There’s no better way to beat the cold weather than by heating things up in the kitchen with a hot and spicy dish. We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite spicy recipes, along with a spice rating out of five. That way, you and your family can stay warm this winter no matter what the weather.
Sweet and Spicy Citrus Tilapia
If you prefer your dinner with just a touch of spice, then this Sweet and Spicy Citrus Tilapia recipe from Cooking Light is the perfect choice. The recipe gets its sweetness from a touch of brown sugar, its spiciness from ground red pepper and its citrusy flavor from fresh orange and lime juice. This flavorful recipe is great for those who aren’t big fans of fish, as it uses Tilapia, a mild, white fish. Spiciness level: 1/5
Spiced Tilapia With Honeyed Mango Lime Sauce
This Spiced Tilapia With Honeyed Mango Lime Sauce recipe by Betty Crocker has a bit of a kick to it thanks to the hot chili paste. The tangy mango sauce helps cool down the crispy fillets. Spiciness level: 2/5
Fish Taco Bowls
This Fish Taco Bowls recipe from Pinch of Yum spices things up by adding cayenne pepper, chili powder and ditching the taco shell. Coat the Tilapia fillets in a spice mixture and sauté them. Then, layer them in a bowl along with sweet corn, bell pepper, black bean, brown rice and your favorite taco toppings. Spiciness level: 2/5
Spicy Linguine With Fish and Tomato
A hot plate of pasta like this Spicy Linguine With Fish and Tomato recipe from Food & Wine is sure to warm you up after a day in the cold. It features tender pieces of white fish, such as Tilapia, in a sauce of crushed garlic, basil, plum tomatoes, dried red chilies and white wine. Don’t underestimate those chili peppers just because they’re small—they add a lot of spicy heat to the dish. Spiciness level: 3/5
Masala Fish Curry
This hot, authentic Masala Fish Curry recipe from Yummy Tummy is a must-try for true spice lovers. It features a whole bunch of spicy ingredients, including mustard seed, garam masala powder and dried red chilis. It also includes other tantalizing ingredients like curry leaves, tamarind, fresh coconut and turmeric powder. This dish makes the fish incredibly tender. You’ll want to make some rice to soak up the extra sauce. If you have trouble finding any of these ingredients, check your local Indian grocer. Spiciness level: 4/5
Chinese Szechuan Spicy Fish Soup
This Chinese Szechuan Spicy Fish Soup from Jeanette’s Healthy Living is for serious spice lovers only—it’s a hot one! The soup gets its bold, rich flavor from the hot bean sauce, Szechuan peppercorns, dried chilis, garlic and ginger. The tender white fish helps soak up all the flavor. Your mouth will be tingling long after you finish this delicious soup. Spiciness level: 5/5
Looking for more ways to stay cozy when it’s cold outside? Try one of these seafood corn chowder recipes.
Photo credits: Jeanette’s Healthy Living, Cooking Light, Betty Crocker, Pinch of Yum, Food & Wine, Yummy Tummy, Jeanette’s Healthy Living