Follow these simple steps to make your own homemade hot sauce using hot peppers like red Fresno or habanero peppers! There are several factors to keep in mind when crafting your own hot sauce. In this post, I’ll share my go-to pH-tested homemade hot sauce recipe, along with flavor variations so you can customize it to suit your taste!
EQUIPMENT
- Hot sauce bottles
- Funnel
- Latex gloves
- Wire mesh strainer
- Blender
INGREDIENTS
- 10 ounces Fresno peppers or a mix of red peppers (measured after chopping)
- 4 ounces medium shallots (about 2–3 bulbs, quartered)
- 1 ounce garlic cloves (about 5 cloves, smashed)
- 5 whole peppercorns
- 2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt (use half the amount if using another brand)
- 6 ounces distilled white vinegar (¾ cup)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the Peppers: Remove the stems and slice the peppers in half lengthwise. Adjust the heat level by removing or keeping the seeds and ribs. Roughly chop the peppers into 2-inch pieces.
- Wear Gloves! This step is non-negotiable—handling hot peppers without gloves can cause skin irritation.
- Cook the Ingredients: Add the chopped peppers, shallots, garlic, peppercorns, salt, and vinegar to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a gentle simmer for 15–20 minutes. Be cautious when removing the lid, as the vinegar steam is strong!
- Blend Until Smooth: While the mixture is still hot, transfer it to a high-powered blender. Start blending on low speed, then gradually increase to high until the sauce is completely smooth. This may take a few minutes.
- Strain & Bottle: Pour the hot sauce through a mesh strainer into a funnel placed over your sanitized hot sauce bottles. Work in batches if needed, using a spatula to press the sauce through the strainer. Scrape the bottom of the strainer periodically to push more sauce into the funnel.
- Store & Enjoy: Seal the bottles tightly and let the hot sauce cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 8 months.
Now, your homemade hot sauce is ready to add bold flavor to any dish!
