Are you a fan of spicy food? Do you crave that fiery sensation that makes your taste buds tingle and your eyes water? Look no further than this garlic hot sauce recipe, guaranteed to qualify you for fire breathing!
This delicious sauce packs a serious punch, thanks to the combination of fresh garlic and spicy chilli peppers. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, you can whip up a batch of this addictive sauce in no time. Whether you’re looking to add some heat to your dishes or impress your friends with your fire-breathing skills, this hot garlic sauce is sure to become a new favourite in your kitchen.
In favour of fiery garlic sauce
There are plenty of reasons to make hot garlic sauce. Here are just a few that are sure to persuade you.
1. It adds an irresistible kick to any dish, from stir-fries and marinades to dips and dressings. The combination of spicy chilli peppers and pungent garlic creates a flavour profile that is both bold and complex.
2. Making your pungent hot sauce allows you to control the level of heat. This way you can customize it to your taste preferences. Whether you prefer a mild burn or a full-on fire-breathing experience, this recipe can be adjusted accordingly.
3. Homemade sauces are often healthier than shop-bought versions, as they don’t contain artificial preservatives or additives. By making your hot garlic sauce, you can rest assured that you’re using only fresh ingredients. You will also and avoid any unnecessary chemicals or fillers/binders.
Go on, give it a try and risk becoming a fan!
How to make hot garlic sauce
The process begins with selecting the freshest ingredients possible. Ripe chilli peppers of your choice and plump cloves of fresh garlic. Once the ingredients are prepped, it’s time to start cooking.
Gently sauté the shallot and garlic in a bit of oil until it becomes fragrant and slightly browned. This helps to mellow out the sharpness of the garlic and bring out its natural sweetness. Next, the chopped chilli peppers are added to the pan and cooked until they’re soft and tender.
Once the garlic and peppers are fully cooked, add the rest of the ingredients and let them cook together for a few minutes. The salt brings out the flavours even more while vinegar and sugar add a sweet tanginess that balances out the heat from the chilli peppers.
Then it’s time to blend everything into a smooth puree. This can be done using a blender or food processor, depending on your preferred level of texture. Some people like their garlic chilli sauce to be chunky with bits of pepper and garlic throughout, while others prefer a smoother, even squeezable or pourable consistency.
Return the blended mix to the pan again, on low heat, and stirring regularly. Test the sauce for seasoning. And finalise any adjustments you want to make to the texture. Add some water if you prefer it thinner, or thicken with a cornstarch slurry, one teaspoon at a time, for a thicker result.
The final step is to transfer the sauce into clean, sterilized airtight containers for storage in the fridge or freezer.
Overall, making garlic hot sauce takes a bit of time and effort but is well worth it in terms of flavour and satisfaction. Plus, once you’ve mastered this recipe, you’ll have bragging rights as someone who can handle some serious heat!
5 TIPS for making a special hot garlic sauce
1. Choose your favourite chilli peppers
The type of chilli you use will have a big impact on the flavour and heat level of your sauce. For a milder sauce, try using Jalapeño or Serrano peppers. If you want something hotter, opt for Thai bird’s eye chillies, habaneros or scotch bonnet peppers. Or a blend of mild and hotter peppers to meet your requirements.
You also get to decide on whether you leave any, some or all of the seeds from the peppers for a milder or a volcanic effect. Be careful! You want to be able to enjoy the sauce and not wipe out your tastebuds! (To remove the seeds: Slice the chilli pepper in half lengthwise, then use a sharp knife or spoon to scrape out all of its seeds.)
Address your safety in the kitchen by donning a pair of disposable kitchen gloves and protective eyewear such as swimming goggles – while it may seem bizarre, this strategy is highly effective in limiting the unpleasant effects of preparing chilli (and onions).
Also, keep windows or a door open when cooking this mixture as the vapour can be quite potent itself!
Unless you are familiar with the heat of certain chillies and know what you like, I suggest that you start with a milder chilli and work your way up to something stronger.
I made this recipe for a friend who loves really hot sauce and used habanero chilli peppers. I just had to trust that the recipe worked out because there was no way I could or would even try to taste this, even for seasoning. So know what you are dealing with chilli-wise so that you don’t have to flee from your sauce!
2. Roast your garlic
Roasting the garlic before adding it to the sauce can give it a sweet and nutty flavour that complements the heat of the chilli peppers.
Simply wrap whole garlic bulbs or cloves in foil, with a dash of oil, and bake at 175 degrees C (350F) for about 30 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Use peeled cloves for ease of use, and cut across the top of the garlic bulbs so that you can just squeeze out the roasted garlic easily when they have cooled a bit.
3. Use fresh ingredients
Freshness is key when it comes to making any kind of sauce, especially when working with garlic and chilli peppers. Make sure your ingredients are as fresh as possible to ensure maximum flavour. Check to ensure that they are blemish-free and not softened.
4. Experiment with other flavours
A chilli garlic sauce is delicious on its own, but you can also experiment with adding other flavours like ginger, orange/lime juice, or soy sauce to give it an extra dimension.
5. Adjust seasoning to taste
Seasoning is crucial when it comes to making the sauce because it helps balance out the heat from the chilli peppers and the potential aromatic fury of the garlic. Be sure to taste as you go along and adjust the salt, sugar and vinegar levels based on your personal preference. Remember that a little goes a long way!
Garlic sauce flavour options
Add more sweetness:
If you want to balance out the heat of your hot garlic sauce with a touch of sweetness, try adding honey or brown sugar. This will give the sauce a more complex flavour profile and make it more versatile for use in different dishes.
Experiment with different types of vinegar:
While rice/white vinegar is used in this recipe, you can also try using other types of vinegar to add depth and complexity to the flavour. Apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, fruit vinegar or balsamic vinegar are all great options that will give your sauce a unique twist. (Just make sure that the vinegar you choose has a minimum of 5% acetic acid concentration.)
Incorporate herbs and spices:
To add even more depth and complexity to your garlic hot sauce, consider incorporating fresh herbs like parsley, and/or spices like cumin or coriander. These additions will complement the heat of the chilli peppers and bring out the natural flavours of the garlic.
Enjoying this spicy sauce
1. As a new addition to your condiment range
Garlic hot sauce makes an excellent condiment for sandwiches, burgers, tacos, or any other dish that could use a little extra heat and flavour.
2. Use as a dipping sauce
A chilli garlic sauce is a perfect accompaniment to all kinds of foods, from egg rolls and dumplings to chicken wings and fries. Simply serve it on the side for a delicious and spicy dipping experience.
3. Add to marinades and salad dressings
This sauce can add an extra layer of flavour to marinades for meat, seafood or vegetables. Mix it with soy sauce, honey, and some oil for a deliciously spicy marinade.
Similarly, add some to your favourite salad dressing for an uplifting experience to an otherwise ordinary salad.
4. Incorporate into stir-fries
Stir-frying is an easy way to create quick and tasty meals. And a garlic hot sauce is a great addition to any stir-fry recipe. Just toss your favourite veggies, and noodles, with or without protein, in a pan with some oil and fry on high heat. Then add the fiery sauce for an extra kick of flavour.
5. Spread on pizza
If you’re looking for a unique twist on traditional homemade pizza toppings, try spreading some hot garlic sauce over the base before adding your other ingredients. It’s sure to take your pizza to another level!
A garlic hot sauce is a versatile and delicious condiment that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you prefer it sweet or spicy, tangy or herby, there are countless ways to personalize the flavour of your hot garlic sauce to suit your taste preferences. From dipping sauces to marinades to pizza toppings, this flavourful sauce is sure to add a fiery kick to any dish. So why not try making your hot garlic sauce today and explore all the wonderful ways you can enjoy it?
Garlic Hot Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Kitchen scales
- Chopping board and knife
- Preserving pan or large saucepan
- Long-handled spoon for stirring
- Food processor/blender
- Ladle
- Jam Funnel
- Clean, sterilised glass jars with sealable lids
Ingredients
- 1 medium shallot
- 2 medium bulbs of garlic
- 200 g jalapeno peppers
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 70 ml white wine vinegar
- 60 ml water
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Peel and chop the shallot.
- Consider wearing gloves to prepare the chillies. Then, wash the chillies. Deseed them, and chop them up.
- Remove the garlic skins and chop up the cloves.
- Add the oil to your pan and warm.
- Add the shallot and garlic to the pan and cook over medium heat for around 2-5 minutes.
- Next, add the chillies, vinegar, water, sugar and salt to the pan. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly before transferring the mixture to a blender or food processor. Process until smooth. For a chunky sauce leave as much or little garlic and chillies minimally blended as you like. For an extra smooth sauce, you may want to pass the sauce through a fine-meshed strainer.
- Return the smooth sauce to the pan and bring to a simmer over low heat.
- Using a clean spoon, check the seasoning of the sauce, and make changes as you prefer.
- You can either let the sauce simmer for a while to thicken a bit more. OR make a slurry with a teaspoon of cornflour and a tablespoon of water. Add this mix one teaspoon at a time, stir to distribute it and give it a few seconds to cook through. Continue this way until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. (Remember that it will thicken some more when cool).
- Once done, take the pan off the heat and ladle the sauce into a clean, sterilised airtight container(s). Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4-6 weeks. Or freeze some in a freezer-safe container for use at another time for 3-4 months.
- If you can, wait a week to use it as the vinegar and garlic flavours mellow with time and the chilli heat, while still packing a punch, becomes more flavourful.
- Note: The amount of garlic and chillies can be adjusted to taste for the desired spiciness. For a more mild sauce, use less garlic and hot pepper. For a spicier sauce, add more of both ingredients. Be sure to wear gloves when handling the chillies.
