Production Method:

Hot sauces are a tasteful balance of flavors. It’s defined as a spicy and flavorful blend of different kinds of peppers and chilis, tomatoes, onions, vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices. It’s this mix of ingredients that creates a sauce that is not just going to activate your taste buds. It will have notes of fruitiness, sweetness from the sugar, a hint of warmth from the ground cumin or bitterness from the green bell peppers, and it might even have a touch of heat from the Sichuan peppercorns or the cayenne pepper that attacks the back of your throat, making you cough. It will also have a tangy flavor courtesy of the vinegar. 

You deserve the best, so take some time to think about how a hot sauce is made and what kind of ingredients it contains before you dive in mouth-first. Some hot sauces are all-natural, while others contain all kinds of artificial flavors and additives. We believe that fresh always tastes better, so we recommend choosing the most natural hot sauce you can find. Also, keep in mind that some recipes contain ingredients like sugar, sodium, oils, or even animal by-products, so if you have a specialized diet take a careful look at the ingredient list and nutrition information before taking that first bite.

Regular Paprika +  Cayenne Chili Powder + Cumin

Mortar and pestle: Get your inner chef vibes on and grab a mortar and pestle. Pop a handful of dried peppers in the mortar and use the pestle to crush and grind them into a fine powder.

Spicy ketchup will obviously be sweeter and very mild in comparison to Sriracha, so as an ingredient, it’s good for big proportions (like for meatloaf). We wouldn’t use it for more authentic chili sauce needs (go with Sriracha there), but based on your recipe context, it can work.

Paprika spice is categorized based on its heat level, color intensity, and processing method. Hungarian paprika is renowned for its quality and variety, ranging from delicate to hot, with a spectrum of flavors in between. Spanish paprika, or pimentón, offers smoked varieties that elevate dishes with its distinctive smoky aroma and flavor. Paprika spice blends, such as sweet and spicy combinations, provide versatility for diverse culinary creations.

Another popular type of chili powder is made from a single variety of chili pepper, such as ancho, chipotle, or cayenne. Ancho chili powder is made from dried poblano peppers and has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a smoky undertone. Chipotle chili powder is made from smoked jalapeno peppers and has a bold, smoky flavor with a medium level of spiciness. Cayenne chili powder is made from ground cayenne peppers and has a fiery, hot flavor that adds a kick to dishes.