Easy Fermented Pepper Hot Sauce

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I’ll be honest—fermenting used to intimidate me. But once I tried making this Easy Fermented Pepper Hot Sauce with a basket of garden peppers that were too spicy to eat raw, I was hooked. It’s tangy, complex, fiery (in the best way), and packed with gut-healthy goodness. Plus, it feels like a little science experiment happening right on your countertop. Whether you’re a fermentation newbie or an old pro, this recipe is forgiving, flavorful, and completely customizable.

📌 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Naturally fermented = probiotic-rich and gut-friendly
• Deep, rich flavor that develops over time
• Great way to use up extra garden peppers
• Totally customizable: mild to wild
• Stores well and makes a great homemade gift

📌 Quick Reference Section

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Fermenting Time: 5 to 10 days
• Cook Time: 5 minutes (optional)
• Total Time: About 10 days
• Servings: Makes ~2 cups
• Dietary Info: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Paleo

Key Ingredients at a Glance:

• Fresh hot peppers
• Garlic
• Non-chlorinated water
• Salt

📌 Ingredients List

• 1 pound fresh hot peppers (jalapeños, serranos, habaneros, or mix)
• 4 cloves garlic (peeled)
• 2 teaspoons sea salt or kosher salt (non-iodized)
• 2 cups non-chlorinated water (filtered or boiled and cooled)

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 small carrot (adds natural sweetness and color)
• 1/2 small onion
• 1 tablespoon sugar or honey (for post-blend sweetness, not during ferment)
• Splash of apple cider vinegar (for a tangy twist at blending stage)

📌 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Peppers

• Wash the peppers thoroughly and remove the stems. You can keep or remove seeds depending on your heat preference.
• Roughly chop the peppers and garlic (wear gloves if using very hot varieties!).

2. Create the Brine

• Dissolve the salt in the non-chlorinated water.

3. Pack the Jar

• In a clean quart-size mason jar, pack the peppers and garlic (and any optional carrot/onion).
• Pour the brine over the mixture until everything is submerged. Use a fermentation weight or clean rock to keep veggies below the surface.
• Cover with a loose lid or fermentation lid to allow gases to escape.

4. Ferment

• Place the jar in a cool, dark spot (out of direct sunlight).
• Let it ferment for 5-10 days. Bubbles will appear and the brine will become cloudy — this is good!
• Taste around day 5; when you love the flavor, it’s ready to blend.

5. Blend and Bottle

• Remove the fermentation weight.
• Transfer contents to a blender and blend until smooth.
• For a thinner sauce, strain through a fine mesh sieve.
• Add optional sweetener or vinegar if desired.
• Pour into glass bottles or jars and refrigerate.

📌 Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Drizzle on eggs, tacos, and roasted veggies
• Add to soups, stews, or chili for depth
• Mix with mayo or yogurt for a spicy spread
• Use as a marinade for chicken or tofu
• Add a few drops to salad dressings for a zippy kick

📌 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerate for up to 3 months (or longer—ferments are hardy!)
• Flavor deepens with time, so it just gets better
• Shake before each use
• Ferment ahead of holiday season and gift in cute glass bottles

📌 Final Thoughts

Once you try making your own Easy Fermented Pepper Hot Sauce, you’ll never go back to store-bought. It’s garden goodness in a bottle with a kick of flavor and a ton of personality. 🔥 Have a favorite pepper combo? Leave a comment or tag me on Instagram to show off your batch!

Looking for more fermentation fun? Try my Simple Lacto-Fermented Cucumbers or Fermented Garlic Honey next!

Happy fermenting, friend! 🌶️🌿