Hot stuff

When your palate needs a little pick-me-up, try one of these jalapeno specialties.

Pink’s

Among the dogs served at this iconic stand, where you can get your fix as early as 9:30 in the morning or as late as 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, is a jalapeno dog, a 12-inch beef, pork and jalapeno dog topped with mustard, onions and a hefty dose of chili. The millennium dog, which owner Richard Pink likens to a small yacht, adds lettuce, tomato, grilled onion and guacamole.

* Jalapeno dog, $4.10. 709 N. La Brea Ave., L.A., (323) 931-4223.

Chop Suey Cafe

A stuffed jalapeno pepper is one of several small-plate offerings at this 6-month-old spot housed in the historic Far East Cafe space. A sizable pepper is stuffed with a blend of steamed pork, dried shrimp, garlic, ginger, water chestnuts, green onion and Thai chilies, then broiled. And in case that’s not enough kick for you, there’s a side of siracha aioli. It’s especially popular with the bar crowd -- no surprise there, as it pairs beautifully with a cold beer.

* Stuffed pepper, $5. 347 E. 1st St., Little Tokyo, (213) 617-9990.

Basix Cafe

In addition to a satisfying al dente fettuccine with chicken in a jalapeno-cream sauce touched with tequila, a twist on the classic Alfredo, this simple, easy cafe does several pizzas. The mozzarella picante is topped with nuggets of mozzarella, kalamata olives and diced jalapeno.

* Fettuccine, $10.95; pizza, $9.95. 8333 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, (323) 848-2460.

Sushi Roku

Among the regular specials you’ll find at this, the original Sushi Roku (now going on 10 years), is tempura-battered jalapenos stuffed with spicy tuna and served with a garlic ponzu sauce. But there also are several sushi creations that contain jalapenos. Most popular honors go to the shrimp tempura and jalapeno roll.

* Shrimp tempura and jalapeno hand roll, $8.50. 8445 W. 3rd St., L.A., (323) 655-6767.

3 Square Bakery

A delicious midafternoon snack or savory breakfast, the jalapeno pretzel roll at Hans Rockenwagner’s new place starts with a big, soft pretzel roll that is sliced in half, topped with a blend of Swiss and cheddar cheese and, lastly, slices of pickled jalapeno. A short stint in the oven enrobes the jalapenos in oozy melted cheese.

* Jalapeno pretzel roll, $2.50. 1121 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, (310) 399-6504.

-- Leslee Komaiko