Yield: ~1 1/2 cups
Easy Homemade Hot Sauce
Homemade hot sauce is cheap and easy, and the results are fresh tasting and mouthwatering. It's way better than store bought versions! This recipe can be adjusted if you have more or less peppers. If you have a scale keep around 2-3% of salt by weight, otherwise weigh your peppers when you buy them and adjust the salt based on the amount you have.
Wear gloves when handling the hot peppers.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Fermenting Time
8 days
Total Time
8 days 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 226g (8oz) chili peppers, tops removed and coarsely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, peeled
- 6g (1 tsp) coarse kosher salt*
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or rice wine vinegar
Instructions
- Add the peppers, garlic cloves, salt, and water in a food processor. Process until you reach the texture of a chunky salsa.
- Transfer to a clean glass container and cover with a cheesecloth. Leave on the counter at room temperature for 24-48 hours.
- After 1-2 days, stir in the apple cider vinegar. Leave on the counter, covered with a cheesecloth for 5-7 days (if you have time, go the full week!).
- After 1 week, transfer to a blender and purée until smooth. If it's very thick add more water (and/or vinegar to taste) to thin. Optional: strain the sauce through a mesh strainer or cheesecloth lined strainer. Squeeze out all the juice from the remaining pulp. Straining will make a thinner sauce, so wait to thin the sauce if you are straining it.
- Transfer to a clean jar or hot sauce bottle and refrigerate. It will last for several months.
- Separation is normal, shake before use.
Notes
*If using finely ground sea salt, decrease amount slightly.
Make the sauce your own! You can sweeten or flavor the hot sauce by adding other vegetables in the first step (e.g. onion or carrots). Or add a bit of sugar to taste to the final hot sauce. Or try adding spices like cumin, coriander, or mustard seed to the final hot sauce.