She Strengthens

Savor the Heat: A Smoky-Spicy Hot Sauce Recipe

Unlocking the Flavors

Get ready to elevate your dishes with a hot sauce that packs a punch! This easy-to-make recipe combines the deep, smoky flavor of dried guajillo chiles with the spicy kick of chipotles in adobo sauce, habanero chiles, and pungent mustard seeds.

Perfect Pairings

Use this hot sauce to add a bold twist to your favorite foods. Top juicy cheeseburgers or stir it into ketchup for a spicy dip for your crispy French fries.

The Waiting Game

While the hot sauce is ready to be served after just 1 day, the flavors will meld together and the heat from the chiles will mellow out after 2 to 3 days. Refrigerate in a container with a tight-fitting lid for up to 2 weeks.

Recipe Breakdown

Yield: About 1 quart
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 50 minutes, plus 24 hours aging time

Gather Your Ingredients

• 20 dried guajillo chiles (about 3 ounces), seeds and stems removed
• 1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons water, plus more for soaking the guajillos
• 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 5 medium lemons)
• 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice (from about 7 medium limes)
• 3 chipotles in adobo sauce (reserve 1 tablespoon of sauce from the can)
• 2 habanero chiles, seeds and stems removed
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard seeds
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

Let’s Get Blending!

1. Soak the guajillo chiles in a large bowl with enough water to cover them for about 30 minutes, or until softened.
2. Drain the chiles and transfer them to a blender. Add the remaining ingredients, including the reserved adobo sauce, and blend for about 30 seconds.
3. Stop and scrape down the sides of the blender with a rubber spatula, then continue blending until smooth, about 1 1/2 minutes more.
4. Transfer the hot sauce to a container with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate at least 1 day before serving.

Enjoy Your Masterpiece!

Store your hot sauce in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks and get ready to add a flavorful kick to all your favorite dishes!