13 Pepper-Based Dishes From Around the World

From the smoky depths of chipotle to the fiery punch of Scotch bonnets, peppers captivate taste buds and ignite culinary traditions across continents. Their spectrum of flavors and heat levels have inspired legendary recipes, symbolizing both comfort and adventure. Join us on a vibrant journey through thirteen pepper-infused dishes, revealing how this beloved ingredient shapes global cuisine.

1. Sichuan Mapo Tofu (China)

Mapo Tofu is a beloved Sichuan specialty renowned for its bold flavors and signature málà sensation—a tingling, spicy combination from Sichuan peppercorns and chili bean paste. Silky cubes of tofu soak up the vibrant, aromatic sauce, delivering both heat and numbing complexity. This dish is a staple in Chinese cuisine, typically enjoyed with steamed rice.

2. Piri Piri Chicken (Portugal/Mozambique)

Piri Piri Chicken showcases the vibrant fusion of Portuguese and African cuisines, with its marinade based on African bird’s eye chilies. The chicken is grilled until smoky and succulent, delivering a tangy, fiery kick in every bite. This iconic dish is especially beloved in Mozambique and Portugal but has found fans worldwide.

3. Chiles en Nogada (Mexico)

Chiles en Nogada is a celebrated Mexican dish, especially prominent during national holidays. It features poblano peppers filled with a savory-sweet picadillo—a mixture of ground meat, fruits, and spices—then smothered in a creamy walnut sauce and sprinkled with vibrant pomegranate seeds. The dish’s red, white, and green colors symbolically represent the Mexican flag. This culinary masterpiece beautifully illustrates the Mexican love for harmonizing sweet and spicy flavors.

4. Shakshuka (North Africa/Middle East)

Shakshuka delights breakfast tables with its poached eggs nestled in a spicy, zesty sauce of tomatoes and bell peppers. This dish traces its roots to North Africa and has become a favorite throughout the Middle East for its bold flavors and homey appeal. Its comforting warmth makes it a beloved morning meal.

5. Hungarian Chicken Paprikash

Chicken Paprikash is a classic Hungarian stew that celebrates the vibrant flavors of paprika, whether sweet, smoked, or spicy. The creamy sauce envelops tender chicken, creating a dish that is both hearty and deeply comforting. Traditionally served over dumplings or noodles, Paprikash is a staple of Hungarian family meals. This dish exemplifies how peppers, especially paprika, are woven into the heart of Hungarian cuisine.

6. Kimchi Jjigae (Korea)

Kimchi Jjigae is one of Korea’s quintessential comfort foods, featuring a spicy, hearty stew of fermented kimchi, gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), and often pork or tofu. Its bold, peppery, and tangy flavors warm up both body and soul, illustrating the central role of chili peppers in Korean cuisine. This beloved dish is enjoyed year-round.

7. Jerk Chicken (Jamaica)

Jerk Chicken is an iconic Jamaican dish celebrated for its fiery marinade made with Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, and an array of fresh herbs. Traditionally slow-cooked over pimento wood, the result is chicken that’s spicy, smoky, and bursting with complex flavors. Central to Jamaican cuisine, Jerk Chicken has also become a beloved staple throughout the Caribbean.

8. Pad Prik King (Thailand)

Pad Prik King is a vibrant Thai stir-fry that showcases crisp green beans and your choice of meat tossed in a rich, aromatic red curry paste. Made primarily from dried red chilies, the dish delivers a bold, spicy flavor while remaining relatively dry, rather than saucy. It’s a classic example of the heat and aroma central to Thai cuisine.

9. Piperade (France/Basque Country)

Piperade is a traditional Basque dish that combines sautéed bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions for a naturally sweet, flavorful base. Typically, it’s served with eggs or slices of ham, making it a flexible choice as either a side or a satisfying main course. The use of mild peppers gives Piperade its signature balance and appeal.

10. Bhut Jolokia Curry (India)

Bhut Jolokia Curry is a fiery specialty from Northeast India, starring the notorious ‘ghost pepper’—renowned as one of the world’s hottest chilies. This curry is bold and aromatic, with just a hint of Bhut Jolokia providing a powerful punch of heat and depth. It’s a dish embraced by true spice aficionados and features prominently in local cuisine.

11. Ají de Gallina (Peru)

Ají de Gallina is a beloved Peruvian stew featuring tender chicken enveloped in a creamy sauce made with ají amarillo peppers. These vibrant yellow chilies offer a mild heat and a distinctive fruity flavor, creating a dish that is both comforting and complex. Traditionally served with rice and potatoes, Ají de Gallina is a staple at Peruvian tables.

12. Pepperpot Soup (Guyana)

Pepperpot Soup is a cherished Guyanese stew, especially enjoyed during Christmas festivities. Made with slow-cooked beef, cassareep (a unique cassava-based sauce), and fiery wiri wiri peppers, the soup is both rich and spicy, filled with deep, aromatic flavors. It stands as a flavorful symbol of Guyanese tradition and hospitality.

13. Piper nigrum Steak au Poivre (France)

Steak au Poivre is a celebrated French bistro classic, featuring a tender steak encrusted with cracked black peppercorns (Piper nigrum) and finished with a luscious, creamy sauce infused with peppery heat. This dish highlights the aromatic complexity of black pepper—a cornerstone spice in global cuisine. Often found on French restaurant menus, Steak au Poivre delivers elegance and bold flavor in every bite.

Conclusion

Peppers, in all their forms—from the gentle sweetness of bell varieties to the intense heat of the ghost pepper—unite cultures and enrich global cuisines. Their versatility and depth of flavor have made them cherished ingredients in kitchens worldwide. Exploring pepper-based dishes invites us to discover new tastes and appreciate how this vibrant ingredient bridges traditions and communities.

.article-content-img img { width: 100% }