Chris Rochelle, CHOW’s resident capsaicin addict, is just too busy to seed 24 serrano chiles, so he tosses them in the blender whole for this hot sauce. He adds cider vinegar and lime juice for freshness, and garlic and onion powder for savoriness. Use this sauce to top braised meats like pulled pork.

Game plan: The hot sauce is ready to be served right away, but the flavors will meld and the heat from the chiles will mellow after 2 or 3 days. Refrigerate in a container with a tightfitting lid for up to 2 weeks.

This recipe was featured as part of our photo gallery of 6 Face-Melting Hot Sauce Recipes.

  • Yields: About 2 cups
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Total: 5 mins

Ingredients (7)

  • 24 serrano chiles, stemmed
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (from about 3 medium limes)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

Place all of the ingredients in a blender and blend about 30 seconds. Stop and scrape down the sides of the pitcher with a rubber spatula, then continue to blend until smooth, about 30 seconds more. Transfer to a container with a tightfitting lid and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.