Turn Up the Heat with Homemade Instant Pot Hot Sauce!
Ready to turn up the heat? Ditch the store-bought stuff and create your own vibrant, fiery cayenne pepper hot sauce right at home. Thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot, this incredibly flavorful sauce comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal effort. It’s the perfect way to preserve a bounty of fresh peppers, delivering a smoky, tangy kick that will elevate everything from tacos to eggs. Get ready to meet your new favorite condiment!
Ingredients
• 1 pound / 450g cayenne peppers, trimmed and cut into thirds
• ¼ cup / 30g carrot, peeled and shredded
• 1 jarred roasted red bell pepper, chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
• 1¼ cups / 300ml apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup / 120ml filtered water
• 1 tablespoon / 15g smoked paprika
• Kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
1. Directions1. Combine all —cayenne peppers, shredded carrot, roasted red pepper, smashed garlic, apple cider vinegar, water, and smoked paprika—in the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Stir well and season with a pinch of Kosher salt.2. Secure the lid, ensuring the pressure valve is set to the “Sealing” position.3. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and cook on High Pressure for 2 minutes.4. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally. This can take 10-15 minutes. Carefully open the lid once the float valve has dropped.5. Let the mixture cool down for at least 15-20 minutes for safer handling.6. Carefully transfer the cooled sauce mixture to a high-speed blender. Blend on high until the sauce is completely smooth and emulsified.7. For an extra-smooth consistency, pour the blended sauce through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl, pressing on the solids to extract all the liquid.8. Transfer the finished hot sauce into sterilized glass jars or bottles. Store in the refrigerator for up to several months.
Nutritional Information
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Serves: 50
• Per Serving: Calories 32 | Total Fat 1.6g | Net Carbs 0.11g | Protein 1.2g | Fiber 2.6g
Pro Tips
• Wear gloves when handling the cayenne peppers to avoid skin irritation from the capsaicin oils.
• For a milder sauce, add another roasted red bell pepper or remove some of the cayenne seeds and membranes before cooking.
• If your sauce is too thick after blending, add a tablespoon of water or apple cider vinegar at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
• The flavor of the hot sauce deepens and melds over time. For the best taste, let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 24-48 hours before using.
FAQ
Q: How long does this homemade hot sauce last
A: When stored properly in sterilized glass jars or bottles in the refrigerator, this Instant Pot hot sauce will last for up to several months. The vinegar acts as a natural preservative.
Q: Can I use different peppers for this recipe
A: Yes, you can substitute other peppers like jalapeños, serranos, or even habaneros for the cayenne peppers. Keep in mind that this will significantly alter the heat level and flavor of the final sauce.
Q: How can I make this hot sauce less spicy
A: To reduce the heat, you can remove some of the seeds and membranes from the cayenne peppers before cooking. For a milder flavor, you can also add an extra roasted red bell pepper to the recipe.
Q: Do I have to strain the hot sauce after blending
A: Straining is an optional step recommended for an extra-smooth, commercial-style consistency. If you prefer a more rustic sauce with a bit more texture, you can skip the straining process.
