International Hot and Spicy Food Day (January 16)
Check out the weird holiday International Hot and Spicy Food Day on Jan 16. Learn the history of spicy food & get ideas on how to celebrate.
One weird holiday on January 16 is International Hot and Spicy Food Day. Check out the other weird January holidays!
History of International Hot and Spicy Food Day
Today is a day of enjoying hot and spicy foods from all around the world. Some nations overall prefer milder food, but others typically enjoy hot and spicy dishes that will make you cry.
Spices have been added to food for over 6,000 years for two reasons. The first – and most obvious – is to add flavor to the dish. The second reason, however, is for the many health benefits of spices. For example, turmeric and cumin have been shown to have powerful properties that fight off bacteria.
Spices are also useful in fighting off inflammation. In many cultures, including Ayurvedic, garlic and ginger are used for their inflammatory properties. These spices can help fight headaches, arthritis, nausea, and even autoimmune disorders.
The Ancient Greeks imported Eastern spices like pepper, cinnamon, and ginger to the Mediterranean. Hipprocrates wrote around 400 BC about the health properties of saffron, cinnamon, thyme, mint, and more. Then later around 300 BC, Theophrastus – also known as the “Father of Botany” – wrote about 600 herbs and spices in his two books.
The Roman Empire used spices to flavor their wine and to add scents to balms and oils. This meant that some spices were used in poultices and healing plasters to help wounds heal more quickly and to lower infections.
In more modern times, data has shown that certain species of spicy foods – like cinnamon, cumin, chili peppers, and turmeric – can slow down your appetite and increase your metabolism!
Chili peppers also have an active component called capsaicin, which is known to destroy cancer cells. And according to a 2015 study conducted by the United States and China, eating spicy food 6-7 days per week lowered mortality rates by about 14%.
Most commonly, when we think about spicy foods, we often think of Asian cuisine. The spiciest food in the world typically comes from China’s Sichuan Province. The capital of Sichuan is chengdu, and it’s considered to be the hottest (food-wise) place in the world.
There are so many different chilis around the world, however, including Ghost Peppers, Red Cayenne Pepper, Serrano, Carolina Reapers, Habanero, Guajillo, Poblano, Peppadew, and more!
Thanks to modern technology, it’s easy to get hot and spicy food from all around the world straight to our homes. Between ordering out or making it yourself, you can test some very hot and spicy foods today!
Ideas for International Hot and Spicy Food Day
Here are a bunch of hot and spicy recipes you can try out!
Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich
This Gourmet Grilled cheese is made on Artisan cheese bread and filled with Kerrygold Skellig and Dubliner, crispy bacon, and jalapeno peppers. It's the perfect lunch on International Hot and Spicy Food Day.
Jalapeno Popper Dip
If you need a quick and easy appetizer for International Hot and Spicy Food Day this Jalapeno Popper Dip is your answer! Dip your chips, crackers or vegetables into this gooey, cheese dip loaded with jalapenos. It will be the star of the party!
Easy Mango Habanero Salsa With Avocado
This vibrant mango habanero salsa recipe is packed with fresh mango, sweet red pepper, avocado, and spicy flavors. It’s a colorful feast for your eyes, a treat for your tastebuds, and the perfect thing to serve on International Hot and Spicy Food Day with grilled salmon, fish tacos, or your favorite tortilla chips.
Easy Spicy Popcorn Recipe (No Chilli Powder Needed)
All you need to make this super easy spicy popcorn are 3 ingredients: chilli oil, salt and corn kernels! The perfect snack for International Hot and Spicy Food Day!
Carolina Reaper Spicy Pickled Eggs Recipe
One of the original bar foods are pickled eggs and this Carolina Reaper Spicy Pickled Eggs recipe is bound to bring that heat and some great flavors. Add some pretzels, ranch, and a beer on International Hot and Spicy Food Day for the full delicious effect.
Rolled Tacos with Spicy Queso Sauce
These rolled tacos couldn’t be easier and they are so delicious! Ready in under 30 minutes and they make the perfect meal or appetizer on International Hot and Spicy Food Day. Add some queso for the perfect dipping sauce!
