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    Home » Recipes » Sauces, Marinades, and Butters

    Spicy Jalapeno Hot Sauce

    Published: Jun 7, 2024 · Modified: May 11, 2025 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

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    If you love spicy foods you have to try this Jalapeno Hot Sauce Recipe. It is so easy to make and it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. My husband is not the biggest fan of heat and he absolutely loves this sauce. I always have some in the refrigerator!

    A jar of creamy jalapeno sauce on the table with a spoonful held up above and chips around the jar.

    The fresh jalapenos add the best flavor. It’s one of my favorite peppers because the heat level is reasonable and it adds brightness to so many foods. The garlic and onion enhance the jalapeno flavor while the sugar tames it just enough that it doesn’t overtake your taste buds.

    If you like jalapeno recipes, you will love Jalapeno Bacon Jam ,Jalapeno Powder, Creamy Jalapeno Sauce or our Mango Jalapeno Jam.

    Why You’ll Love This Jalapeno Sauce Recipe

    • It’s great on everything: This hot sauce adds heat and zing to everything from eggs to pizza!
    • Great shelf life: If stored properly, this recipe can last up to 1 month in the fridge and longer in the freezer.
    • Budget-friendly: The ingredients needed for this homemade hot sauce recipe are very affordable.

    Ingredients

    All of the ingredients used in this hot sauce recipe are inexpensive and available at any grocery store. I love that this recipe doesn’t cost more than store-bought hot sauce!

    Ingredients to make jalapeno sauce on the table before making.
    • Jalapenos: The fresh flavor and spice of the fresh jalapeno peppers make this a delicious hot sauce recipe.  You can also use hotter peppers such as serrano peppers or habaneros if you prefer a bit more heat. 
    • Sweet onion: Any variety of sweet onions will do, such as Vidalia. If you prefer to use another type of onion, that is fine as well.
    • Garlic: The fresh garlic enhances the flavor of the jalapeno in this hot sauce. It’s an essential ingredient!
    • Sugar: Adding sweetness to the recipe helps to balance the savory and spicy ingredients for a tasty hot sauce.
    • Seasoning: I keep it simple with salt and cumin. I love the smoky flavor that cumin adds to this recipe.
    • Water: I add some water when blending the other ingredients to get the right consistency.
    • White vinegar: To get the signature vinegar tang you get in a great hot sauce, I add some white vinegar. Use apple cider vinegar for a milder flavor or you can also replace up to half of the white vinegar with lime juice for a little citrus flavor. 
    • Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro adds brightness and freshness. If you don’t like the flavor, leave it out.

    See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

    Variations

    • Creamy jalapeno sauce: Turn this recipe into a creamy jalapeno salsa or sauce that’s the perfect chip dip. Simply add some mayonnaise and sour cream before blending! It helps cut the heat but is still yummy.
    • Roasted jalapeno hot sauce: For a smoky flavor, slow roast the jalapenos on the grill or in the oven before chopping them. 
    • Extra spicy jalapeno sauce: Are you looking to turn up the heat? Add some fresh habanero peppers with the jalapenos or some cayenne pepper for a spicy kick!

    How to Make Jalapeno Hot Sauce

    In 20 minutes you can make a spicy and bold jalapeno sauce at home! To help the process, chop the onions and mince the garlic before prepping the other ingredients. It will also make things easier if you have your glass bottles already while it cools!

    Jalapenos prepped on a cutting board surrounded by bowls of other ingredients.

    Step 1: Prepare the jalapenos. Remove the stems and chop the peppers into pieces around 1 inch in size. Don’t worry about removing the seeds or the membranes.

    Cooking the jalapenos and onion in a dutch oven.

    Step 2: Cook jalapenos and onions. Grab a medium Dutch oven or saucepan and cook the jalapenos and onions in olive oil. Add the garlic, sugar, salt, and cumin. Cook for another minute or until the garlic is fragrant. Pour in the water and simmer the jalapeno mixture. You may need to adjust the heat a bit so it’s not boiling. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

    Ingredients in a blender.

    Step 6: Transfer to the blender. Remove the pot from the heat and let the hot sauce cool slightly. It should only take a few minutes. Next, carefully pour it into a blender. Add the white vinegar and cilantro to the blender as well.

    Jalapeno sauce after blending in the blender pitcher.

    Step 7: Pulse. Use the pulse setting and blend until it is smooth. Transfer the hot sauce right into glass bottles and store them tightly closed in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them.

    ⭐️ Hint: If you want less spice, you may remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos. It will make the result much more mild.

