Carolina Reaper Citrus Fire Sauce
A fiery, citrus-infused hot sauce that combines the heat of Carolina Reaper peppers with the refreshing brightness of orange juice, perfect for enhancing any dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2-3 pieces Carolina Reaper Peppers Fresh or dried; substitute with Habaneros or Jalapeños for a milder version.
- 1 cup Fresh Orange Juice Can substitute with Lemon or Lime juice.
- 4 cloves Garlic Minced, can use 1-2 tsp dried garlic.
- 2 tbsp Honey or Agave Syrup Maple syrup can be used as a substitute.
- 1/4 cup Fresh Herbs (Cilantro or Parsley) Omit if not available.
- 1/2 cup Vinegar (white or apple cider) Can substitute with lemon juice or water.
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil Any neutral oil can be used.
- To taste Salt and Pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- If using fresh Carolina Reapers, wear gloves! Remove the stems and chop roughly, keeping seeds for extra heat.
- In a blender, add chopped Carolina Reaper peppers, fresh orange juice, minced garlic, honey (or agave), vinegar, and olive oil.
- Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides if necessary.
- Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or more honey for additional sweetness.
- For a thinner sauce, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve.
- Transfer the sauce into sterilized bottles or jars. It should last in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Simmering (Optional)
- If desired, transfer blended sauce to a saucepan and simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors together.
- Allow to cool before transferring to storage containers.
Notes
Start with fewer peppers if unsure about heat. The pairing with citrus balances heat and enhances freshness. Experiment with different citrus fruits.