Easy Spicy Shoyu Ramen Recipe
This Easy Spicy Shoyu Ramen recipe proves you can enjoy a restaurant-worthy bowl of Ramen in the comfort of your own home on International Hot and Spicy Food Day.
Spicy Scrambled Eggs
Using this spicy scrambled eggs recipe, you can take your eggs to the next level on International Hot and Spicy Food Day by cooking them with chillies and serving with peppers on buttery sourdough toast – just so good!
Best and Easy Chicken Biryani Recipe | How to Make Biryani
Chicken biryani is one of the most popular Indian chicken dishes. When the biryani is cooked as per instructions given in the recipe, the chicken remains juicy, tender, flavor-packed, masaledar, and finger-licking good. The recipe is so easy that even first-time cooks and bachelors can try it in their kitchen on International Hot and Spicy Food Day!
Gujrati Kachumber Salad
A simple Indian cucumber salad with onions, radishes, mangoes in a spicy lime sauce known as Kachumber - enjoy it on International Hot and Spicy Food Day!
Spicy Vegan Peanut Pasta Salad
This healthy leftover noodle recipe for Spicy Vegan Peanut Pasta Salad uses leftover spaghetti noodles and lots of fresh veggies. It's a great way to use up extra noodles on International Hot and Spicy Food Day.
Soondubu Jjigae | Spicy Korean Soft Tofu Soup
Soondubu jjigae (순두부찌개) is a spicy Korean tofu stew made with freshly curdled soft tofu called soondubu. Add vegetables, your protein of choice, and egg to this Korean tofu soup for a satisfying, delicious meal on International Hot and Spicy Food Day!
Sourdough Jalapeno Cheddar Cheese Bread
This Sourdough Jalapeño Cheddar Bread marries pickled jalapeño peppers with sharp cheddar cheese for zing, and sourdough starter discard for tang. You'll have cheesy jalapeño bread goodness in every bite on International Hot and Spicy Food Day!
Spicy Urad Dal (Black Lentil Dal)
Spicy urad dal- black dal is a flavorful way to enjoy a hearty protein packed meal on International Hot and Spicy Food Day. This easy Instant Pot recipe cooks up in less than 30 minutes and needs very little prep time. If you are looking for a bold blend of spices that you and your family will adore, then you should make this dal tonight!
Fire and Ice Pickles
This is an easy Fire and Ice Pickles recipe you can make on International Hot and Spicy Food Day. Fire and Ice Pickles are spicy, sweet and sour pickles, flavored with dill and garlic. This recipe is a little more sour and a little more spicy than the other typical Fire and Ice Pickles recipes, so pucker up!
Kebab Shop Chilli Sauce
If you want to make your homemade kebabs taste even more authentic on International Hot and Spicy Food Day, then make a batch of this Kebab Shop Chilli Sauce to go with them. A tomato based sauce with a serious kick of chilli. This is an authentic kebab shop sauce, just like you would get at your local takeaway, and it takes just a few minutes to make. You can make it as spicy or as mild as you like, and it goes on so much more than just kebabs.
Tyrokafteri (Greek Hot Cheese Dip)
This dip or a spread is made with a soft, creamy cheese with a peppery, spicy flavor which is called kopanisti and is produced in Mykonos and in other Cycladic islands. You'll love it on International Hot and Spicy Food Day! The other ingredient which makes it hot is the roasted hot peppers added to the spread.
Slow Cooker Spicy Indonesian Chicken (Ayam Pedas, Spicy Chicken Crockpot Recipe)
Slow Cooker Spicy Indonesian Chicken (Ayam Pedas), one of the tastiest recipes from this world cuisine, is now very easy to make yourself on International Hot and Spicy Food Day. This spicy chicken is tender, juicy, and has a lot of flavors.
Peri Peri Chicken - Nando’s Chicken Thighs
Delicious piri piri/ peri peri chicken, or Nando’s chicken thighs, an easy homemade spicy version of the popular restaurant dish that you can make on International Hot and Spicy Food Day.
Pepian de Pollo - Guatemalan Spiced Chicken Stew
This velvety chicken stew is the ultimate Guatemalan comfort food on International Hot and Spicy Food Day! Often considered the national dish of Guatemala, pepián de pollo features tender chicken pieces in a lightly-spiced tomato, toasted pumpkin seed and chile sauce.
