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A Basic 3 Ingredient Hot Sauce Recipe for Home

A Basic 3 Ingredient Hot Sauce Recipe for Home

Making your own hot sauce at home is easier than you might think! With just 3 simple ingredients, you can whip up a flavorful and customizable hot sauce that adds a kick to any dish you want.


Whether you're a chilehead or someone new to the world of hot sauces, this 3 ingredient hot sauce recipe is a perfect starting point for crafting your own signature condiment.

Key Takeaways

Making your own hot sauce is fun, customizable, and cost-effective.

A basic hot sauce can be made with just 3 ingredients: fresh chilies, garlic, and vinegar.

Homemade hot sauce guarantees fresh, all-natural ingredients with bold flavors.

Experimenting with different peppers and flavor additions allows you to create unique sauces tailored to your tastes.

Mikey V’s Complete Hot Sauce Cookbook offers over 50 exciting recipes for hot sauces.

homemade hot sauce

Hot Sauce Through the Ages

Hot sauce has been a beloved condiment for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations in Central and South America. The history of hot sauce starts with indigenous people combining chili peppers with water and other ingredients to create primitive versions of the hot sauces we know today.


Over time, these fiery condiments have evolved and taken on unique flavors across cultures. From the tangy Louisiana-style sauces to spicy Asian sambals, hot sauce holds an iconic place in kitchens around the globe.


And now, just like you and us are making our own basic hot sauce recipes at home!

hot sauce recipe

Why Make Hot Sauce Yourself?

Making homemade hot sauce is an excellent way to explore bold flavors and express your preferences AND creativity.


Here’s why you should give it a try:


  • Customization: Tailor the heat level, flavor, and thickness to your own taste preferences. Love garlic? Add more. Prefer a milder sauce? Use gentler peppers.

  • Freshness: Homemade hot sauce guarantees all-natural ingredients with no artificial preservatives. Plus, fresh chilies make for more vibrant and bold flavors!

  • Cost-Effective: Store-bought hot sauces often come with premium price tags. With just a few basic ingredients, you can make a delicious, affordable alternative at home.

  • Impress Your Guests: Your homemade hot sauce will undoubtedly wow friends and family—it’s the perfect conversation starter at dinner parties or BBQs.


And the good news is that you can make a basic hot sauce with just 3 ingredients. You can literally whip up a flavorful, versatile sauce within just a few minutes that’ll rival any bottle from the grocery store.


So with that being said, let's talk about how you can make this basic hot sauce recipe.

making a hot sauce

3-Ingredient Hot Sauce Recipe

This recipe proves that hot sauce doesn’t have to be complicated (although, it certainly can be!). All you need are 3 simple ingredients and a blender.


With only three basic ingredients, you can create a deliciously fiery condiment in under 30 minutes!


Ingredients:

  • ½ pound of fresh chile peppers (such as jalapeños, serranos, or cayenne - adjust based on your preferred heat level)

  • 10-12 cloves of garlic

  • ½ cup distilled vinegar


Optional extras:

  • Salt

  • 1 tablespoon red chili flakes (for added texture and heat)


Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Ingredients:

Stem the chilies and peel the garlic. If you prefer milder hot sauce, remove the seeds from the chilies.


  1. Cook the Mixture:

Place the chilies, garlic, and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook until the chilies soften (about 15-20 minutes).


  1. Blend It:

Remove the saucepan from heat and add the vinegar. Use a blender or immersion blender to blend the mixture until smooth.


  1. Adjust & Store:

Taste and add salt if needed. If it’s too thick, mix in a bit of water or vinegar to thin it out. Pour into a clean jar or bottle and refrigerate.


And voilà! You’ve just created a vibrant, flavorful hot sauce. This recipe yields approximately 2 cups of sauce that can last in the fridge for several weeks.


Pro Tip: For safety and ease, use gloves when handling hot chilies to avoid skin irritation.

stirring hot sauce in pot

How to Enjoy Your Homemade Hot Sauce

One of the best parts of making your own hot sauce is discovering how versatile it can be. Here are a few pairing ideas to get you started:


  • Drizzle over fried eggs or avocado toast for a morning kick.

  • Toss with wings for irresistibly spicy buffalo bites.

  • Use as a marinade for grilled chicken or fish.

  • Add a splash to soups, stews, or chili for depth of flavor.

  • Mix with mayo or sour cream for a quick and spicy dip.

  • If you decide to add fruit for a sweet taste, hot sauce and ice cream are a great match!


Get creative! With your homemade hot sauce on hand, every meal becomes an opportunity to experiment with bold flavors.


Inspired to Go Beyond the Basics?

If this recipe sparked your love for making a hot sauce, why stop here? Mikey V’s Complete Hot Sauce Cookbook contains over 50 incredible hot sauce recipes from around the world. Learn to balance flavors, explore different types of peppers, and try exciting new creations like mango-habanero or smoky chipotle sauces.


This comprehensive guide even covers how to preserve your sauces and includes insights on the Scoville Scale to measure spice levels accurately. At just $14.99, it’s a must for anyone wanting to make both complex and simple hot sauces at home!

the complete hot sauce cookbook

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


Can I use other types of vinegar?

Yes! White vinegar is commonly used for its neutral flavor, but you can experiment with apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, or even white wine vinegar to add unique tastes to your hot sauce.

What peppers are best for making hot sauce?  

What if my hot sauce is too spicy?

Can I add other ingredients to the basic recipe?


Ready to Make Your Own Basic Hot Sauce At Home?

Making hot sauce at home is simpler than you think, and it’s a great way to bring out your inner chef. With just three ingredients and a little creativity, you can enjoy bold, custom flavors that store-bought bottles just can’t match.


Give this basic hot sauce recipe a try, experiment with heat levels, and share your spicy creations with us! And if you’re ready to take it to the next level, check out the Complete Hot Sauce Cookbook for even more inspiration... sometimes a 3 ingredient hot sauce recipe is too basic.


What will you top with your homemade hot sauce first? Share your favorite pairings in the comments below!


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