Tastes great with a hint of spice, too! My version of Caribbean Pepper Sauce is sure to please! A mainstay of Caribbean cooking, this traditional condiment is renowned for its potent blend of spices, tropical fruits, and fresh peppers.
With its acidic, spicy, and somewhat sweet flavor profile, this sauce improves every dish—from plain rice and beans to grilled meats.
This recipe brings the warmth and spirit of the Caribbean straight into your kitchen, regardless of how long you’ve been cooking spicy sauces.
How To Make Caribbean Pepper Sauce?
Preparation Times: 15 minutes
Total times: 15 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Caribbean
Yield: Makes about 1.5 cups of sauce (6-8 servings)
Equipment Needed
- Blender or food processor
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Grater
- Small sterilized jar or bottle for storage
Ingredients
- 4 Scotch Bonnet peppers (or Habanero peppers), seeds removed for less heat
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and cubed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey (optional for added sweetness)
- Salt to taste
- ½ cup water (adjust for consistency)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
Step-1. Prepare the ingredients
First, always start by preparing your ingredients. Carefully remove the seeds from the Scotch Bonnet or Habanero peppers if you prefer a milder sauce. Cube the ripe mango, mince the garlic and grate the fresh ginger. I find that having everything ready makes the process smoother.
Step-2. Blend the sauce
Add the prepared peppers, mango cubes, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a blender or food processor. Pour in the apple cider vinegar, fresh lime juice, and water. This liquid will help the ingredients blend into a smooth consistency.
Step-3. Season the mixture
Add the ground allspice, ground cumin, and a tablespoon of brown sugar or honey for sweetness (optional). I usually add salt at this stage, adjusting to taste, but it’s entirely up to you to tweak it as you go.
Step-4. Blend to desired consistency
Blend everything until smooth. You can adjust the consistency by adding more water if it’s too thick or blending it longer for a smoother texture. For those who like their sauce chunkier, pulse the blender for less time.
Step-5. Add fresh cilantro
Once the sauce is blended to your desired consistency, stir in the chopped fresh cilantro. This step gives the sauce a beautiful burst of freshness. You can blend it in if you prefer an entirely smooth sauce, but I enjoy the texture it adds.
Nutrition Facts Of Caribbean Pepper Sauce
- Calories: 25 kcal
- Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 0.4g
Serving Suggestions
Grilled meats: Perfect for drizzling over grilled chicken, pork, or beef for a flavorful kick.
Seafood: A dollop of this sauce over grilled fish or shrimp is magical.
Rice and beans: Spice up your classic Caribbean rice and beans with a spoonful of this peppery delight.
Sandwiches: Spread a thin layer on sandwiches or burgers to take them to the next level.
Tips and Variations
Control the heat: If you want a milder sauce, be sure to remove the seeds from the Scotch Bonnet peppers or use fewer peppers. You can also substitute with milder chili peppers like jalapeños.
Sweetness: If you prefer your sauce on the sweeter side, add a bit of browner sugar or honey to balance the heat.
Thicker consistency: Reduce the amount of water added for a thicker sauce, or skip it entirely.
Herb variations: While cilantro adds a fresh, vibrant note, you can experiment with parsley or even mint for a different flavor profile.
Health Benefits Of Caribbean Pepper Sauce
Scotch Bonnet peppers: These are high in capsaicin which may help boost metabolism and support pain relief.
Mango: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, mango adds a natural sweetness and contributes to immune health.
Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits, ginger gives this sauce a subtle warmth.
Special Note
I recommend wearing gloves when cutting and deseeding the peppers and avoiding touching your face.
FAQS
How long does this sauce last in the refrigerator?
The sauce will keep for about 2-3 weeks when stored in a sterilized jar in the fridge. Always use a clean spoon to scoop out the sauce to prevent contamination.
Can I freeze this pepper sauce?
Yes, you can freeze it in small containers or ice cube trays for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Is this sauce too spicy?
This sauce can be very spicy, especially if you use all the seeds from the Scotch Bonnet peppers. To control the heat, remove the seeds or use fewer peppers.
Can I substitute the mango?
Yes, if you don’t have mango, you can also use other tropical fruits like pineapple or papaya to achieve a similar sweetness.
Can I use dried spices instead of fresh ingredients?
While fresh ingredients provide the best flavor, you can use dried ginger and garlic in a pinch. However, the taste may not be as vibrant.
Conclusion
Caribbean Pepper Sauce is more than just a condiment; it’s a celebration of the bold, tropical flavors that define island cooking.
This sauce is a vibrant blend of heat, tang, and spice, perfectly capturing the essence of the islands. Its bold flavors elevate any dish, offering a zesty kick that complements meats, seafood, and vegetables, making it a must-have condiment for adventurous palates.
So, keep a jar of this vibrant sauce on hand to add a splash of island magic to your everyday dishes.
Caribbean Pepper Sauce
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Grater
- Small sterilized jar or bottle for storage
Ingredients
- 4 Scotch Bonnet peppers or Habanero peppers, seeds removed for less heat
- 1 ripe mango peeled and cubed
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1- inch piece of fresh ginger peeled and grated
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey optional for added sweetness
- Salt to taste
- ½ cup water adjust for consistency
- ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
- First, always start by preparing your ingredients. Carefully remove the seeds from the Scotch Bonnet or Habanero peppers if you prefer a milder sauce. Cube the ripe mango, mince the garlic and grate the fresh ginger. I find that having everything ready makes the process smoother.
- Add the prepared peppers, mango cubes, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a blender or food processor. Pour in the apple cider vinegar, fresh lime juice, and water. This liquid will help the ingredients blend into a smooth consistency.
- Add the ground allspice, ground cumin, and a tablespoon of brown sugar or honey for sweetness (optional). I usually add salt at this stage, adjusting to taste, but it’s entirely up to you to tweak it as you go.
- Blend everything until smooth. You can adjust the consistency by adding more water if it’s too thick or blending it longer for a smoother texture. For those who like their sauce chunkier, pulse the blender for less time.
- Once the sauce is blended to your desired consistency, stir in the chopped fresh cilantro. This step gives the sauce a beautiful burst of freshness. You can blend it in if you prefer an entirely smooth sauce, but I enjoy the texture it adds.
Notes
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.