chicken Stir Fry uses the vibrancy of bell peppers alongside the heat of spices. Finally, the Spicy Red Pepper Soup provides warmth and comfort with a bit of zest. Whether you're a spice enthusiast or looking to introduce some heat into your kitchen repertoire, these recipes offer something for everyone. Remember, the key to a great spicy dish is balance—enough heat to delight the taste buds but not so much as to overwhelm the other flavors.

Can I use different types of peppers in these recipes?

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Yes, absolutely! While each recipe suggests specific types of peppers, feel free to experiment with different varieties to achieve the desired heat level or flavor profile.

How can I reduce the spiciness of a dish if it’s too hot?

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Adding dairy products like sour cream, yogurt, or cheese can help neutralize the heat. You can also dilute with more broth or liquid, or incorporate something sweet like sugar or honey to balance out the spiciness.

Can these recipes be adapted for vegetarians or vegans?

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Many of these recipes can be easily adapted. For instance, you could use tofu or seitan in place of meat in stir-fries or jerk dishes, and vegetable stock can substitute chicken stock in soups.