Serrano Chile Hot Sauce Recipe
Serrano Chile Hot Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful condiment that packs a spicy punch. Made with fresh serrano peppers, garlic, lime, and a blend of seasonings, this sauce adds bold heat to any dish. Perfect for tacos, grilled meats, or even drizzling over eggs, it's a must-try for spice lovers looking to elevate their meals with zesty heat.
Equipment
- Knife (for chopping)
- Cutting board
- Pan (for cooking the ingredients)
- Blender or food processor
- Spoon or spatula for stirring
- Small bowl (for juicing lime)
Ingredients
- 10-12 red serrano chiles
- 4 garlic cloves peeled
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of 1 medium lime
Instructions
Prepare the ingredients:
- Wash the serrano chiles and remove the stems. Peel the garlic cloves and chop the onion into small pieces.
Cook the ingredients:
- Heat the olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and garlic cloves. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant.
Add the chiles:
- Toss in the serrano chiles and sauté for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chiles should soften and slightly blister.
Add vinegar and salt:
- Pour in the white vinegar and sprinkle in the salt. Stir to combine, and let the mixture cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Blend the sauce:
- Remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Transfer the ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
Add lime juice:
- After blending, add the juice of one medium lime to the sauce for added freshness and tang. Blend again briefly to combine.
Adjust seasoning:
- Taste the sauce and adjust the salt or lime juice to your liking. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more vinegar or water to reach your desired consistency.
Serve or store:
- Pour the serrano chile hot sauce into a clean jar or bottle. The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Serve over tacos, grilled meats, or as a dip!
Notes
You can adjust the level of heat in this hot sauce by removing some or all of the seeds from the Serrano chiles. If you prefer a milder sauce, you can also substitute some of the Serranos with milder chiles like jalapeños.
For an extra smooth texture, feel free to strain the sauce after blending to remove any remaining bits of skin or seeds.
The lime juice in this serrano chile hot sauce recipe adds a wonderful freshness and balances the heat. If you don’t have a lime, lemon juice works as a suitable substitute, though it will slightly alter the flavor.