Tired of bland store-bought hot sauces? Yearning for a fiery kick with a vibrant, fresh flavor that only homemade goodness can deliver? Then get ready to unleash your inner chef with this incredibly easy Fresno hot sauce recipe! It's the perfect blend of heat and flavor, ideal for elevating tacos, eggs, or anything that needs a little zing. This recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious dishes can be surprisingly quick dinner ideas, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh Fresno chiles (about 10-12), stemmed
- 2 cups white vinegar (distilled or apple cider)
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for balancing the acidity)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions:
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Prepare the chiles: Wash the Fresno chiles thoroughly and remove the stems. You can leave the seeds in for extra heat, or remove them for a milder sauce – the choice is yours! For a smoother sauce, consider wearing gloves to avoid skin irritation.
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Simmer the ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the chiles, vinegar, water, salt, sugar (if using), garlic powder, and onion powder. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
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Reduce and blend: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chiles are very soft. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Using an immersion blender directly in the saucepan, blend the mixture until completely smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
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Strain (optional): For a smoother, seed-free sauce, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve. This step is optional, depending on your preference.
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Bottle and enjoy: Once cooled slightly, carefully pour the hot sauce into sterilized bottles or jars. Make sure to leave a little headspace at the top. Store in the refrigerator. Your homemade Fresno hot sauce will last for several weeks.
Tips for the Best Fresno Hot Sauce:
- Adjust the heat: Control the level of spiciness by adjusting the number of seeds you leave in the chiles or by adding less or more chiles.
- Fresh is best: Using fresh Fresno chiles makes all the difference in the flavor of your homemade hot sauce.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to experiment with other additions like a pinch of cumin, oregano, or even a dash of lime juice for a unique twist.
- Sterilize your bottles: To ensure your hot sauce stays fresh, sterilize your bottles by washing them thoroughly in hot, soapy water and rinsing well.
Variations:
- Roasted Fresno Hot Sauce: Roast the chiles before simmering for a smoky flavor. Simply roast them on a baking sheet under a broiler until slightly charred.
- Spicy Mango Fresno Hot Sauce: Add 1 cup of diced mango along with the chiles for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Garlic Lovers Fresno Hot Sauce: Increase the amount of garlic powder to 1 ½ teaspoons or add a few cloves of fresh garlic for a more intense garlic flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on the ingredients and quantities used.
- Calories: 15-20
- Carbohydrates: 4-5g
- Protein: 0-1g
- Fat: 0g
This easy Fresno hot sauce recipe is a fantastic addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. The fresh, vibrant flavor is unmatched, and it's so simple to make. Try it today and experience the joy of creating delicious dishes from scratch! Enjoy!