Recipe of the Week features some Spicy Meals for the Holiday Weekend along with Homemade BBQ Sauces (with Veggie BarBQ Chart) to Try This Labor Day!

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1. Easy Spicy Peanut Tofu Bites

Easy Spicy Tofu Bites get their kick from a savory chili garlic sauce that is balanced by the addition of salty peanut butter and sweet maple syrup. People who don’t like tofu have never tried these tofu bites. You can throw these in pretty much any dish and make it ten times better. Or eat them alone! Whatever suits your fancy.

2. Gochujang Kimchi Sausages 

For those of you who are unfamiliar with gochujang, a fermented Korean red chili paste, you have to try out these Gochujang Kimchi Sausages so you can love it as much as we do. The best part about these sausages is that you can throw them into whatever dish you want to add protein, heat, and an unbeatable sour flavor. They come in handy in veggie bowls, Korean-style soft tacos, kimchi fried rice, and many more.

3. Cajun-Spiced Jackfruit Sandwiches Cajun-Spiced Jackfruit Sandwiches

Cajun food is known for ability to bring a mild, herbaceous heat to its classic dishes. These Cajun-Spiced Jackfruit Sandwiches have a heaping pile of roasted jackfruit in a homemade Cajun spice rub that contains a generous amount of cayenne pepper and paprika. To contrast the heat, the sandwiches are topped with a creamy vegan ranch dressing and finished with some lettuce, tomatoes, and onions.

4. Chinese Sweet Potato Steamed Buns With Spicy Surinamese FillingSweet Potato Steamed Buns With Spicy Bean Filling

These Chinese Sweet Potato Steamed Buns pay homage to both Creole and Chinese cuisine by infusing the concept of steamed buns with a filling inspired by Surinamese cooking. The filling is made with celery leaves and adjuma peppers, two common ingredients in Surinamese cuisine, and is enveloped in a tender sweet potato dough. Adjuma peppers are similar to habaneros, and both are great for adding a natural spiciness to dishes.

5. Fettuccine With Muhammara Sauce

Muhammara is a Middle Eastern hot pepper spread that is used in place of a conventional tomato sauce in this Fettuccine With Muhammara Sauce. If you try this recipe out and fall in love with the savory, peppery sauce (and we promise you will), it also goes great with roasted vegetables, layered on sandwiches, and in your grain bowls.

6. Spicy Black Bean Onigiri 

Onigiri are a traditional Japanese food that consists of sushi rice wrapped around a filling, then wrapped around nori seaweed. While these bear-shaped Spicy Black Bean Onigiri look adorably sweet, but once you bite through the sticky rice you taste the heat from the hot pepper and black bean filling. Visually appealing, delicious, and wonderfully spicy!

7. Sweet and Spicy Golden Chia Pizza 

The red chili and maple syrup sauce on this Sweet and Spicy Golden Chia Pizza is what gives the dish its descriptive name. Layer the sauce on the homemade chickpea-chia crust and then top with vegetables and plenty of basil to freshen it up. It’s a simple recipe: just grab some chickpea flour, turmeric, and chia seeds and you’re halfway to pizza time.

8. Sriracha Tofu Bowl

How did we get this far down in the list without mentioning Sriracha once? It’s no secret that the hot chili sauce has skyrocketed in popularity over the past couple years (there’s now even a bunch of Sriracha flavored goodies in stores!). Let’s get back to this Sriracha Tofu Bowl that cleverly uses Sriracha to season both the chickpeas and the potatoes. Every bite is as satisfying as the last, and when your plate is empty, though your mouth may be on fire, you’ll be reaching for seconds.

9. Spicy Zucchini Fritters Zucchini Fritters 1

These 6-ingredient Spicy Zucchini Fritters are the easiest recipe on this list to make and possibly the most delicious, but we’re not going to play favorites! The zucchini is coated in a batter seasoned with red chili powder and turmeric to up the spice level. Pair these fritters for a creamy non-dairy dressing if you are looking to cut through the heat or slather them in some hot sauce if you’re feeling daring.

10. Mini Brown Rice Lentil Burgers With Harissa Brown Rice Lentil Burgers

We’ve talked about gochujang, muhammara, Sriracha, and now it’s time to introduce you to harissa; that is, if you haven’t met already. Harissa is a hot chili paste most frequently associated with Tunisian and Libyan cuisines. The spicy paste is spread on top of these Mini Brown Rice Lentil Burgers With Harissa to add heat to an otherwise more umami filled meal. Made with brown rice and lentils, this is a protein-rich patty that you can rest assured will not fall apart.

