Jalapeno Hot Sauce is a bold, spicy, tangy homemade condiment made with fresh jalapeno peppers, garlic, onion, vinegar, and salt. It is bright, fiery, flavorful, and perfect for adding heat to tacos, eggs, burritos, sandwiches, grilled meats, vegetables, soups, and more.
This homemade hot sauce is a delicious alternative to store-bought sauce. It has a fresh jalapeno flavor with a strong kick, a little tang from vinegar, and a smooth texture that makes it easy to drizzle over almost anything.
Why You’ll Love This Jalapeno Hot Sauce
- Made with fresh jalapeno peppers
- Spicy, tangy, and full of flavor
- Easy homemade condiment
- Great alternative to store-bought hot sauce
- Perfect for tacos, eggs, burgers, wraps, and bowls
- Keeps well in the refrigerator
- Simple ingredients
- Easy to adjust the heat level
What Makes This Hot Sauce So Good?
This jalapeno hot sauce starts by sautéing fresh jalapenos with garlic, onion, and salt. This helps soften the peppers and build flavor before everything simmers with water.
After the mixture reduces, it is blended until smooth, then finished with vinegar for tang and balance. The result is a bright green hot sauce that is spicy, fresh, and slightly similar to a hotter salsa verde.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 10 medium jalapeno peppers, stems removed and roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ small yellow onion, chopped
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup distilled white vinegar
Ingredient Notes
Jalapeno Peppers
Fresh jalapenos are the star of this recipe. They give the sauce its bright color, fresh flavor, and spicy kick.
For a milder sauce, use fewer jalapenos or remove the seeds and membranes before cooking.
Garlic
Garlic adds savory depth and balances the heat of the peppers.
Onion
Yellow onion adds mild sweetness and helps round out the sauce.
Oil
Canola oil is used to sauté the jalapenos, onion, and garlic. Vegetable oil also works well.
Water
Water helps soften the peppers and creates the base of the sauce. As it simmers, the liquid reduces and the flavors become stronger.
White Vinegar
Distilled white vinegar adds tang and helps preserve the sauce in the refrigerator.
How to Make Jalapeno Hot Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Jalapenos
Remove the stems from the jalapeno peppers.
Roughly chop the peppers.
For a less spicy sauce, remove some or all of the seeds and membranes.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the canola oil.
Add the chopped jalapenos, minced garlic, chopped onion, and kosher salt.
Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are lightly softened.
Open a window or turn on your kitchen fan while cooking, as the peppers can release strong fumes.
Step 3: Simmer
Add the water to the saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low.
Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is reduced by about half.
Step 4: Cool
Remove the pan from the heat.
Let the mixture cool to room temperature before blending.
Step 5: Blend
Transfer the cooled mixture to a food processor or blender.
Blend until smooth.
Step 6: Add Vinegar
With the food processor running on low, slowly drizzle in the vinegar.
Continue blending until the sauce is smooth and fully combined.
Step 7: Store
Pour the hot sauce into a clean jar or airtight container with a tight-fitting lid.
Store in the refrigerator.
Shake before using.
Is Jalapeno Hot Sauce Spicy?
Yes, this jalapeno hot sauce is on the spicy side.
Fresh jalapenos give it a noticeable kick, and the heat can build as you keep eating it. If you love spicy condiments, this sauce is a great choice.
How to Make Jalapeno Hot Sauce Less Spicy
To reduce the heat:
- Use fewer jalapenos
- Remove the seeds and membranes
- Replace some jalapenos with Anaheim peppers
- Replace some jalapenos with poblano peppers
- Add a little extra vinegar or water to mellow the flavor
This keeps the fresh pepper taste while making the sauce easier to handle.
Vinegar Substitutions
If you do not want to use distilled white vinegar, try one of these options:
Apple Cider Vinegar
Adds a slightly fruity tang and works very well with jalapenos.
Lime Juice
Adds fresh citrus flavor and works beautifully in hot sauces and salsas.
Rice Vinegar
Milder and slightly sweeter than white vinegar.
White Wine Vinegar
Adds acidity with a slightly more complex flavor.
How to Use Jalapeno Hot Sauce
This sauce is incredibly versatile. Try it:
- On tacos
- On burritos
- On nachos
- On quesadillas
- Over scrambled eggs
- On omelets
- On burgers
- On hot dogs
- In soups and stews
- With chicken wings
- On pizza
- Mixed into marinara sauce
- In sandwiches and wraps
- On roasted vegetables
- Over grilled corn
- In a Bloody Mary
- As a dip for appetizers
Tips for the Best Homemade Hot Sauce
Use Fresh Jalapenos
Fresh, firm jalapenos give the best flavor and color.
Ventilate Your Kitchen
Cooking hot peppers can release spicy fumes, so use a fan or open a window.
Let the Mixture Cool Before Blending
Hot liquids can expand in a blender, so cooling first is safer.
Blend Until Smooth
For the best texture, blend until the sauce is completely smooth.
Taste and Adjust
Add more vinegar for tang, more salt for flavor, or a little water to thin the sauce.
Variations
Extra Spicy Jalapeno Hot Sauce
Add serrano peppers or extra jalapenos.
Roasted Jalapeno Hot Sauce
Roast the jalapenos, onion, and garlic before simmering for a smoky flavor.
Lime Jalapeno Hot Sauce
Use lime juice instead of vinegar for a brighter citrus flavor.
Garlic Jalapeno Hot Sauce
Add extra garlic for a stronger savory flavor.
Mild Green Hot Sauce
Use half jalapenos and half poblano peppers for a milder version.
Storage Instructions
Store jalapeno hot sauce in a clean airtight jar or bottle in the refrigerator.
Label and date the container.
The sauce will keep for up to 2 to 3 months.
Shake well before each use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Fewer Jalapenos?
Yes. You can use fewer jalapenos for a milder sauce, but you may need to adjust the water, salt, and vinegar slightly.
Do I Need to Remove the Seeds?
No, but removing the seeds and membranes will make the sauce less spicy.
Can I Use Another Pepper?
Yes. Anaheim, poblano, or serrano peppers can be used depending on how mild or spicy you want the sauce.
Can I Freeze Jalapeno Hot Sauce?
Yes. Freeze it in small containers or ice cube trays for easy portions.
How Long Does Homemade Jalapeno Hot Sauce Last?
It lasts up to 2 to 3 months in the refrigerator when stored in a clean, airtight container.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: About 40 tablespoons
Final Thoughts
This Jalapeno Hot Sauce is fresh, fiery, tangy, and easy to make at home. It is perfect for anyone who loves adding heat and flavor to everyday meals.
Use it like hot sauce, salsa verde, or spicy salsa. A drizzle over tacos, eggs, rice bowls, grilled meats, or vegetables instantly adds bold jalapeno flavor and a delicious kick.