Servings
Font
Back
4.5 from 207 votes

Serrano Hot Sauce

Here's an easy recipe for a wicked batch of Serrano Hot Sauce!  With a half pound of Serranos you'll get two 5 oz. bottles worth of delicious, fiery hot sauce.  Note: instructions not designed for long term canning.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Servings: 24
Calories: 5 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb. Serrano peppers (approx. 18-20)
  • 1 Habanero pepper (optional)
  • 1/4 onion
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1/2 cup white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • juice of lime
  • freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin (optional)
  • 8-10 cilantro sprigs

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Give the Serranos a good rinse and de-stem them.  Be sure to wash your hands after handling them. More tips on handling hot chiles.
  2. Saute a roughly chopped 1/4 onion and 1 whole, peeled garlic clove in a glug of oil over medium heat.
  3. Once the onion is browning you can add 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano, some freshly cracked black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon cumin (optional). Briefly cook until fragrant and then add the de-stemmed Serranos, 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. You can optionally add a rinsed and de-stemmed Habanero pepper. Bring to a simmer and then add everything to a blender.
  4. Add 8-10 sprigs cilantro and the juice of 1 lime to the blender. Combine well or to your desired consistency. I usually leave it a bit chunky but you can always blend it thinner.
  5. Add mixture to two 5 oz. bottles or a small Mason jar. Store in the fridge where it will keep for weeks at a time.

Notes

  • These are hot chiles so use caution when handling them!   Be sure not to touch your eyes or nose after chopping them up.  More tips on handling hot chiles.
  • It's best to use a non-reactive pan for this recipe -- I've mistakenly used my cast iron pan in the past and the acidity will eat away some of the pan's seasoning.
  • Serrano vs. Jalapeno:  What's the Difference?

Nutrition Information

Calories 5kcal (0%) Carbohydrates 1g (0%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 1g (2%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 50mg (2%) Potassium 30mg (1%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 89IU (2%) Vitamin C 4mg (4%) Calcium 2mg (0%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 24Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 5

% Daily Value*

Calories 5kcal 0%
Carbohydrates 1g 0%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 50mg 2%
Potassium 30mg 1%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 89IU 2%
Vitamin C 4mg 4%
Calcium 2mg 0%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.