Pineapple Habanero Hot Sauce Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love spicy sauces with a tropical twist, this recipe is for you. The sweetness of pineapple balances out the intense heat from the habaneros, making it an irresistible addition to your culinary creations. It’s easy to make, requires minimal prep, and brings bold flavors to the table. Plus, you have full control over the heat level, so you can adjust it to suit your preference.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2-3 habanero peppers
• 1/2 ripe pineapple
• 1/2 onion
• 1 cup water
• 2/3 cup white vinegar
• Juice of 1 lime
• 8 slices of peeled ginger (about 1/2 inch piece)
• 2 tsp sugar
• 1 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp dried marjoram
• 1/8 tsp ground cumin

Directions

1. Prep Ingredients – Slice the pineapple, habanero peppers, ginger, and onion. Remove seeds and pith from the habaneros if you prefer a milder spice.
2. Simmer – In a pan, simmer the onion, pineapple, habaneros, and ginger with 1 cup of water until somewhat submerged, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Seasonings – Add salt and sugar. Simmer gently until the onions and peppers have softened, about 5-10 minutes.
4. Blend – Transfer the simmered mixture to a blender. Add vinegar, lime juice, marjoram, and cumin. Blend until smooth and let cool.
5. Season – Adjust seasoning by adding more salt and/or sugar if needed.
6. Bottle – Pour into hot sauce bottles or a mason jar.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 2 cups of hot sauce
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Adjust Heat Level: If you want a milder sauce, remove the seeds and pith from the habaneros before simmering. Alternatively, you can reduce the number of habaneros used.
• Substitute Pineapple: While pineapple provides a sweet and tangy flavor, you can experiment with other tropical fruits like mango or papaya for a different twist.
• Herb Swap: If you don’t have marjoram, oregano or thyme can be used as an alternative.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store this hot sauce in an airtight container, such as a mason jar or hot sauce bottle, in the refrigerator. It should last for about 2-3 weeks.
• Reheating: If you want to reheat it, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend it again before reheating.

FAQs

How long does the hot sauce last in the fridge?

This hot sauce will keep for up to 2-3 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes! While white vinegar works best for the sharp acidity needed in this recipe, you can use apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.

What if I don’t have marjoram?

If you don’t have marjoram, dried oregano or thyme can be substituted. Both herbs add a lovely aromatic touch to the sauce.

Can I make this sauce milder?

Absolutely! To reduce the heat, remove the seeds and pith from the habaneros before simmering them. You can also use fewer peppers or substitute with milder varieties like jalapeños.

Is this hot sauce good for grilling?

Yes! This pineapple habanero hot sauce is fantastic on grilled meats, especially chicken, or shrimp. It adds a sweet and spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the smoky flavors of grilled dishes.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make more sauce. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly and use a larger pan if needed.

Can I freeze this hot sauce?

Yes, you can freeze this hot sauce. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or an ice cube tray for portioning. To thaw, simply leave it in the fridge overnight or warm it up on the stove.

What can I serve this hot sauce with?

This sauce is great on tacos, grilled meats, eggs, and even roasted vegetables. It also pairs wonderfully with seafood like shrimp or grilled fish.

Can I make this sauce without ginger?

While ginger adds a nice kick and depth of flavor, you can make the sauce without it. If you want a similar warming effect, you could substitute with a small amount of grated fresh turmeric or a pinch of ground ginger.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the hot sauce?

Yes, you can modify the sweetness by adding more or less sugar to taste. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the sugar by half or leave it out entirely.

Conclusion

This Pineapple Habanero Hot Sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, bringing bold, tropical flavors to your favorite dishes. It’s easy to make and incredibly versatile, whether you’re using it as a marinade, dipping sauce, or topping. With its customizable heat level and the option to experiment with different fruits and herbs, this sauce will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen. Enjoy the flavorful kick it adds to everything from tacos to grilled meats!