How can I tone down a spicy vegan dish that’s too hot?

If your dish turned out spicier than expected, add cooling ingredients like coconut milk, avocado, or plant-based yogurt to mellow the heat while keeping the flavor. You can also balance the spice with a touch of sweetness, like maple syrup or agave.

What’s the best way to add spice to vegan recipes without overpowering the flavors?

Start with a small amount of spice and build gradually. Layering heat with different ingredients, like cayenne pepper early and a drizzle of sriracha at the end, keeps the flavors balanced and avoids overwhelming your dish.

What are some cooling ingredients to pair with spicy vegan recipes?

Coconut milk, avocado, plant-based yogurt, and lime are all great ways to balance the heat in spicy vegan recipes. They add a creamy or tangy element that cools things down while complementing bold flavors.

33 Spicy Vegan Recipes That Dial Up The Heat

Name: Homemade Thai Sweet Chili Sauce (+ 33 Spicy Vegan Recipes to Fire Up Your Meals)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1/2 cup rice vinegar; 1/2 cup water; 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 2 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1 tablespoon sambal oelek (adjust to taste); Fresh hot pepper, finely minced (optional, to taste); 1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in 1 tablespoon cold water

Description

This homemade Thai sweet chili sauce brings the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and a little kick of heat. It’s an easy, go-to recipe that’s perfect for dipping, drizzling, or adding bold flavor to any dish. Best part? You can whip it up with just a few simple ingredients in no time!

Ingredients

1/2 cup rice vinegar
1/2 cup water
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon sambal oelek (adjust to taste)
Fresh hot pepper, finely minced (optional, to taste)
1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in 1 tablespoon cold water

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Instructions

In a small saucepan, combine the rice vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
Whisk in the minced garlic, sambal oelek, and fresh hot pepper (if using). Let the sauce simmer for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—add more sambal for heat or sugar for sweetness.
Whisk in the cornstarch mixture and continue to cook for another minute or until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Remove from heat and let cool. Use immediately or store in the fridge for up to a week.
This sauce is perfect as a glaze, dip, or drizzle for just about anything!

Notes

Storage: Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Helpful Tips:

Want more heat? Add an extra spoonful of sambal oelek or some freshly chopped chilies for a spicy punch.
For a thicker sauce, let it reduce a little longer on the stove before adding the cornstarch mix.
This sauce is a total flavor hero! Use it on tofu, as a dipping sauce, or even tossed with roasted veggies—it’s an instant upgrade.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Condiments
Method: Simmered
Cuisine: Thai