Habanero Jalapeño Hot Sauce

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Spicy homemade hot sauce, loaded with flavor from habanero peppers, jalapeños, onion, shallot, and tons of garlic – a customizable base recipe for perfect custom hot sauce!

A jar of habanero hot sauce sitting on a table.

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Homemade Habanero and Jalapeño Hot Sauce

Habanero jalapeno hot sauce is a vibrant blend that marries the searing heat of habanero peppers with the tangy zest of jalapenos, resulting in a sauce that’s both fiery and flavorful. Its vivid red or orange hue hints at the potent combination within, promising to add both color and heat to any dish. Ideal for those who crave intense spice, this sauce can transform mundane meals into mouthwatering delights with just a few drops. Whether drizzled over tacos, stirred into soups, or used as a marinade for meats, its versatile flavor profile complements a wide range of cuisines.

The sauce’s heat is tempered by a subtle, underlying sweetness that emerges from the natural sugars in the peppers, providing a complex taste experience. Crafted for the daring palate, habanero jalapeno hot sauce is a must-have for anyone looking to elevate their culinary creations with a burst of heat and a depth of flavor.

A bowl of yellow Habanero sauce with a spoon in it.

How to Make Habanero Hot Sauce

First assemble the following ingredients:

  • Olive oil (1 tbsp) – Olive oil serves as the smooth, flavorful base that carries the spices and peppers, ensuring even distribution of heat and flavor.
  • Habanero peppers (10) – Habanero peppers bring an intense, fiery heat to the sauce, adding a significant punch that spice lovers admire.
  • Jalapeno peppers (2) – Jalapeno peppers introduce a milder, green heat that complements the habaneros with their bright, vegetal notes.
  • Garlic cloves (8) – Garlic adds depth and aroma, infusing the sauce with its distinctive, pungent flavor that enhances the overall complexity.
  • Shallot (1) – Shallot, with its mild and slightly sweet taste, provides a subtle layer of flavor that bridges the gap between the bold peppers and other ingredients.
  • Water (½ cup) – Water is used to adjust the sauce’s consistency, ensuring it’s neither too thick nor too thin, but just right for drizzling or dipping.
  • Apple cider vinegar (¾ cup) – Apple cider vinegar contributes a tangy acidity that balances the sauce’s heat, adding a refreshing zing that brightens the flavors.
  • Sea salt (2 tsp) – Sea salt enhances the sauce’s overall taste profile, bringing out the natural flavors of the peppers and aromatics.
  • Hot paprika (1 tsp) – Hot paprika adds a smoky undertone and an additional layer of heat, rounding out the sauce with its vibrant color and warm, spicy flavor.

Use this Method

Cook Peppers. In a skillet heat the olive oil till warm and shimmering. Add habaneros, jalapenos, garlic, and shallot to the pan and cook about 5 minutes, till softened.

Heat Spice. Add the hot paprika and cook about 1 minute till fragrant.

Process. Add the habanero mixture to a food processor, add the rest of the ingredients and pulse till it reaches desired consistency. Adjust consistency with water as needed.

A bowl of soup with a spoon in it, topped with a dash of hot sauce.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Habanero Hot Sauce

Wear Gloves: When handling habaneros and jalapenos, wear gloves to protect your skin from the spicy oils, which can cause irritation.

Balance the Heat: Use a combination of habaneros for heat and jalapenos for a milder, tangy flavor to create a balanced sauce.

Add Sweetness: Incorporate ingredients like carrots, mango, or pineapple to add sweetness and complexity, helping to balance the intense heat.

Use Vinegar: Add vinegar not only as a preservative but also to bring acidity that complements the sauce’s heat and enhances its flavors.

Roast the Peppers: Consider roasting the peppers before blending to deepen their flavors and add a smoky note to your sauce.

Start Small: Begin with a conservative amount of habaneros, as you can always add more, but you can’t take the heat away once it’s too much.

Strain for Smoothness: For a smoother sauce, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve after blending to remove seeds and skins.

Taste as You Go: Regularly taste your sauce (carefully!) as you adjust the ingredients to ensure the flavor and heat levels are to your liking.

Sterilize Bottles: If bottling your sauce, ensure your bottles are sterilized to keep the sauce fresh longer and prevent bacterial growth.

Label with Date: Always label your hot sauce with the date it was made, as homemade sauces can vary in how long they stay fresh, usually up to a few months in the refrigerator.

FAQs

How spicy is this hot sauce?

This hot sauce is quite spicy due to the habanero peppers, which are significantly hotter than jalapenos. The exact level of heat can be adjusted by altering the ratio of habaneros to jalapenos and removing the seeds and membranes, where much of the capsaicin (the compound that makes peppers hot) is concentrated.

