Hot and zesty food doesn’t just make your palms sweat, your cheeks flush and your tongue cry out for an ice-cold drink. According to science, your favorite spicy recipes might just increase your longevity and the number of calories you burn, too.
It’s true: According to Science Daily, scientists found that capsaicin, the component in peppers that makes them hot, increased the energy expenditure of people who ate it for several hours after a meal. Another study, published in the journal PLoS ONE, found that consumption of chili peppers was associated with a 13 percent lower risk of early death.
That’s great news and all. However, there’s only one real reason to make your recipes spicy: It’s delicious. If you’re a spicy food lover, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve rounded up our favorite spicy recipes to satisfy your zesty food cravings.
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Here are 20 mouthwatering recipes for spicy food lovers:
1. Spicy Buffalo Deviled Eggs >
Calories per Serving: 81
On Nutrisystem, Counts As: 1 PowerFuel
Give your brunch some kick! Throwing buffalo sauce into the mix when making deviled eggs gives you the best of two appetizer worlds. And they’re so easy to make! After boiling and peeling some hard-boiled eggs, just mix the yolks with some hot sauce, black pepper and a little bit of light mayo for a poppable app that your guests will love. Bonus tip: Make some extras to store in the fridge for an easy, protein-packed addition to your weekday breakfast.
2. Buffalo Turkey Meatballs >
Calories per Serving: 235
On Nutrisystem, Counts As: 2 PowerFuels and 2 Extras
Bring these meatballs to your next big game party! No one will guess they’re weight loss-friendly. Smothered in a creamy, buttery buffalo sauce, they’re decadent and delicious. But they’re not just bursting with flavor! The lean protein from ground turkey and an added punch of protein from Greek yogurt in the sauce will fill you up—and help you stay full long after the first quarter. Just make sure to get your serving of four before the other fans eat them all!
3. Buffalo Blue Cheese Dip >
Calories per Serving: 24
On Nutrisystem, Counts As: 1 Extra
This blue cheese dip has everything you’d expect from the full-calorie, restaurant version—it’s chunky, creamy, flavorful and with the addition of buffalo sauce, spicy. Thanks to its Greek yogurt base, it’s also lower in calories and higher in protein than store-bought or restaurant-ordered dips. Cut up some carrots and crunch into this spicy, delicious dip without a dollop of guilt.
4. Boneless Buffalo Chicken Bites >
Calories per Serving: 103
On Nutrisystem, Counts As: 1 PowerFuel and 1 Extra
If you thought a weight loss plan meant giving up crunchy, juicy chicken nuggets, you don’t know Nutrisystem! This recipe can make spicy, crispy, breaded nuggets a part of your Flex meal regimen—and it’s so simple to make. Swapping whole eggs for egg whites helps to reduce the calories in the breading. Baking keeps them even friendlier for your plan. Oh, and there’s the spice: There’s cayenne in the breading for kick and creamy hot sauce to dip them in. These bites are a winner!
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Read More5. Boneless Sweet & Spicy Thai Chicken Bites >
Calories per Serving: 142
On Nutrisystem, Counts As: 1 PowerFuel and 1 Extra
If you couldn’t tell, we love spicy boneless chicken recipes! For just a few calories more, your chicken bites can have a Thai twist. The mixture of honey, lime, rice vinegar and chili garlic sauce give these bites some bite—sweet, spicy, tangy flavor that you’ll love to munch on. Because they’re also baked, they’re another boneless offering that’s guiltless!
6. Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Wraps >
Calories per Serving: 219
On Nutrisystem, Counts As: 2 PowerFuels, 1 Extra and 1 Vegetable
This dish is the perfect way to get in your vegetables! These lettuce wraps are smothered in shredded buffalo chicken and drizzled with an easy, homemade blue cheese sauce. The Instant Pot makes it simple, taking chicken from raw to ready-to-shred in just 10 minutes—just enough time to prepare the sauce and set up some simple lettuce wraps to scoop up all that deliciousness. At just 110 calories per wrap, you’ve created a spicy, creamy Flex meal that satisfies.
