Homemade Carolina reaper hot sauce recipe (spicy)

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Prepare for a mouthwatering hot sauce adventure with our Carolina Reaper Hot Sauce! This fiery concoction is not just for the heat enthusiasts; it’s for anyone who appreciates a burst of flavor that only takes 30 minutes to create. With Carolina Reaper peppers—the world’s hottest chili—this sauce promises an unparalleled spice experience that will elevate any dish. The next time you want spicy kick try making this homemade hot sauce. If you’re a hot hot food lover this hottest hot sauce recipe is just what you need to add extra heat to your meal!

Imagine a sauce that combines the intense heat of Reaper peppers with the aromatic goodness of garlic, the subtle sweetness of onions, and the tangy punch of lime juice and vinegar. This vibrant blend is balanced with a touch of smoked paprika and a hint of syrup, creating a complex and addictive flavor profile.

Despite its scorching reputation, this hot sauce is incredibly versatile. It can be drizzled over tacos, stirred into soups, or used as a fiery marinade. Whether you’re a seasoned spice lover or someone looking to add a bold twist to your meals, this sauce is your perfect companion.

The World’s hottest chili sauce

What’s more, you can whip up this hot sauce in just 30 minutes! The quick roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, while the food processor does the rest, transforming these ingredients into a smooth, flavorful hot sauce. This efficiency means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the sensational heat and taste of your homemade Carolina Reaper sauce.

Join the ranks of hot sauce aficionados and make this killer hot sauce your own. With its short preparation time and incredible taste, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Get ready to spice up your culinary world with our Carolina Reaper Hot Sauce—a flavor explosion waiting to happen!

In this Carolina Reaper Sauce Recipe we’re covering 

• Why this super hot chili sauce recipe is the best
• What is Carolina Reaper chili
• Carolina Reaper hot sauce recipe ingredients 
• Carolina reaper sauce recipe tips
• Homemade Carolina Reaper hot sauce recipe safety tips 
• Carolina reaper sauce recipe
• How to make homemade Carolina reaper hot sauce
• How to store hot sauce
• Ways to use hot sauce 
• Carolina reaper sauce recipe FAQs

Why this super hot chili sauce recipe is the best

Discover the Fiery Elixir: Why Carolina Reaper Hot Sauce Reigns Supreme

Are you ready to embark on a flavor adventure like no other? Look no further than Carolina Reaper Hot Sauce—the undisputed champion of heat and flavor in the world of spicy condiments. Here’s why this sauce stands head and shoulders above the rest:

1. Heat that Packs a Punch:

   Carolina Reaper peppers are not for the faint of heart. With a Scoville Heat Unit rating exceeding 1.6 million, these fiery beauties bring the heat like no other chili pepper can. Just a drop or two is enough to send your taste buds into overdrive, making it a must-have for heat seekers. We’re talking the hottest of Scoville heat units that makes the hottest sauce full of great flavor. 

2. Complex Flavor Profile:

   It’s not all about the heat—Carolina Reaper Hot Sauce offers a nuanced flavor experience too. Amidst the intense spiciness, you’ll discover fruity undertones and a subtle sweetness that balance out the heat. This complexity makes it more than just a one-dimensional hot sauce; it’s a culinary journey in a bottle. With a perfect balance of flavor this stand alone sauce features cloves garlic, smoky Carolina reaper chili peppers and delicious hints of fruity hot sauce flavors that will tantalize your tastebuds.

3. Versatility in Every Drop:

   Whether you’re spicing up tacos, burgers, soups, or even cocktails, Carolina Reaper Hot Sauce adds a powerful kick and depth of flavor that elevates any dish. Use it as a marinade, a dipping sauce, or mix it into your favorite recipes for an instant flavor boost that’s sure to impress.