Spicy Baked Korean Chicken Wings
Gotta have these Spicy Baked Korean Chicken Wings on International Hot and Spicy Food Day! There’s something crazy addictive about chicken wings smothered with a bold-flavored sticky, zesty Korean inspired sauce made with Gochujang. It is crispy on the outside, juicy on the insides, and never lacking in flavor!
Instant Pot Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Instant Pot Jamaican Jerk Chicken is incredibly easy and fall-off-the-bone delicious! This flavorful spicy chicken recipe is great to make in bulk on International Hot and Spicy Food Day for meal prep, and the spice level can easily be adapted to your personal taste.
Spicy Gummy Bear Recipe with Juice (Gelatin & Vegan Options)
Got a few peppers? This spicy gummy bear recipe uses your favorite fruit juice to create hot candy that’s perfect for snacking on International Hot and Spicy Food Day. You can use Jalapenos, Habaneros, Ghost peppers, or whatever you’d like to make these fiery gummy chillies.
Slow Cooker Hot Chili
This hot chili brings the heat with the help of serrano peppers and is full of flavor thanks to bacon! Try this unique chili on International Hot and Spicy Food Day.
Spicy Shrimp and Grits
Spicy shrimp and grits is a quick and easy meal for International Hot and Spicy Food Day that can be made in under 30 minutes. The grits are super creamy and cheesy while the shrimp are spicy and garlicky. A restaurant-quality meal that the entire family will enjoy!
Spicy Chicken Wraps
Enjoy these wraps filled with small pieces of spicy succulent chicken, potatoes, bell pepper, crispy salad and cooling yogurt on International Hot and Spicy Food Day. They are easy to make and packed with flavour, perfect for last minute get-togethers, picnics and lunchboxes.
Cajun Butter Chicken and Potatoes
Juicy chicken breasts and tender potatoes tossed in a spicy Cajun seasoned sauce and baked to perfection in one pan. Sheet pan chicken and potatoes are an easy dinner on International Hot and Spicy Food Day that your family will love. Ready in under an hour!
Sri Lankan Devilled Beef (Spicy Dry Beef Curry)
Spicy, tangy and sweet, this Sri Lankan Devilled Beef (Spicy Dry Beef Curry) recipe combines Sri Lankan and Chinese cuisine with devilishly flavorful results! A staple in many Sri Lankan restaurants, and the perfect side dish to enjoy with a cold beer on International Hot and Spicy Food Day, this recipe can also be made with chicken, pork, lamb or mutton as well.
Wings with Angry Sauce
Do you love chicken wings? Hot wings? Then you will love these Wings with Angry Sauce on International Hot and Spicy Food Day!! Oooooh, the fire!!
Chocolate Bliss Balls with Hot Honey
5 ingredient Chocolate Bliss Balls made with hot honey will become your new healthy obsession! Give them a try on International Hot and Spicy Food Day!
Spicy Szechuan Tofu (Vegan)
Featuring crispy tofu and crunchy veggies cooked in a spicy, bold sauce, this Szechuan tofu is seriously addictive on International Hot and Spicy Food Day! A quick and easy stir-fry that is vegan and healthier than Chinese takeout. The best part is, you can make it in under 30 minutes!
Spicy Cauliflower Grilled Tacos with Nectarine Chipotle Salsa
Spice up your next meal on International Hot and Spicy Food Day with these Cauliflower Grilled Tacos with Chipotle Nectarine and Lime Salsa. A little bit zesty, a little bit spicy, and a whole lot delicious. So much flavor.
30-Minute Jamaican Rice and Pigeon Peas with Coconut Milk
A spicy 30-minute meal full of Caribbean flavor, this easy Jamaican rice and pigeon peas recipe with coconut milk will transport you to the islands in January on International Hot and Spicy Food Day. A delicious addition to your "rice and beans" repertoire using either canned pigeon peas or homemade.
