How to make homemade sriracha hot sauce

What is Sriracha sauce?

Originating in Thailand, sriracha sauce is a condiment that combines the flavors of red jalapenos, garlic, vinegar and sugar and is made using the process of fermentation. Though it does pack a spicy punch, sriracha can have a more complex flavor profile and a thicker consistency than the typical hot sauce.

Homemade Sriracha Recipe

If the sriracha shortage has made it difficult to find your favorite bottled rooster sauce at the grocery store, you can create your own batch at home using a blender or a food processor.

Yields

• 24 servings

Ingredients

• Red jalapenos or fresno peppers

• Garlic

• Light brown sugar

• Distilled white vinegar

• Salt

Tools

• Blender or food processor, like the KitchenAid^® K400 Variable Speed Blender, Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender or 7 Cup Food Processor

• Glass jar with a tight-sealing lid

• Mesh strainer

• Saucepan

Prep Time

• 20 minutes

Fermenting Time

• 7 days

Total Time

• 7 days

Step 1: Prep your ingredients

Before you begin making your rooster sauce, prep the peppers by removing the stems and slicing them lengthwise. Wear gloves and avoid touching your face while handling the peppers as the juices and oils can irritate the skin and eyes. Leave the green tops and seeds of your peppers as they help to provide the spicy flavor sriracha is known for. Peel your garlic cloves and gather the rest of your ingredients.

Step 2: Blend the sauce mixture

Place your peppers, garlic, salt and sugar into a blender or food processor and blend your ingredients until it reaches a coarse puree.

Step 3: Ferment the mixture

Transfer your puree into a glass jar and tightly seal, then let the mixture sit in a cool, dark place for seven days, stirring once daily. Bubbles from fermentation begin to form between days three and five.

Step 4: Blend and strain your sauce

After you have let the sauce ferment for seven days, transfer it back into your blender along with the distilled white vinegar and blend until smooth. Then, pour your sauce into a mesh strainer to remove any remaining pulp that can alter the consistency of the sauce.

Step 5: Heat sriracha on your stovetop

Pour your sriracha into your saucepan and bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat. Let the sauce simmer for 5–10 minutes or until it thickens, then let it cool. Once it reaches room temperature, transfer your homemade sriracha into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.

What peppers are used to make Sriracha sauce?

Sriracha is traditionally made using red jalapeno peppers. However, these peppers can be difficult to find in typical grocery stores. You can substitute red jalapenos with Fresno chili peppers or red Thai chilis to achieve a similar flavor.

Is Sriracha sauce supposed to be thick?

Generally, sriracha sauce is as thick as ketchup. The exact consistency of store-bought sriracha can vary between brands, allowing you the freedom to experiment with different textures to find the thickness that suits your tastes.To achieve a thicker, more pourable consistency, allow the sriracha to cool before storing or using. If you find that your homemade sriracha is too thin for your liking, you may not have allowed the sauce to cool enough. For an even thicker consistency, you can try incorporating small amounts of xanthan gum. To thin the sauce and give it a more dressing-like consistency, you can try adding a bit of water.

How long is Sriracha fermented?

The amount of time your homemade sriracha sauce will take to ferment and achieve your desired taste and consistency may vary depending on your recipe – usually about five to seven days. If you're experimenting with the recipe in this guide, allow your sauce to ferment for at least one week.

How long does homemade Sriracha last?

The shelf-life of sriracha sauce depends on whether it’s been purchased from the store or made at home. Check the expiration date on store-bought bottles of sriracha sauce before using. Generally, homemade sriracha can last around four to six months when properly stored. To keep your homemade sriracha sauce tasting fresh and great, store your sauce in the fridge in an airtight container.

How long is Sriracha fermented?

The amount of time your homemade sriracha sauce will take to ferment and achieve your desired taste and consistency may vary depending on your recipe – usually about five to seven days. If you're experimenting with the recipe in this guide, allow your sauce to ferment for at least one week.

How long does homemade Sriracha last?

The shelf-life of sriracha sauce depends on whether it’s been purchased from the store or made at home. Check the expiration date on store-bought bottles of sriracha sauce before using. Generally, homemade sriracha can last around four to six months when properly stored. To keep your homemade sriracha sauce tasting fresh and great, store your sauce in the fridge in an airtight container.