11. Edamame Wasabi Noodle Salad Edamame Wasabi Noodle Salad

If you’ve only experienced wasabi with your sushi, then you are missing out on culinary gems like Edamame Wasabi Noodle Salad. This noodle salad is filling, easy to make, and super low-fat so you can feel great about eating it. The bean noodles are tossed with some fresh peppers and edamame and then finished off with a soothing yet spicy tofu and wasabi sauce that is to die for.

12. Sweet Chili Habañero Glazed Cauliflower WingsSweet Chili Habañero Glazed Cauliflower Wings

These Sweet Chili Habañero Glazed Cauliflower Wings are the perfect appetizers for potlucks and parties. The cauliflower florets are battered in an elegant tempeh batter, lightly fried, and then tossed in a tangy, spicy, habañero chili sauce that is out of this word. While these are perfect to share with guests – they’re so delicious you may not want to.

13. Grilled Jalapeño Arepas Grilled Jalapeño Arepas

Have you ever tried arepas? They’re scrumptious patties made from ground corn that, depending on the region, are frequently stuffed with meat, cheese, or veggies. These Grilled Jalapeño Arepas pack a punch thanks to the fresh jalapeño that you can add at your own discretion. Grilling the arepas give them a smoky layer of flavor and, of course, the oh-so aesthetically pleasing grill marks.

14. Buffalo Cauliflower Dip

Spicy, Buffalo dip has become a classic at many barbecues, parties, and game day celebrations. Buffalo Cauliflower Dip is a healthy rendition of the beloved dish that is much healthier than the dairy-laden original. On top of the hot sauce and roasted cauliflower base is a creamy blue cheese dressing made from tofu and artichokes. This recipe is a must-have because it is basically the iconic vegan buffalo cauliflower wings in a scoopable form.

15. Refried Bean Enchiladas Refried Bean Enchiladas

These simple Refried Bean Enchiladas are packed with refried beans, tangy black olives, and green salsa. The rolled tortillas are then covered with spicy enchilada sauce and baked until warm and bubbly. Served with a simple side of rice seasoned with cilantro and summer squash, these bean enchiladas are a knockout.
Is your mouth on fire yet? If not, time to whip up one or more of these spicy meals.

1. Rhubarb BBQ SauceRhubarb BBQ Sauce

Half of what makes a great dish is an excellent sauce. Blogger Emily Brees knows this, so that’s why she made this awesome Rhubarb BBQ Sauce. It’s is tart, savory, and can be applied to a range of dishes. Marinate jackfruit in this sauce for a super flavorful, vegan pulled pork sandwich.

2. Slow Cooker BBQ Sauce

If you know that you have a busy weekend ahead, then you can’t go wrong with this Slow Cooker BBQ Sauce by Nora Schlesinger. This recipe is great because you literally throw everything in your slow cooker, give it a quick stir, and leave it to percolate into thick, saucy goodness. Unlike conventional, store-bought barbecue sauces that use sugar or high fructose corn syrup, this sauce utilizes the natural sweetness of tomatoes and a touch of molasses. It can also be given a smoky flavor using either liquid smoke or a hefty amount of chili powder and smoky paprika.

3. Sugar-Free Barbecue Sauce

Barbecue sauces can be high in sugar. If you’re looking to avoid that, try this Sugar-Free Barbecue Sauce by Kelly Morisson. It’s made with minimal ingredients, like tomato sauce, Dijon mustard, tamari (so it’s gluten-free, too), and molasses, and it’s sweetened with stevia. The prep work is all too simple: add everything to a bowl and whisk until the ingredients are combined.

4. Korean BBQ SauceKorean BBQ Sauce

Want to add a little flair to your food? Try this Korean BBQ Sauce by Gabrielle St. Claire. With ingredients like fresh ginger,  garlic, scallions and rice vinegar, this Asian-inspired sauce is equal parts sweet, salty, and savory, and all parts delicious. Plus, it’s easy to throw together and the sauce is astoundingly versatile. Try pairing it with recipes like this Korean Kimchi BBQ Burger.

5. BBQ Seitan Ribs With Homemade Barbecue Sauce

This recipe from the VEGANIZE IT! cookbook is a two-fer: an awesome recipe for tender, meaty, protein-packed seitan and a recipe for sweet and smoky barbecue sauce. This sauce combines aromatic onion and garlic with tomato sauce, tangy apple cider vinegar, sweet maple syrup, and adds a layer of smokiness thanks to one chipotle chili pepper in adobo and a dash of liquid smoke. Yum!
For even more plant-based recipes and cooking how-to’s, we highly recommend checking out Food Monster app, a food app available for both Android and iPhone. The app has over 8,000+ vegan recipes with 10+ recipes added daily Give it a try — and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram (and share your photos using #FoodMonsterApp if you make any of the recipes)!
Lead Image Source: Rhubarb BBQ Sauce