Creamy Jalapeno Corn
This creamy jalapeno corn is an easy, 20 minute side dish that is perfect for a barbecue or weeknight meal on International Hot and Spicy Food Day. Spicy and cheesy, this dish is packed with bold flavor.
Five-Ingredient Spicy Sausage Cast Iron Pizza
This *DEEP DISH* cast iron pizza is about to be your new go-to dinner on International Hot and Spicy Food Day. The dough is topped with spicy tomato sauce and Italian sausage then baked in a preheated cast iron skillet which keeps the crust nice and crispy. As soon as it comes out of the oven it’s topped with cool and creamy burrata cheese. It’s heavenly!
Spicy Sriracha Hummus - 15 minute recipe!
This creamy, spicy Sriracha Hummus recipe is easy to make and perfect if you’re looking to add a kick to classic hummus on International Hot and Spicy Food Day! It’s WW, Vegan, and Gluten free friendly, too!
Mango Habanero Salsa (Fire-Roasted)
This sweet and spicy mango habanero salsa is made with fire-roasted tomatoes, peppers, onion, and garlic mixed with mango, citrus juice, and fresh herbs. It’s a delicious snack on International Hot and Spicy Food Day.
Grilled Honey Sriracha Hot Wings
Ditch the plates and dive right into a sweet and spicy snack perfect for the whole party on International Hot and Spicy Food Day with these Grilled Honey Sriracha Hot Wings.
Crockpot Spicy Sausage Soup
Add this Spicy Sausage Soup recipe to your meal plan on International Hot and Spicy Food Day. A slow cooker sausage soup that is loaded with garlic, onion, spicy Italian sausage in a beefy broth. Pair with a side of cornbread and serve this up to take the chill off a cold winter day.
Mango Habanero Hot Sauce
This easy recipe for Mango Habanero Hot Sauce is a fiery, fruity chili sauce that will be sure to add a kick to your food on International Hot and Spicy Food Day. It's made in a blender, so no need to chop and worry about spicy fumes!
Fermented Peruvian Red Pepper Salsa
A bit spicy, a bit tangy, and a bit umami, this Fermented Peruvian Red Pepper Salsa will liven up the simplest of dishes on International Hot and Spicy Food Day! 5 ingredients - red chile (rocoto, Fresno, red jalapeño, etc.), tomato, red onion, lime juice, and vinegar... 3 days in an airtight container. A delicious Peruvian Ají Recipe!
Spicy Jollof Rice Recipe
This Spicy Nigerian Jollof rice recipe is a spicy, tasty dish that will have your family asking for seconds on International Hot and Spicy Food Day. Ready in about a half hour thanks to the pressure cooker, this is a delicious addition to just about any night of the week. You can serve it on its own or as a side dish to your favorite dinners.
Chocolate Cayenne Cookies
Rich and decadent chocolate cookies spiced with the subtle flavors of cayenne and cinnamon. The perfect cookie on International Hot and Spicy Food Day for warming your belly and your tastebuds!
Spicy Cajun Shrimp Recipe
This dish is brimming with flavors of Cajun spices and the shrimp are so succulent with just enough spice to make your mouth water. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner on International Hot and Spicy Food Day.
Cheesy Spicy Baked Crab Dip
This spicy, cheesy crab dip is a go-to recipe for years on International Hot and Spicy Food Day, and it never disappoints! It's flavorful, ultra cheesy, just-the-right-amount-of spicy, and it only takes minutes to prep.
Spicy Szechuan Noodles with Garlic Chili Oil
These spicy Szechuan noodles with garlic chili oil are ready on International Hot and Spicy Food Day in only 10 minutes! Wide noodles are tossed in a spicy, garlicky Szechuan chili oil sauce made with garlic, Szechuan chili peppers, soy sauce, and fresh herbs.
Hot Pepper Jelly (With Optional Canning Instructions)
If you have an abundance of peppers (both bell peppers and jalapeños) and are looking for pepper recipes on International Hot and Spicy Food Day, then try this Pepper Jelly! It's a delicious sweet and spicy condiment that is very easy to make.
Spicy Chimichurri
Spicy chimichurri is an herbaceous, bright and flavorful sauce or marinade with a super spicy kick that is excellent on steak, chicken, seafood and veggies! A winner all around, especially on International Hot and Spicy Food Day. Spicy chimichurri sauce can be made with a few simple ingredients and brings any dish to life.
