Sauces > Hot Sauces

Carolina Reaper Hot Sauce Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 10 Carolina Reaper peppers, stems removed
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Special Equipment Needed:
- Food processor or blender
- Gloves (to handle the peppers)

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Begin by wearing gloves to handle the Carolina Reaper peppers. Cut off the stems and discard them.
2. In a food processor or blender, add the peppers, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. Blend the mixture until it is smooth and well combined.
4. Pour the hot sauce into a saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the hot sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Remove the hot sauce from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
7. Once cooled, transfer the hot sauce to a sterilized glass jar or bottle.
8. Store the hot sauce in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat to bring the hot sauce to a boil, then low heat to simmer.
Serving size:
This recipe makes approximately 1 cup of hot sauce.

Nutritional information:
Per 1 tablespoon serving:
- Calories: 10
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Sugar: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Carolina Reaper peppers can be substituted with other hot peppers, such as habanero or ghost peppers.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- White vinegar can be substituted with rice vinegar or white wine vinegar.
- Apple cider vinegar can be substituted with red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar.

Variations:
- For a milder hot sauce, use fewer peppers or remove the seeds and membranes from the peppers before blending.
- Add other spices or herbs, such as cumin or cilantro, to customize the flavor of the hot sauce.

Tips and Tricks:
- Wear gloves when handling the hot peppers to avoid skin irritation.
- Be careful when blending the hot sauce, as the fumes can be very strong and spicy.
- Adjust the amount of honey to your desired level of sweetness.
- Use a funnel to transfer the hot sauce to a bottle or jar for easier pouring.

Storage Instructions:
Store the hot sauce in a sterilized glass jar or bottle in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.

Reheating Instructions:
The hot sauce can be used cold or heated up in a saucepan over low heat.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the hot sauce in a small dish or ramekin alongside your favorite dishes.

Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

Pairings:
This hot sauce pairs well with grilled meats, tacos, eggs, and sandwiches.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve with rice, beans, or a side salad.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the hot sauce is too thick, add a little water or vinegar to thin it out.
- If the hot sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken it up.

Food Safety Advice:
- Always wear gloves when handling hot peppers to avoid skin irritation.
- Use a sterilized glass jar or bottle to store the hot sauce.
- Keep the hot sauce refrigerated to prevent spoilage.

Food History:
The Carolina Reaper pepper was developed by Ed Currie of PuckerButt Pepper Company in South Carolina and was recognized as the world's hottest pepper in 2013.

Flavor Profiles:
This hot sauce is extremely spicy with a sweet and tangy flavor from the honey and vinegar.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve this hot sauce alongside your favorite dishes for an extra kick of heat.

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Taste: Spicy, Tangy, Fiery, Pungent, Zesty, spicy, fiery, pungent, intense, bold, smoky, tangy, acidic, flavorful