Banana Pepper Hot Sauce Recipe
If you’re searching for a tangy, zippy, and just-right spicy condiment to perk up your meals, this Banana Pepper Hot Sauce will become your new obsession. Imagine the mellow heat of banana peppers mingling with punchy garlic, aromatic onions, and a subtle touch of sweetness, all tied together with a vibrant golden hue. Whether you drizzle it on eggs, tacos, or grilled meats, this homemade sauce delivers a burst of flavor that’s as versatile as it is addictive. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it every single day!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things refreshingly simple, using only a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a starring role. The banana peppers bring mellow heat, the vinegar adds a tangy brightness, and a mix of spices rounds out the flavor with warmth and depth. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Banana Peppers (1 pound, seeded and chopped): These are the real heart of the sauce, bringing a gentle heat and sunny color that make this sauce so crave-worthy.
- Chopped Onion (1/2 cup): Adds natural sweetness and aromatic complexity, helping the sauce taste rich and balanced.
- Garlic (4 cloves, peeled): Garlic infuses the hot sauce with a bold, savory backbone that makes every bite pop.
- White Vinegar (1 cup): Provides that classic tang and helps preserve the sauce, making it last longer in your fridge.
- Water (1/2 cup): Helps achieve the perfect pourable consistency and softens the flavors just enough.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon): A small amount of sugar balances the acidity and heat, letting all the flavors shine.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings out and intensifies all the other flavors in the sauce.
- Ground Mustard (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle sharpness that lifts the overall flavor profile.
- Turmeric (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the sauce with a beautiful golden color and mild earthy notes.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Lends a gentle bite and rounds out the heat level.
How to Make Banana Pepper Hot Sauce
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies
Start by seeding and chopping your banana peppers, then chop up your onion and peel the garlic. Taking the time to prep everything before you start cooking makes the whole process smoother and ensures a consistent, silky-textured sauce. If you want extra heat, you can also add a few hot peppers at this stage—just be sure to wear gloves!
Step 2: Simmer the Flavor Base
Combine the banana peppers, onion, garlic, white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, ground mustard, turmeric, and black pepper in a medium saucepan. Set the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. The goal is to soften the peppers and onions until they’re meltingly tender and all those wonderful flavors have mingled.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth
Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes—just until it’s safe to handle. Carefully transfer everything to a blender or food processor and blend until the sauce is completely smooth. If you prefer a thinner Banana Pepper Hot Sauce, feel free to add a bit more water or vinegar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Bottle and Store
Pour your freshly blended sauce into sterilized glass bottles or jars. This not only keeps your hot sauce tasting fresh, but it makes it fridge-ready and convenient to grab whenever you need a spicy hit. The sauce will keep in the refrigerator for up to three months, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy it on all your favorite dishes!
How to Serve Banana Pepper Hot Sauce
Garnishes
A little extra flourish can make the Banana Pepper Hot Sauce even more irresistible. Try sprinkling chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top, or add a few thinly sliced banana peppers for a pop of color and texture. A dusting of smoked paprika or a squeeze of lime juice can also bring out new layers of flavor!
Side Dishes
This sauce is a dream come true on just about anything. Drizzle it over scrambled eggs, spoon it onto tacos, or use it as a dipping sauce for roasted potatoes and grilled veggies. It’s also fantastic on sandwiches, burgers, or anywhere you want a touch of gentle heat and tang.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with how you serve your Banana Pepper Hot Sauce! Pour it into a pretty squeeze bottle for easy drizzling, or serve it in a small glass jar with a spoon alongside a cheese board. You can even swirl it into mayo or Greek yogurt for a quick, punchy dip or spread—perfect for parties or snack boards.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Banana Pepper Hot Sauce is bottled and chilled, it will stay fresh and vibrant in the refrigerator for up to three months. Be sure to use clean utensils every time you dip in, and always keep the bottle tightly sealed to preserve that bright flavor and color.
Freezing
While this sauce is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for longer storage if needed. Pour the cooled sauce into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays, leaving a little space for expansion. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using—just note that the texture may change slightly after freezing.
Reheating
There’s actually no need to reheat Banana Pepper Hot Sauce, as it’s designed to be served cold or at room temperature. If you’ve frozen it, simply thaw it and give it a good shake or stir before serving to restore its smooth consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other types of peppers?
Absolutely! While banana peppers are the star, you can mix in other mild or spicy peppers like jalapeños, serranos, or even a habanero for more heat. Just keep in mind that swapping peppers will change the flavor and spice level.
Is Banana Pepper Hot Sauce very spicy?
Banana peppers are naturally mild, so this sauce delivers more of a gentle warmth and tang rather than intense heat. If you like things spicier, feel free to add a few hotter peppers to the mix when you simmer everything together.
How long does homemade hot sauce last?
Stored properly in sterilized bottles or jars in the fridge, your Banana Pepper Hot Sauce should stay fresh for up to three months. Always use clean utensils to avoid introducing bacteria, and if the sauce changes smell or appearance, it’s time to make a new batch!
Can I make this sauce sugar-free?
Yes, you can skip the sugar if you prefer or substitute with a natural sweetener like honey or agave. The sugar helps balance the acidity, but the sauce will still be delicious if you leave it out or swap it for something else.
What’s the best way to sterilize bottles or jars?
You can sterilize your glass bottles or jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes, then letting them air dry completely. This simple step helps your Banana Pepper Hot Sauce stay fresh and safe for longer storage in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to elevate your condiment game, give this Banana Pepper Hot Sauce a try—it’s a guaranteed way to add zesty, homemade flavor to anything you cook. I can’t wait to hear how you make it your own and all the delicious ways you use it in your kitchen!
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Banana Pepper Hot Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This vibrant Banana Pepper Hot Sauce is a mild yet flavorful condiment made from fresh banana peppers and aromatic spices. Perfect for adding a tangy kick to eggs, tacos, grilled meats, or dressings, this easy-to-make sauce combines the sweetness of banana peppers with a subtle heat and bright vinegar tang. Made on the stovetop and blended to a smooth finish, it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three months.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound banana peppers (seeded and chopped)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 4 cloves garlic (peeled)
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, place the banana peppers, chopped onion, peeled garlic cloves, white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, ground mustard, turmeric, and black pepper together to prepare for cooking.
- Cook Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the peppers and onions become soft and tender, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool just enough so it can be handled safely without being too hot for blending.
- Blend to Smooth: Transfer the cooked pepper mixture into a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth. If a thinner sauce is desired, gradually add additional water or vinegar one tablespoon at a time until you reach the preferred consistency.
- Bottle and Store: Pour the finished sauce into sterilized glass bottles or jars, sealing tightly. Store the hot sauce in the refrigerator where it will keep fresh for up to three months, ready to enhance your favorite meals.
Notes
- For extra heat, incorporate jalapeño or habanero peppers when cooking.
- This sauce pairs wonderfully with eggs, tacos, grilled meats, or can be mixed into salad dressings for added flavor.
- Always wear gloves when handling hot peppers to prevent skin irritation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 5
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
