Name: Jalapeno Hot Sauce
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 7 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 1 pound jalapeno peppers (around 10); 2 garlic cloves, peeled; 1/2 cup white vinegar; 1/2 cup water; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Juice of 1 lime; 1 teaspoon salt; Optional: Cilantro sprigs (around 10), cumin (1/4 teaspoon)

Jalapeno Hot Sauce

Homemade hot sauce is a fantastic way to add a burst of flavor and heat to your favorite dishes. Jalapeños, with their readily available heat and versatility, are a perfect starting point for crafting your own hot sauce. This recipe offers a basic framework to create a delicious sauce, with options to personalize it to your spice preference and flavor profile.

The recipe calls for fresh jalapeños, garlic, vinegar, and a touch of lime juice. Jalapeños provide the foundational heat,while garlic adds a savory depth. Vinegar acts as a preservative and brightens the flavor, and lime juice offers a refreshing tang.

The amount of heat in your hot sauce is up to you! Jalapeño seeds pack the most capsaicin, the compound responsible for spiciness. Removing some or all the seeds will result in a milder sauce.

This recipe is just a starting point! Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like roasted carrots, onions, fresh herbs like cilantro, or a sprinkle of cumin.

With a little customization, you can create a signature hot sauce that perfectly complements your favorite foods. So grab some fresh jalapeños, unleash your creativity, and get ready to experience the delicious world of homemade hot sauce!

Questions I often get asked about this recipe:

How hot is this sauce?
This will depend on how many seeds you leave in the jalapenos. You can mention a range of spiciness based on seed removal.

Can I make it even hotter?
Absolutely! You can add hotter peppers like serranos or habaneros alongside the jalapenos,or even a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.

My sauce is too thin/thick, how can I adjust it?
A thinner sauce can be achieved by adding a little more water while blending. Conversely, a thicker sauce requires longer blending or slight reduction on the stovetop.

Can I can this hot sauce for longer storage?
Yes, canning is an option for longer shelf life, but it requires following proper canning procedures to ensure safety.

What are some good uses for this hot sauce?
This hot sauce is versatile! Use it on tacos, burritos, eggs, grilled meats and vegetables, soups, stews, or even add a drop to cocktails for a spicy kick.

What you need to make Jalapeno Hot Sauce:

1 pound jalapeno peppers (around 10)

2 garlic cloves, peeled

1/2 cup white vinegar

1/2 cup water

1 tablespoon olive oil

Juice of 1 lime

1 teaspoon salt

Optional: Cilantro sprigs (around 10), cumin (1/4 teaspoon)

How to make it:

Wash the jalapenos and pat them dry. Wear gloves if you have sensitive skin to avoid irritation from the capsaicin in the peppers.

Decide your spice level. Leaving the seeds in will create a hotter sauce. If you prefer a milder sauce, remove most or all of the seeds with a spoon. Slice the jalapenos in half lengthwise.

Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the jalapenos and garlic cloves and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jalapenos soften and start to brown.

Pour in the water and vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until the jalapenos are very soft.

Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor. Add the lime juice, salt, and any optional ingredients like cilantro and cumin. Blend until you reach a smooth consistency, desired for your hot sauce. You can adjust the texture by adding a little more water for a thinner sauce or blending for a longer time for a thicker sauce.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You can add more vinegar for tanginess, salt for flavor, or a squeeze of extra lime juice for brightness.

Pour the hot sauce into a sterilized jar or bottle and seal it tightly. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.

Tips:

For a richer flavor, you can roast the jalapenos in the oven before adding them to the saucepan. Preheat the oven to broil and broil the jalapenos for 5-7 minutes per side, turning them halfway through, until they are blistered and softened.

This is a basic recipe, so feel free to experiment with different flavors! You can add other ingredients like carrots, onions, or fresh herbs to customize your hot sauce.

Be careful when handling hot peppers. Wear gloves and avoid touching your face until you have washed your hands thoroughly.

Latest Reviews:

Perfect for Beginners! – This recipe was amazing for someone like me who loves a little heat but isn’t a fire-breathing dragon. Leaving the seeds in half the jalapenos gave it a nice kick, and the lime juice really brightens everything up. Plus, it’s so easy to make – I whipped it up in under 30 minutes! I can’t wait to try adding some roasted red peppers next time for a smoky flavor. Thanks! – Sarah K.

Hellooo Flavortown! – This hot sauce is the BOMB! I followed the recipe exactly, and it turned out fantastic. The balance of spice and tang is perfect, and the garlic adds a depth of flavor that store-bought hot sauces just don’t have. My husband, who usually avoids anything too spicy, even loved it! We devoured it on tacos this week, but I know it’ll be a hit on everything from eggs to pizza. Definitely recommend! – John G.

Life-Changing Hot Sauce! – Okay, so maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but seriously, this hot sauce is incredible. I’m a huge hot sauce fanatic, and this homemade version blows everything else out of the water. The customization options are endless – I went a little crazy with the garlic and added a splash of sriracha for extra heat. It’s addictive! Thanks for sharing this recipe – it’s a total game-changer for my weeknight meals. – Emily L.

Printable Recipe:

Yield: 2 cups