    If you love recipes like this hot sauce you may also enjoy Hot BBQ Sauce, Strawberry Jam with Jalapenos, Blackberry Jalapeno Jam or our Avocado Hot Sauce recipes.

    Three bottles of green hot sauce on the table with a platter of chips and sauce in a bowl to the side.

    Serving Suggestions

    • Hot sauce and tacos are a great match. Try this homemade jalapeno hot sauce with Easy Catfish Tacos and Smoked Pork Tacos.
    • Spice up breakfast by drizzling hot sauce on Air Fryer Poached Eggs or using it as a jalapeno dip for Easy Omelet Bites.
    • This is also a great condiment or dipping sauce for sandwiches. Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches and Grilled Cheese Hamburger with Bacon are tasty options.
    A bottle of jalapeno sauce and more poured in a bowl on a platter with chips.

    Recipe Tips

    • Simmer long enough: Allowing the flavors to develop and come together will result in a more complex flavor profile. It’s worth the effort!
    • Allow it to cool before storage: Not only will this prevent moisture and bacteria growth, but it will also help the bottles seal properly.
    • Be sure the veggies are soft: Cooking the peppers and onions until they are soft and tender will ensure that they blend well for a smooth sauce.
    • Storing: Store the sauce in airtight glass bottles or jars for up to 1 month in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it. Store in airtight and freezer-safe containers for up to 4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator when you need it!

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I store hot sauce at room temperature?

    Due to the risk of bacteria growth, it is safer to refrigerate this hot sauce.

    Why is my hot sauce too thick?

    If the sauce is too thick for your preference, add more water during the blending process. Start with a small splash at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

    Is there a difference between green and red jalapenos?

    They are the same pepper at a different ripeness. Green jalapenos are milder while red jalapenos are spicier and bolder. This is a green jalapeno hot sauce recipe but you can make red jalapeno hot sauce if you prefer.

    A small jar and bottle of jalapeno hot sauce next to a platter of chips.

    Video

    YouTube video

    More Delicious Hot Sauce Recipes

    Do you like making homemade hot sauces? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.

    • Copycat Taco Bell Diablo Sauce
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      Vegan Buffalo Sauce Recipe
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      Honey Hot Sauce
    • A jar of hot pepper sauce.
      How to Make Hot Pepper Sauce

    Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.

    Jalapeno hot sauce in a jar on the table with a spoonful of it.

    Jalapeno Hot Sauce

    Karin and Ken
    This Jalapeno Hot Sauce Recipe has the perfect amount of heat. It’s spicy, sweet, and tangy. The flavor profile pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Condiment
    Cuisine American
    Servings 40 tablespoons (Makes 2 ½ cups)
    Calories 10 kcal

    Equipment

    • Dutch Oven medium sized
    • spoon
    • Measuring cups and spoons
    • storage container

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 tablespoon olive oil extra Virgin
    • 6 large jalapeno peppers about 2 cups
    • 1 cup sweet onion chopped
    • 3 cloves garlic sliced
    • 2 teas granulated white sugar
    • 1 teas salt
    • ½ cumin
    • 1 cup water
    • ½ cup white vinegar
    • ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Prepare peppers by washing, drying, de-stemming and chopping into one-inch pieces. There is no need to remove seeds. Set aside.
    • Heat oil over medium high heat in a medium sized dutch oven.
    • When the oil is heated, add the jalapeno peppers and sweet onion to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes or until tender.
    • Add garlic, sugar, salt, cumin and garlic to the dutch oven and cook for one additional minute or until fragrant.
    • Careful pour in the water and bring the mixture to a simmer, adjusting the heat as necessary. Simmer for 5 minutes.
    • Remove from heat and cool slightly.
    • Transfer mixture to the blender along with the vinegar and fresh cilantro. Use the pulse setting to blend until smooth.
    • Transfer to woozy bottles and store in the refrigerator.

    Video

    Notes

    • Simmer long enough: Allowing the flavors to develop and come together will result in a more complex flavor profile. It’s worth the effort!
    • Allow it to cool before storage: Not only will this prevent moisture and bacteria growth, but it will also help the bottles seal properly.
    • Be sure the veggies are soft: Cooking the peppers and onions until they are soft and tender will ensure that they blend well for a smooth sauce.
    • Storing: Store this jalapeno hot sauce in airtight glass bottles or jars for up to 1 month in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it. Store in airtight and freezer-safe containers for up to 4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator when you need it!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 10kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 0.1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 59mgPotassium: 12mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 0.5gVitamin A: 36IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 0.04mg
    Keyword green hot sauce, jalapeno hot sauce, jalapeno sauce
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    Welcome!

    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life, Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

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