4. Handcrafted Excellence:

   Made with carefully selected Carolina Reaper peppers, garlic, onions, vinegar, and a touch of smoked paprika, every batch of this hot sauce is crafted to perfection. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious blend of heat and flavor that’s guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

Even more reasons why this sauce is so good

5. Artisanal Appeal:

   Created by passionate chili enthusiasts and artisans who understand the art of balancing spice and flavor, Carolina Reaper Hot Sauce embodies the spirit of craftsmanship and dedication to quality. It’s not just a sauce; it’s a labor of love that reflects a commitment to delivering the best. With this simple recipe even novice home cooks can make this hot peppers sauce in just 30 minutes.

6. Join the Spice Revolution:

   Whether you’re a seasoned chilihead or someone looking to explore the world of spicy foods, Carolina Reaper Hot Sauce is your gateway to culinary adventure. Embrace the thrill of pushing your taste buds to new limits and experiencing the thrill of the Carolina Reaper pepper.

In conclusion, Carolina Reaper Hot Sauce isn’t just hot—it’s a flavor sensation that promises to transform your meals into extraordinary culinary experiences. With its unparalleled heat, complex flavors, and versatile uses, it’s no wonder why this hot sauce reigns supreme in the spicy food world. Dare to taste the heat, embrace the flavor, and elevate your dishes with Carolina Reaper Hot Sauce today!

What is Carolina Reaper chili

The Carolina Reaper chili pepper is renowned for its extreme heat and distinctive appearance. Here’s an overview of its history and characteristics:

Characteristics of the Carolina Reaper Chili:

1. Heat Level:

   – The Carolina Reaper holds the Guinness World Record for the hottest chili pepper, with an average Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) rating of over 1.6 million. At its peak, it has been measured at over 2.2 million SHU, making it significantly hotter than other peppers like the Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia).

2. Appearance:

   – It has a wrinkled, pocked surface with a signature stinger-like tail that sets it apart visually. The peppers mature from green to a vibrant red color.

3. Flavor Profile:

   – Beyond its intense heat, the Carolina Reaper offers fruity and somewhat sweet undertones. However, its primary appeal lies in its extreme spiciness rather than its flavor.

History of the Carolina Reaper:

– Development: The Carolina Reaper was developed by Ed Currie, founder of the PuckerButt Pepper Company in South Carolina, USA. Currie began his pepper breeding efforts in the early 2000s with the goal of creating the world’s hottest pepper.

– Crossbreeding: The Carolina Reaper is a crossbreed between a Pakistani Naga pepper and a Red Habanero. This crossbreeding process aimed to combine the intense heat of the Naga pepper with the desirable shape and size of the Habanero.

– Guinness World Record: In 2013, the Carolina Reaper was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s hottest chili pepper, surpassing the previous record held by the Trinidad Scorpion “Butch T” pepper.

– Culinary Use: Despite its extreme heat, the Carolina Reaper has gained popularity among chili enthusiasts and is used sparingly in various culinary dishes, hot sauces, and even in competitive chili-eating challenges.

– Cultural Impact: The Carolina Reaper has become a symbol of extreme spice lovers worldwide, sparking interest in chili pepper cultivation, hot sauce production, and spicy food challenges.

In summary, the Carolina Reaper chili pepper is not only famous for its record-breaking heat but also for its unique appearance and the passion it ignites among chili aficionados seeking the ultimate spicy experience.

Carolina Reaper hot sauce recipe ingredients 

Here’s a quick breakdown of the ingredients in this easy Carolina Reaper hot sauce recipe. You should be able to get most of these ingredients at a well stocked grocery store or online store.

    1.    Carolina Reaper Peppers (8 ounces / about 226 grams):

    •    Known for their extreme spiciness, Carolina Reaper peppers are one of the hottest chili peppers in the world. They provide intense heat and a fruity flavor profile to the sauce. For a less spicy sauce, substitute half of the Carolina reaper chilies with a milder chili like jalapeno peppers, sweet peppers or mild fresh Chiles. 