7. Buffalo Chicken Sliders >
Calories per Serving: 238
On Nutrisystem, Counts As: 1 SmartCarb, 1 PowerFuel and 1 Extra
No Instant Pot? No problem! You can still have shreddable, spicy chicken recipes in under a half-hour. This buffalo chicken sliders recipe is sure to become a go-to for a Flex meal that feels like a cheat. But not to worry! It fits perfectly into your Nutrisystem program. Just cover the chicken in a pot of water, boil for 25 minutes and it’s ready to shred. Stir the shreds with a simple spicy, buttery, vinegar-y hot sauce mixture for smothered sliders that will soak the bun in flavor and have you reaching for an extra napkin.
8. Buffalo Mac and Cheese >
On Nutrisystem, Counts As: 1 Nutrisystem Lunch and 1 PowerFuel
In just 35 seconds—less time than it will take to read this paragraph—you can pump up a Nutrisystem White Cheddar Mac and Cheese lunch entrée with extra protein and more flavor. After preparing the mac according to package directions, you’ll just add in some shredded, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and your favorite buffalo sauce. Sounds simple but it’s genius and delicious! Check out the video at the link above to see how easy it is!
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Read More9. Cauliflower Buffalo Bites >
On Nutrisystem, Counts As: 1 Vegetable and 2 Extras
Get ready to love eating vegetables: Even the pickiest eater won’t be able to resist these slightly-crunchy, super-spicy cauliflower bites. They’ve got all of the flavor of your favorite buffalo-sauced appetizers and sides but with none of the guilt. When vegetables are this crunchy and delicious, it’s easy to get your five servings of non-starchy veggies in each day.
10. Spicy Inside-Out Cheeseburger >
Calories per Serving: 353
On Nutrisystem, Counts As: 2 PowerFuels, 1 SmartCarb and 1 Extra
Plenty of foods claim to be “bursting” with flavor but this stuffed, inside-out cheeseburger really means it. Bite into what looks like a regular burger and out comes gooey cheese that’s been hiding inside. Make these for your next cookout and surprise your guests with the cheese—but give them fair warning about the spice! The patty is loaded with Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, jalapeno and spices. This is one burger that spicy food addicts will love.
11. Sweet and Spicy Turkey Jerky >
Calories per Serving: 78
On Nutrisystem, Counts As: 1 PowerFuel and 1 Extra
If you’ve got an at-home dehydrator, you’ve probably found out an unfortunate fact about making jerky; there’s so much sodium! Make your jerky diet-friendly by simply cutting out some of the salt for some spice. The American Heart Association says that using spice in your cooking can reduce your cravings for salty foods. This turkey jerky recipe does just that! By adding in spice, you’re able to use less salt while still getting the delicious jerky flavor and texture you’re looking for. Pineapple juice and honey help make it sweet without too much sugar.
12. Spicy Cajun Ham and Carrot Sweet Potato Mash >
Calories per Serving: 293
On Nutrisystem, Counts As: 2 PowerFuels, 1 SmartCarb, 1 Extra and 1/2 Vegetable
Ready to wow a crowd? With this recipe, you will! It makes 16 servings of spicy ham and 8 servings of creamy, delicious hash that your guests will love. After you rub your ham with a mix of herbs and spices, bake it for an hour while crafting the mash. With minced garlic, shallots and more, it has a flavor and consistency that will have you switching from traditional mashed potatoes forever. And if you don’t have a small army to feed, fret not: You’ve got spicy, flavorful leftovers that will keep you on plan all week.
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Read More13. Chinese Cabbage with Spicy Garlic Ginger Sauce >
Calories per Serving: 53
On Nutrisystem, Counts As: 1 Vegetable and 1 Extra
Who said salad has to be boring? This side dish certainly isn’t. It’s spicy, tart and crunchy, making it the perfect side to get in your veggies. The flavor-packed blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes makes this bowl of cabbage, peppers and onions so much more. At just 53 calories per serving, you’ll have plenty of room for your main course—or for seconds of this spicy side.
