Fermented Hot Sauce

4.32 from 19 votes

Turn fresh peppers into the best homemade fermented hot sauce recipe! This easy fermentation method creates a tangy, flavorful sauce packed with rich pepper flavor and customizable heat. Perfect for preserving garden harvests and adding a spicy kick to eggs, tacos, grilled meats, and more.

Prep Time10

Total Time10

Course: Condiment

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Fermented Hot Sauce, Fermented Hot Sauce Recipe, Hot Sauce, Hot Sauce Recipe

Servings: servings

Calories: 7kcal

Author: Melissa Norris

Cost: Varies

Equipment

Food Processor or High Powered Blender
Storage Container

Ingredients

4 cups fermented peppers Use this fermented peppers recipe.
2 Tablespoons distilled white vinegar
4 Tablespoons butter melted
2 Tablespoons fermenting brine plus more, as needed

Instructions

Strain fermented peppers, reserving the brine and add four cups to a high-powered blender or food processor. If you have fermented garlic cloves, add those to the blender as well.
Add vinegar, melted butter and two tablespoons of the reserved brine and blend until smooth.
Check the consistency and add more brine until the desired consistency is reached. Pro Tip: Remember that if you use an oil that solidifies at cold temperatures, your hot sauce will thicken when placed in the refrigerator.
Bottle and store in the refrigerator for 6-12 months.

Notes

Recipe Tips:

Keep all vegetables fully submerged during fermentation.
Fermentation time affects flavor. Shorter ferments are brighter, while longer ferments develop deeper tanginess.
Always use clean jars and utensils.
Save extra brine to thin the sauce later if needed.
Label jars with the fermentation start date.
If you see white kahm yeast, simply skim it off. Fuzzy mold means the batch should be discarded.

Serving Suggestions:

This fermented hot sauce recipe adds flavor to almost everything. We love it served with sourdough tortillas and DIY taco seasoning mix to make a simple taco night feel special.

It’s also great drizzled over scrambled eggs, grilled meat, roasted vegetables, soups, and this Instant Pot chili recipe.

It also makes a fantastic addition to marinades, salad dressings, and dips. A spoonful stirred into this easy mayo recipe creates an easy spicy sandwich spread, while a few drops can completely transform homemade refried beans or rice dishes.

Nutrition