Chile De Arbol Vinegar Hot Sauce

2 servingsmediumMexican
Chile De Arbol Vinegar Hot Sauce

Bright, tangy hot sauce made by simmering dried chile de arbol peppers with white vinegar, lime juice, and garlic until soft, then blending smooth. A fresh-tasting condiment with balanced heat and acidity, stored refrigerated for weeks.

Ingredients

2 servings
  • 50 chile de arbol, stems removed
  • cup white vinegar
    apple cider vinegar1:1acidic

    slightly different flavor profile

    Full guide →
  • 1 cup water
  • cup lime juice
    lemon juice1:1acidic

    more tartness, less floral

    Full guide →
  • 6 cloves garlic
    shallots2 shallots per 6 clovesaromatic

    milder, sweeter

    Full guide →
  • salt(optional)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine chiles, vinegar, water, lime juice, and garlic in a medium saucepan. Add salt to taste, starting with 1 teaspoon.

  2. 2

    Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until peppers soften, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.

  3. 3

    Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

  4. 4

    Transfer the mixture and all liquid to a blender and blend on high until mostly smooth.

  5. 5

    Return to saucepan and simmer at a steady heat for 10 minutes.

  6. 6

    Transfer to a glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate.

Tips

Tip 1

Taste and adjust seasoning during cooking; salt preference varies.

Tip 2

Let cool slightly before blending to avoid steam splatter.

Tip 3

Use a tight-sealing glass container for storage to prevent oxidation.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid for up to several weeks.

Make Ahead

Prepare fully and store refrigerated up to several weeks in advance.

Serve With

Use as a condiment for tacos, eggs, beans, or any dish needing heat and brightness.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Do not skip the cooling step before blending to avoid hot-liquid splatter.

Watch

Do not over-blend if you prefer chunky texture; blend only 35-40 seconds for mostly smooth consistency.

Substitutions

white vinegar
apple cider vinegar1:1acidic

slightly different flavor profile

Full guide →
lime juice
lemon juice1:1acidic

more tartness, less floral

Full guide →
garlic
shallots2 shallots per 6 clovesaromatic

milder, sweeter

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →