2 Hot Sauce Recipes
Hot Sauce Recipes (2 Ways)
Two simple homemade hot sauces—one smoky & spicy, the other zesty & tangy. Perfect for tacos, grilled meats, eggs, grain bowls, and more.
Smoky Hot Sauce
Smoky + spicy with red chilies and paprika—great on eggs, tacos, and grilled meats.
Ingredients
- 4 red chili peppers (Fresno or red jalapeño; seed for less heat)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (plain)
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Pinch of salt
Directions
- Blend all ingredients until very smooth (30–60 seconds).
- Simmer 5–7 minutes over low heat to thicken slightly and mellow the raw garlic.
- Optional: strain through a fine sieve for a silky finish.
- Cool completely, then transfer to a sterilized jar or bottle.
Adjust: add a splash more vinegar for brightness or a pinch more paprika for smoke.
Zesty Hot Sauce
Bright, tangy, and herbal with green chilies and cilantro—delicious on bowls, fish, and roasted veggies.
Ingredients
- 6 green chili peppers (jalapeño or serrano; seed to reduce heat)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (tender stems OK)
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 Tbsp white vinegar
- Pinch of salt
Directions
- Blend all ingredients until smooth and vibrant green.
- Simmer 5 minutes to lightly set the sauce and meld flavors.
- Cool and bottle. For ultra-bright flavor, stir in 1–2 tsp fresh lime after cooling.
Swap: try parsley for cilantro if preferred.
Serving Ideas
- Drizzle on tacos, breakfast burritos, roasted potatoes, grain bowls, and grilled chicken or tofu.
- Whisk into mayo or yogurt for a quick spicy dip.
- Stir 1–2 tsp into soups or chili to wake up flavors.
Storage
Keep refrigerated in sealed, clean bottles up to 2 weeks. Shake before serving.
Safety note: These are quick, fresh sauces (not canned). For longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays, then store cubes in freezer bags for up to 3 months.