    2.    Garlic (1 large bulb):

    •    Garlic adds savory depth and aroma to the sauce. Roasting the garlic can enhance its flavor, making it a perfect complement to the spicy peppers.

    3.    Onion (1 medium white onion, sliced):

    •    Onion contributes sweetness and complexity to the sauce. Whether roasted or used raw, it helps balance the heat of the peppers and adds depth to the flavor.

    4.    Vinegar (3 tablespoons / 45 ml):

    •    Vinegar serves as a preservative and adds tanginess to the hot sauce. Distilled white vinegar is neutral in flavor, while apple cider vinegar adds a slightly fruity and tangy note.

    5.    Salt (½ teaspoon / 3 grams):

    •    Salt enhances the overall flavor of the sauce, helping to balance the acidity from the vinegar and enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.

    6.    Water (1 cup / 240 ml), or more as desired:

    •    Water is added to adjust the consistency of the hot sauce. It helps achieve the desired thickness and texture, making the sauce easier to blend and pour.

    7.    Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon / 2 grams):

    •    Smoked paprika provides a smoky undertone to the sauce, enhancing its complexity and adding depth of flavor.

    8.    Lime Juice (Juice from ½ lime):

    •    Lime juice adds acidity and brightness to the sauce, balancing the heat and enhancing the overall flavor profile. Alternatively, you can substitute with lemon juice when making your sauce recipes.

    9.    Syrup (¼ cup / 60 ml), like maple syrup or honey (optional):

    •    Syrup is optional and adds sweetness to counterbalance the intense heat of the Carolina Reaper peppers. Maple syrup or honey can impart a subtle sweetness and round out the flavors of the sauce.

These ingredients come together to create a Carolina Reaper hot sauce that is not only exceptionally spicy but also flavorful and versatile. Adjustments can be made to suit personal preferences for heat level, sweetness, and acidity.

Carolina reaper sauce recipe tips

    Cooking Methods: I opted to roast my Carolina Reapers alongside onion and plenty of garlic for this hot sauce, but there are several approaches you can take. You might chop and cook them in a skillet, boil and process them, or blend them raw with other ingredients before cooking the puree. You can also explore fermenting the hot sauce for added depth of flavor.

    Additional Ingredients: I kept this recipe simple to highlight the robust flavor and intense heat of the Carolina Reapers. It has a great balance of HEAT with a hint of sweetness and a little kick from the lime. Consider this a great foundational sauce recipe. Feel free to customize it with ingredients that complement the peppers. Experiment with fresh or dried herbs, ginger, cumin, various chili powders, fruits like mango or habanero, or more citrus juices such as lime or lemon. Roasted red bell peppers can also add a delicious depth and subtle sweetness to the sauce.

    Choice of Vinegar: I’ve experimented with different vinegars in this and similar recipes, each offering a unique flavor profile. Opt for a high-quality vinegar that suits your taste preferences. Using a cheap vinegar may compromise the sauce’s quality. While distilled white vinegar is my go-to for its neutral flavor, I also enjoy apple cider vinegar for its tanginess and hint of sweetness.

Extra tips

    1.    Substitute Half of the Carolina Reaper Chilies with Fresh Habanero:

    •    Mixing Carolina Reaper chilies with fresh habanero peppers can provide a more balanced heat profile. Carolina Reapers are extraordinarily hot, often overwhelming other flavors. By blending them with habaneros, which are still hot but slightly milder (ranging from 100,000 to 350,000 SHU), you can temper the extreme heat while adding a fruity and citrusy flavor from the habaneros.

    •    This substitution can make the sauce more approachable for those who enjoy spicy foods but prefer a slightly less intense heat level. It allows the complex flavors of both peppers to shine through without overpowering each other.

    2.    Add Guajillos to the Sauce for Smoky Flavor:

    •    Guajillo peppers are dried chili peppers commonly used in Mexican cuisine. They offer a mild to medium heat level (2,500 to 5,000 SHU) and impart a rich, smoky flavor to dishes.

