With Fresno pepper hot sauce, a fiery spice that gives any dish a pleasant kick, you may uncover a world of colorful tastes.
As an adaptable addition to your cooking arsenal, Fresno pepper hot sauce strikes the ideal balance between heat and flavor, unlike its fiery counterparts.
This homemade sauce will quickly become your go-to for an extra taste boost, whether you’re using it to spice up tacos, improve a marinade, or just season regular meals.
Come along as I explore the process of making this delicious sauce and show you how simple it is to add a little gourmet flair to your cooking.
How To Make Fresno Pepper Hot Sauce?
Preparation Times: 10 minutes
Cooking Times: 15 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: American
Yield: About 1 cup of hot sauce
Equipment Needed
- A medium-sized saucepan
- Blender or food processor
- Fine mesh sieve (optional, for straining)
- Glass bottle or jar for storage
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 12 fresh Fresno chili peppers
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 medium red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water, or as needed
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Step-1. Prepare the peppers and garlic
Cut the peppers into chunks, and if you want to reduce the heat a bit, you can remove the seeds from the Fresno peppers. Peel and roughly chop the garlic cloves.
Step-2. Sauté the vegetables
Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped Fresno peppers, red bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté everything for about 5-7 minutes until the peppers soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.
Step-3. Add liquids and seasonings
Next, pour in white vinegar and water. You can adjust the amount of water based on how thick or thin you want the sauce to be. Stir in the honey (or sugar), sea salt, and smoked paprika if you want that extra smoky flavor. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
Step-4. Blend the sauce
Once everything has simmered and the peppers are nice and soft, transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, usually add a little extra water to reach the desired consistency.
Step-5. Strain (Optional)
For a smoother, more refined texture, you can strain the sauce using a fine mesh sieve. This step is optional but highly recommended if you prefer a silky-smooth hot sauce.
Step-6. Bottle and store
Pour the hot sauce into a sterilized glass bottle or jar. Let it cool completely before sealing it and storing it in the refrigerator. This sauce can last for up to a month when properly stored.
Nutrition Facts Of Fresno Pepper Hot Sauce
Nutrition | Amounts |
---|---|
Calories | 15 |
Fat | 1g |
Sodium | 250mg |
Carbohydrates | 3g |
Sugars | 2g |
Fiber | 1g |
Serving Suggestions
Tacos and burritos
I love adding this Fresno Pepper Hot Sauce to my tacos and burritos. It adds a spicy, tangy punch that pairs perfectly with grilled meats and vegetables.
Eggs and breakfast dishes
Drizzle this hot sauce over scrambled eggs, omelets, or breakfast sandwiches for a zesty breakfast.
Marinades and dressings
You can also use this hot sauce as a marinade base or mix it into salad dressings to add a spicy kick.
Tips and Variations
Adjusting the heat
If you prefer a milder hot sauce, reduce the number of Fresno peppers or remove the seeds. For extra heat, leave the seeds in or add a hotter pepper like a habanero.
Add fresh herbs
For an herbal twist, try blending in fresh cilantro or parsley toward the end of the cooking process. It adds freshness and depth to the sauce.
Smoked paprika alternative
If you don’t have smoked paprika, feel free to use regular paprika or even a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Special Note
For the best flavor, choose vibrant red Fresno peppers that are firm and have smooth skin. Avoid any with soft spots or blemishes, as they may affect the freshness of your sauce.
FAQS
How long does Fresno Pepper Hot Sauce last?
When stored in a sterilized jar or bottle in the refrigerator, this sauce can last up to 1 month. The vinegar acts as a natural preservative.
Can I freeze the hot sauce?
Yes, you can freeze this hot sauce for up to 3 months. I recommend freezing it in small portions so you can thaw only what you need.
Is this hot sauce gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
Making your own Fresno pepper hot sauce at home is incredibly simple and rewarding. Not only do you get to control the heat and flavor, but you also avoid any preservatives found in store-bought sauces.
I love keeping a bottle in my fridge to add to tacos, eggs, or even mix into marinades. It’s a versatile condiment that will spice up any dish. Give it a try and experiment with different variations to suit your palate.
Fresno Pepper Hot Sauce
Equipment
- A medium-sized saucepan
- Blender or food processor
- Fine mesh sieve (optional, for straining)
- Glass bottle or jar for storage
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 12 fresh Fresno chili peppers
- 4 garlic cloves peeled
- 1 medium red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water or as needed
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika optional, for a smoky flavor
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Cut the peppers into chunks, and if you want to reduce the heat a bit, you can remove the seeds from the Fresno peppers. Peel and roughly chop the garlic cloves.
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped Fresno peppers, red bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté everything for about 5-7 minutes until the peppers soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Next, pour in white vinegar and water. You can adjust the amount of water based on how thick or thin you want the sauce to be. Stir in the honey (or sugar), sea salt, and smoked paprika if you want that extra smoky flavor. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Once everything has simmered and the peppers are nice and soft, transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, usually add a little extra water to reach the desired consistency.
- For a smoother, more refined texture, you can strain the sauce using a fine mesh sieve. This step is optional but highly recommended if you prefer a silky-smooth hot sauce.
- Pour the hot sauce into a sterilized glass bottle or jar. Let it cool completely before sealing it and storing it in the refrigerator. This sauce can last for up to a month when properly stored.
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.