14. Spicy Sriracha Slaw >
Calories per Serving: 28
On Nutrisystem, Counts As: 1 Vegetable
This spicy slaw has it all! Creaminess from Greek yogurt that’s swapped in for mayo-based dressing. Crunchiness from two kinds of cabbage. Spice from Sriracha sauce. Bright punch from chopped cilantro. Feel free to pile it high on one of the other spicy dishes listed here. This side will set your tongue ablaze while filling your plate with fiber and nutrients in each serving.
15. Spicy Peanut Slaw >
On Nutrisystem, Counts As: 1 PowerFuel and 2 Vegetables
Out of all of these spicy recipes, you’re going to want to make this one every week! A simple, spicy and creamy peanut sauce makes this crunchy slaw the ultimate side for stir fry, steak or really any main course. With chunks of chopped chicken breast tossed in, it’s even hearty enough to stand on its own as a meal. Pack a big container of it for lunch and you’ll be smiling and crunching your way through a spicy midday meal. Want some added kick? Add as much Sriracha to the peanut sauce as you can handle.
16. Black Bean Quinoa Pumpkin Soup >
On Nutrisystem, Counts As: 1 Nutrisystem Lunch, 1 SmartCarb and 1/2 Vegetable
Give a new meaning to pumpkin spice with this simple, homemade soup. Fresh pumpkin and vegetable broth create a harvest-ready favorite, fast. Adding in cayenne pepper, chili powder and onions will kick up the spice and create a warm flavor, making this spicy soup even more mouthwatering. The best part? This autumnal favorite is ready in under an hour.
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Read More17. Spicy Shrimp Quesadilla >
Calories per Serving: 221
On Nutrisystem, Counts As: 1 PowerFuel, 1 SmartCarb and 1 Extra
Any quesadilla can be gooey and cheesy. But with jalapeños, chili powder and cayenne on board, this shrimp quesadilla brings the heat. It’s ready in just a few minutes, making it the perfect Flex Meal for when a cheese craving strikes. Quickly crush your cravings with 221 calories of “that hits the spot” and get back to your life. Squeeze some lime on top and savor the spice, the shrimp and the satisfaction that something this delicious is doing good things for you.
18. Spicy Sausage Bruschetta >
Calories per Serving: 117
On Nutrisystem, Counts As: 2 PowerFuels and 1 Extra
Looking for spicy recipes to serve up at your next party? Easily double the ingredients for this one if you’re having friends over. They’re going to devour this pile of bruschetta almost as soon as you place the plate down on the table. Filled with spicy sausage and melted cheese, your guests will thank you when you reveal that something this crowd-pleasing was ready in less than 15 minutes.
19. Simple and Spicy Instant Pot Carnitas >
Calories per Serving: 306
On Nutrisystem, Counts As: 2 PowerFuels, 1 SmartCarb and 1 Extra
You don’t need all day—or a trip to a restaurant—to enjoy the savory, spicy flavor of carnitas. With the magic (OK, science) of an Instant Pot, you can make them in less than 30 minutes. Just dump in pork, garlic, onion, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, diced tomatoes and cooking oil. Close the lid and let your mouth start watering. In just a half-hour, you’ll have fork-tender, shreddable meat with just the right amount of spice.
20. 5-Minute Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp with Spicy Apricot Sauce >
Calories per Serving: 225
On Nutrisystem, Counts As: 1/2 SmartCarb, 1 PowerFuel and 2 Extras
This recipe is a triple threat of surprises. Surprise 1: You can make restaurant-style, crunchy coconut-covered shrimp at home. Surprise 2: Apricot dipping sauce that’s sweet, spicy and surprisingly delicious. Surprise 3: It’s ready in five minutes.
An air fryer is our secret ingredient in this recipe. Using super-heated air instead of oil lets the shrimp cook fast and crispy without oil or worries about overcooking. You get to enjoy the same meal you’d get at a fancy seafood restaurant and you don’t have to be a chef to make it! The apricot sauce—prepared simply in a saucepan over medium heat—gives this simple, five-minute meal a gourmet touch that will leave your taste buds tingling. You won’t believe this crunchy, sweet, spicy, satisfying meal is actually helping you LOSE weight!
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Read MoreThe post 20 Mouthwatering Recipes for Spicy Food Lovers appeared first on The Leaf.
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