Can I reduce the heat of the sauce?

Yes, you can reduce the heat by using fewer habanero peppers, removing their seeds and membranes, or increasing the proportion of milder ingredients like jalapenos, sweeteners, or vinegar.

How do I safely handle the peppers?

Always wear gloves when handling hot peppers to prevent skin irritation or burns. Avoid touching your face or eyes, and wash all utensils and surfaces thoroughly after preparation.

How long does homemade habanero jalapeno hot sauce last?

When stored properly in airtight containers in the refrigerator, homemade hot sauce can last several months. The high vinegar content helps preserve the sauce.

Can I use this sauce immediately after making it?

While you can use the sauce immediately, letting it sit for a few days to a few weeks allows the flavors to meld and develop, often resulting in a more rounded and complex flavor profile.

How do I achieve a smooth sauce texture?

Blend the sauce ingredients thoroughly in a blender or food processor, and for an extra smooth sauce, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any seeds and large solids.

What can I use this hot sauce on?

This versatile hot sauce can be used on a variety of foods, from tacos and eggs to grilled meats and vegetables, or even as a base for marinades and dressings.

How can I bottle and store the hot sauce?

Use sterilized bottles or jars for storage to extend the shelf life of your hot sauce. Fill the containers while the sauce is still warm (if cooked) and seal them tightly. Store in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

A bowl of soup with a spoon next to it, garnished with a touch of hot sauce.

What to Serve with Habanero Hot Sauce

Grilled Chicken or Steak: The fiery kick of habanero hot sauce adds a delicious contrast to the smoky flavors of grilled meats. Try it on these perfect grilled chicken breasts.

Tacos and Burritos: Drizzle over your favorite Mexican dishes for an extra layer of heat and flavor. Try it with these mini chicken quesadillas!

Eggs: Whether scrambled, fried, or in an omelet, a few drops of habanero hot sauce can transform your breakfast.

Pizza: Add a spicy twist to any pizza, complementing everything from classic pepperoni to vegetarian toppings.

Burgers: Elevate your burger game by mixing habanero hot sauce into your patty mix or using it as a fiery condiment.

Seafood: Enhance the taste of grilled or baked fish, shrimp, and other seafood with a touch of this spicy sauce.

Rice Dishes: Stir into rice dishes like jambalaya, fried rice, or risotto for a pleasant heat infusion.

Soups and Stews: A few drops in soups, chilis, and stews can add depth and a spicy kick.

Vegetable Stir-fries: Toss your favorite stir-fried veggies with a bit of habanero hot sauce for an extra zing.

Cheese Platters: Pair with soft cheeses and crackers for an adventurous flavor contrast.

Popcorn: Spice up your popcorn with a light drizzle for a snack with a kick.

Sandwiches and Wraps: Elevate the flavor of deli sandwiches, wraps, and paninis with a spicy habanero sauce.

Dips and Salsas: Mix into guacamole, queso, or salsa for added heat and complexity.

Salad Dressings: Create a spicy salad dressing by adding a few drops to your favorite vinaigrette. Try this taco salad!

Roasted Nuts: Coat nuts with a mixture of habanero hot sauce and spices before roasting for a spicy snack.

Try these other Tex Mex favorites:

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5 from 1 vote

Habanero Jalapeno Hot Sauce

By: Courtney O’Dell
Servings: 10
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
A bowl of soup with a spoon next to it, infused with a hint of spice thanks to the addition of jalapeño.
Habanero jalapeno hot sauce combines the fiery heat of habaneros with the bright zing of jalapenos, creating an intensely spicy and flavor-packed condiment perfect for heat enthusiasts.

Ingredients 

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 10 habanero peppers, diced
  • 2 jalapeno peppers, diced
  • 8 garlic cloves
  • 1 shallot, chopped
  • ½ cup water
  • ¾ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp hot paprika

Instructions 

  • In a skillet heat the olive oil till warm and shimmering.
  • Add habaneros, jalapenos, garlic, and shallot to the pan and cook about 5 minutes, till softened.
  • Add the hot paprika and cook about 1 minute till fragrant.
  • Add the habanero mixture to a food processor, add the rest of the ingredients and pulse till it reaches desired consistency. Adjust consistency with water as needed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 45kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 1gFat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 472mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Mexican
Tried this recipe?Mention @sweetcsdesigns or tag #sweetcsdesigns!

About Courtney

Courtney loves to share great wine, good food, and loves to explore far flung places- all while masting an everyday elegant and easy style at lifestyle blog Sweet C’s Designs. Sweet C's devoted to finding the best food and drinks you'll want to make or find, around the world!

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