Mango Habanero Salsa
Mango Habanero Salsa is the perfect topping on International Hot and Spicy Food Day for fish tacos or simply for dipping. It’s spicy and sweet, and really easy to make. It’s also crazy delicious.
Spicy Noodles
These Spicy Noodles are just the thing you might want in your life on International Hot and Spicy Food Day. They are absolutely fiery delicious, a perfect balance of HOT with a good dose of umami and a tad bit of sweet.
Guajillo Sauce Recipe
This Guajillo Sauce is the perfect Salsa Roja (red sauce) for any of your favorite Mexican recipes on International Hot and Spicy Food Day. It’s perfect for enchiladas, chilaquiles or tamales or can be used as a quick condiment.
Camarones a la Diabla
Camarones a la Diabla or Mexican deviled shrimp or “shrimp of the devil,” is one of the best all-time favorite Mexican foods on International Hot and Spicy Food Day. Plump, tender shrimp are seared in a skillet and then tossed in a rich, fiery sauce made from dried chiles.
Hot Honey
This is the most amazing hot honey recipe for guaranteed sweet heat love. It infuses honey with Fresno peppers for the ultimate dip or drizzle. It only takes two ingredients to make this easy spicy honey sauce recipe on International Hot and Spicy Food Day. With a little bit of slow simmering time, the honey becomes perfectly infused with the Fresno chili peppers.
16 Year Salsa Verde Recipe (Tomatillo Salsa)
The creator of this salsa verde recipe spent SIXTEEN years trying to perfect it! Enjoy all her hard work on International Hot and Spicy Food Day.
Spicy Gochujang Eggs in Purgatory
This recipe for Spicy Gochujang Eggs in Purgatory is based on a Korean-style sweet and savoury spicy sauce with perfectly cooked eggs set on top. Give it a try on International Hot and Spicy Food Day.
Spicy Chipotle Tofu Burrito Bowl
Spicy chipotle tofu layered over brown rice, a huge dollop of freshly made zesty guacamole, and some nice queso fresco (sub in feta or a nice vegan cheese alternative if needed) make this chipotle burrito bowl the perfect quick and easy dinner to whip up on International Hot and Spicy Food Day.
Singapore Chili Shrimps
This Singapore Chili Shrimps is a new take on the delicious Singapore Chilli Crab but with a simpler and more affordable protein: shrimps! This recipe is spicy, savory and packed with flavors, with the sauce being the star of the show. It's the perfect dish to eat with a steaming bowl of white rice on International Hot and Spicy Food Day.
Hot Honey Pizza with Ricotta (Gluten Free)
This Hot Honey Pizza with Ricotta and a homemade, gluten free pizza crust is your new favorite International Hot and Spicy Food Day dinner! Perfect in the oven or in your !
Vegan Habanero Crema (spicy cashew sour cream)
Spicy, fresh and creamy, this vegan habanero crema is scrumptious drizzled over tacos, tostadas, burrito bowls and more. Made with cashews and fresh habanero chile, this sour cream or aioli is a perfect addition to your meal on International Hot and Spicy Food Day.
Fra Diavolo Sauce (Spicy Tomato Sauce)
This fra diavolo sauce is a spicy Italian tomato sauce made with fresh or canned tomatoes, red chili flakes, and oregano. It pairs perfectly with pasta and seafood on International Hot and Spicy Food Day.
How to Make Fermented Hot Sauce
Toss hot peppers in a jar with plenty of garlic and make Fermented Hot Sauce on International Hot and Spicy Food Day to enjoy all year long!
Fried Jalapenos
Ready for a totally addictive, spicy, crispy snack?? Make Fried Jalapeños! In this recipes, fresh jalapeños are beer battered and fried until perfect crispiness - the perfect appetizer for International Hot and Spicy Food Day.
Honey Sesame Ghost Pepper Wings
If you’re a spicy food lover, then you’re going to enjoy these sweet & spicy Honey Sesame Ghost Pepper Wings. Give them a try on International Hot and Spicy Food Day!
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