Notes
5 TIPS for making a special hot garlic sauce
1. Choose your favourite chilli peppers The type of chilli you use will have a big impact on the flavour and heat level of your sauce. For a milder sauce, try using Jalapeño or Serrano peppers. If you want something hotter, opt for Thai bird’s eye chillies, habaneros or scotch bonnet peppers. Or a blend of mild and hotter peppers to meet your requirements. You also get to decide on whether you leave any, some or all of the seeds from the peppers for a milder or a volcanic effect. Be careful! You want to be able to enjoy the sauce and not wipe out your tastebuds! (To remove the seeds: Slice the chilli pepper in half lengthwise, then use a sharp knife or spoon to scrape out all of its seeds.) Address your safety in the kitchen by donning a pair of disposable kitchen gloves and protective eyewear such as swimming goggles – while it may seem bizarre, this strategy is highly effective in limiting the unpleasant effects of preparing chilli (and onions). Also, keep windows or a door open when cooking this mixture as the vapour can be quite potent itself! Unless you are familiar with the heat of certain chillies and know what you like, I suggest that you start with a milder chilli and work your way up to something stronger. I made this recipe for a friend who loves really hot sauce and used habanero chilli peppers. I just had to trust that the recipe worked out because there was no way I could or would even try to taste this, even for seasoning. So know what you are dealing with chilli-wise so that you don’t have to flee from your sauce! 2. Roast your garlic Roasting the garlic before adding it to the sauce can give it a sweet and nutty flavour that complements the heat of the chilli peppers. Simply wrap whole garlic bulbs or cloves in foil, with a dash of oil, and bake at 175 degrees C (350F) for about 30 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Use peeled cloves for ease of use, and cut across the top of the garlic bulbs so that you can just squeeze out the roasted garlic easily when they have cooled a bit. 3. Use fresh ingredients Freshness is key when it comes to making any kind of sauce, especially when working with garlic and chilli peppers. Make sure your ingredients are as fresh as possible to ensure maximum flavour. Check to ensure that they are blemish-free and not softened. 4. Experiment with other flavours A chilli garlic sauce is delicious on its own, but you can also experiment with adding other flavours like ginger, orange/lime juice, or soy sauce to give it an extra dimension. 5. Adjust seasoning to taste Seasoning is crucial when it comes to making the sauce because it helps balance out the heat from the chilli peppers and the potential aromatic fury of the garlic. Be sure to taste as you go along and adjust the salt, sugar and vinegar levels based on your personal preference. Remember that a little goes a long way!Garlic sauce flavour options
Add more sweetness:
If you want to balance out the heat of your hot garlic sauce with a touch of sweetness, try adding honey or brown sugar. This will give the sauce a more complex flavour profile and make it more versatile for use in different dishes.Experiment with different types of vinegar:
While rice/white vinegar is used in this recipe, you can also try using other types of vinegar to add depth and complexity to the flavour. Apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, fruit vinegar or balsamic vinegar are all great options that will give your sauce a unique twist. (Just make sure that the vinegar you choose has a minimum of 5% acetic acid concentration.)Incorporate herbs and spices:
To add even more depth and complexity to your garlic hot sauce, consider incorporating fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, and/or spices like cumin or coriander. These additions will complement the heat of the chilli peppers and bring out the natural flavours of the garlic.Enjoying this spicy sauce
1. As a new addition to your condiment range Garlic hot sauce makes an excellent condiment for sandwiches, burgers, tacos, or any other dish that could use a little extra heat and flavour. 2. Use as a dipping sauce A chilli garlic sauce is a perfect accompaniment to all kinds of foods, from egg rolls and dumplings to chicken wings and fries. Simply serve it on the side for a delicious and spicy dipping experience. 3. Add to marinades and salad dressings This sauce can add an extra layer of flavour to marinades for meat, seafood or vegetables. Mix it with soy sauce, honey, and some oil for a deliciously spicy marinade. Similarly, add some to your favourite salad dressing for an uplifting experience to an otherwise ordinary salad. 4. Incorporate into stir-fries Stir-frying is an easy way to create quick and tasty meals. And a garlic hot sauce is a great addition to any stir-fry recipe. Just toss your favourite veggies, and noodles, with or without protein, in a pan with some oil and fry on high heat. Then add the fiery sauce for an extra kick of flavour. 5. Spread on pizza If you’re looking for a unique twist on traditional homemade pizza toppings, try spreading some hot garlic sauce over the base before adding your other ingredients. It’s sure to take your pizza to another level!Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
All nutritional information is an estimate only, based on third-party calculations derived from an online nutritional calculator, Spoonacular API. The data provided is a courtesy and should not be considered a guarantee or fact. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients and brands you use, your measuring methods and portion sizes. For accurate results, we recommend that you calculate the nutritional information yourself, using a preferred nutritional calculator or advice from a nutritionist, based on your ingredients and individual processes.