    •    Including guajillo peppers in your Carolina Reaper sauce can enhance its depth and complexity. The smokiness of guajillos complements the intense heat of Carolina Reapers, creating a well-rounded flavor profile that appeals to both heat enthusiasts and those who appreciate nuanced flavors.

    •    To incorporate guajillos, you can toast them lightly in a dry skillet to release their aromas, then rehydrate them by soaking in hot water before blending them with the other ingredients. This process allows their smoky essence to infuse into the sauce, adding a delightful twist to your Carolina Reaper creation.

Homemade Carolina Reaper hot sauce recipe safety tips 

Safety Tips When Handling Carolina Reaper Peppers & Other Superhots:

    •    Use Gloves: Superhot peppers contain oils that can cause a burning sensation if they come into contact with your skin, especially when cutting or chopping them. Always wear gloves to protect your hands. Avoid touching other parts of your skin, such as your face.

    •    Minimize Fumes: When cooking indoors with these peppers, be cautious of the fumes they release, which can be irritating similar to pepper spray. Open windows and use a fan to ventilate the area. Consider cooking the peppers outdoors, on a grill, to reduce indoor fumes.

Carolina reaper sauce recipe

Experience the fiery heat and bold flavor of this Carolina Reaper sauce. Perfect for heat enthusiasts, this killer hot sauce blends the world’s hottest peppers with garlic, onion, and a touch of smoked paprika. Use it to spice up your favorite dishes or bottle it for a flavorful, long-lasting kick!

Carolina reaper hot sauce recipe Ingredients

• 8 ounces (about 226 grams) Carolina Reaper peppers, stems removed – NOTE: go by weight, not size. This was about 18 pods for me, but size varies
• 1 large bulb of garlic, top sliced open to expose most of the garlic
• 1 medium white onion, sliced in half (or red onion)
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) good quality vinegar (distilled white, or apple cider vinegar for more tangy flavor)
• ½ teaspoon (3 grams) salt, or more to taste
• 1 cup (240 ml) of water, or more as desired
• 1 teaspoon (2 grams) smoked paprika
• Juice from 1/2 lime
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) syrup (optional)

How to make homemade Carolina reaper hot sauce

1.    Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Place the Carolina Reaper peppers, garlic, and onion on a baking sheet. Sprinkle smoked paprika over the peppers. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the skins are slightly charred, but not burnt. Be cautious of the fumes.

    2.    Transfer the peppers and onion to a food processor. Squeeze the garlic from their skins and add them to the processor.

    3.    Add the vinegar, lime juice, and salt. Process until you have a chunky mixture. Be careful of the fumes.

    4.    Add half a cup of water and process again until the sauce starts to smooth out. If the sauce is too thick, add more water gradually until you reach the desired consistency.

    5.    You can strain the sauce for a smoother texture, or leave it as-is. If you strain it, you can discard the pulp or dehydrate it to make a superhot seasoning powder.

    6.    Pour the sauce into sterilized bottles. The flavors will improve over time. Enjoy!

How to Store Hot Sauce

1. Refrigeration:

   – Store your hot sauce bottles in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for several months. The cold temperature slows down the growth of any bacteria or mold.

2. Sterilized Bottles:

   – Use sterilized bottles or jars to store your hot sauce. This helps prevent contamination and extends the shelf life.

3. Canning:

   – For long-term storage, use proper canning techniques. Ensure the pH is below 4.6, ideally around 3.5, to make it shelf-stable. Water bath canning is a common method.

4. Cool, Dark Place:

   – If not refrigerating, store the hot sauce in a cool, dark place to prevent spoilage. Avoid exposure to heat and sunlight.

5. Labeling:

   – Label the bottles with the date of preparation to keep track of its age and ensure you use it within a safe timeframe.

6. Check for Spoilage:

   – Regularly check for signs of spoilage, such as changes in color, texture, or smell. If you notice any mold or off odors, discard the sauce immediately.

