Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Preparation
- Carefully wash the fresh cayenne peppers and remove their stems. Roughly chop the peppers. It is highly recommended to wear gloves when handling cayenne peppers to avoid skin irritation.
- Peel and roughly chop the garlic cloves.
Cooking the Sauce Base
- In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped cayenne peppers, white vinegar, chopped garlic, sea salt, and water. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the cayenne peppers are very soft and easily mashable.
Blending and Straining
- Carefully transfer the hot pepper mixture to a blender. Start blending on low speed and gradually increase to high, blending until the sauce is very smooth and uniform. This may take 2-3 minutes. Use caution when blending hot liquids, ensuring the blender lid is securely vented if necessary.
- Set a fine-mesh sieve over a clean bowl. Pour the blended sauce through the sieve, using a rubber spatula or spoon to press down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the remaining pulp and seeds in the sieve.
Finishing and Storage
- Taste the finished Cayenne Pepper Sauce and adjust the salt if necessary. If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add a tiny bit more water or vinegar and stir.
- Allow the sauce to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to clean, sterilized glass bottles or jars. Seal tightly.
Notes
Homemade cayenne pepper sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 months. For an extra layer of flavor and to mellow the heat slightly, you can let the sauce age in the fridge for a week or two before using. Shake well before each use. This sauce is excellent on eggs, fried chicken, roasted vegetables, or as a base for marinades and dressings.
