130 spicy bean recipes

Thai-style green papaya salad with cabbage, string beans, peanuts, lime, and chili. Som tum-inspired bright, spicy, crunchy summer salad in 20 minutes.

Dressed-up pork and beans with green chile sauce, molasses, and dill relish. This old-school stovetop side comes together fast with pantry staples and packs a sweet-tangy-spicy punch.

Tropical fruit and black bean salsa with diced mango, pineapple, papaya, red onion, and jalapeño. A fresh, no-cook salsa that's sweet, spicy, and colorful.

Battered eggplant slices deep-fried until crispy and drizzled with a spicy Sichuan sauce of chili bean paste, black vinegar, ginger, and tomato paste. A vegetarian Chinese dish with serious crunch and heat.

Mexican octopus salad with kidney beans, corn, and red bell pepper in a spicy chile-cumin-oregano dressing. Tender octopus tossed cold with bold Southwestern flavors.

Spicy Sichuan tofu stir-fried with hot bean paste, Sichuan peppercorns, and chili oil, finished with mushrooms, water chestnuts, and green onions for a tongue-tingling vegetarian main.

Tex-Mex spinach salad with black beans, bacon, mushrooms, and red pepper in a spicy picante-cumin dressing. A no-cook salad with bold San Antonio flavor.

Fresh mango chutney: a raw, uncooked chutney of ripe mango, jalapeño, red onion, ginger, and black beans. Bright, spicy, fiber-packed condiment for grilled fish, chicken, or tacos.

Root beer baked beans with bacon, barbecue sauce, dry mustard, and hot sauce simmered together on the stovetop. A sweet, smoky, slightly spicy side dish ready in 40 minutes.

Spicy baby back ribs with a Chinese-style marinade of fermented black beans, ginger, garlic, soy, fish sauce, and chopped orange. Marinated overnight, grilled low and slow, basted constantly.

Thai green papaya salad (som tum) with grated unripe papaya, green beans, cherry tomatoes, and peanuts in a spicy soy-chili-lemon dressing. Served with raw cabbage leaves for scooping.

Smoky, spicy black bean pesto made with ham hock, jalapeños, garlic, and cilantro stems. A thick, spreadable paste for tacos, chips, or as a bold side dish. Makes 3 cups.

Spicy cold peanut noodles with soy sauce, hot bean sauce, garlic, and sesame oil tossed with chow mein noodles. Ready in 25 minutes for a quick Chinese-inspired weeknight dinner.

Hearty one-pot minestrone loaded with swiss chard, spicy pepperoni, lima beans, and pasta in a savory beef broth. A filling Italian-style soup that feeds six in about 30 minutes.

Vegan enchilada casserole filled with black beans, whole wheat couscous, and crushed tofu in a spicy tomato-chili sauce. Rolled in corn tortillas and baked until bubbling. Plant-based Mexican comfort food.

Crispy tofu and tender-crisp green beans tossed in a spicy hoisin chili sauce. This 30-minute Chinese vegetarian stir-fry is packed with savory heat and works beautifully over steamed rice.