How Long Will My Carolina Reaper Hot Sauce Last?

This hot sauce should easily last a few months in the fridge, potentially longer. The key is the acidity level. For safe storage, aim for a pH below 4.6, but for home cooking, it’s best to target around 3.5 to allow for any errors. This sauce measured 4.3 pH for me, so if you want it to last longer, add more vinegar or citrus juice (like lemon or lime) to lower the pH. Sauces made with fermented chili peppers will have an even longer shelf life.

Ways to use hot sauce 

Here are some delicious ways to use hot sauce:

1. Spice Up Vegetables:

   – Drizzle hot sauce over roasted or steamed vegetables for an extra kick.

   – Toss hot sauce with stir-fried veggies.

2. Flavorful Soups:

   – Add a few dashes to vegetarian soups, such as tomato, lentil, or black bean soup, to enhance the flavor.

3. Zesty Salads:

   – Mix hot sauce into your salad dressing or vinaigrette.

   – Add a splash to grain salads, like quinoa or farro salad.

4. Tacos and Burritos:

   – Use hot sauce to spice up vegetarian tacos, burritos, or quesadillas filled with beans, cheese, and veggies.

5. Egg Dishes:

   – Drizzle over scrambled eggs, omelets, or frittatas.

   – Mix into deviled eggs for an extra zing.

6. Pizza:

   – Add hot sauce to pizza slices for an extra layer of flavor.

7. Dips and Spreads:

   – Stir hot sauce into hummus, guacamole, or bean dip.

   – Mix with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a spicy dip or sauce.

More delicious ways to eat chili sauce

8. Sandwiches and Wraps:

   – Add a few drops to sandwiches or wraps with ingredients like avocado, cheese, and grilled vegetables.

9. Rice and Grain Bowls:

   – Drizzle over rice bowls, quinoa bowls, or other grain-based dishes with vegetables and tofu.

10. Pasta Dishes:

    – Mix into marinara sauce or creamy pasta sauces for a spicy twist.

    – Add to macaroni and cheese for a kick.

11. Snacks:

    – Sprinkle over popcorn for a spicy snack.

    – Add to roasted nuts or seeds.

12. Veggie Burgers:

    – Top veggie burgers with a few drops of hot sauce.

    – Mix into the patty mixture for extra flavor.

What I’ve been making lately

• Easy Broccoli Potato casserole (Vegan cheesy bake)
• Hummus wrap recipe: easy Mediterranean veggie wraps
• Easy falafel sandwich recipe: best homemade pita
• Best Mediterranean veggie sandwich: easy veg recipe
• Mexican Cookies recipe: Traditional wedding cookie

Carolina reaper sauce recipe FAQs

Straining chili, storage and more FAQs

Make it a meal and serve with

• Best easy cucumber salad
• Crispy Chile rellenos or the best vegan burger (or opt for delicious vegan sushi rolls for a twist)
• Homemade fries
• Pickled whole jalapenos
• Hawaiian Macaroni

Extra dip and sauce recipes you might like

• 10 easy hot pot dipping sauce recipes
• Easy homemade egg free mayo recipe
• Easy heavy cream substitute for cooking
• Homemade sweet pickle relish
• Eggplant caponata recipe
• Easy Greek hummus recipe
• Copycat Arbys red sauce recipe
• Japanese Hibachi brown sauce recipe
• Thai green chili sauce recipe

More delicious vegan recipes you might like 

• Portobello avocado mushroom steaks
• Copycat pumfu tofu recipe
• Lentil burgers
• Crispy potatoes 
• Celeriac steak
• Vegan roast
• My vegan brisket (or my gluten-free vegan brisket)

DID YOU MAKE THIS HOMEMADE CAROLINA REAPER CHILI SAUCE RECIPE?

Please leave us a review in the comments below the recipe and let us know how it turned out 🙂