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Small Batch Habanero Mango Hot Sauce: Best Homemade Recipe

small batch habanero mango hot sauce - featured image

This small batch habanero mango hot sauce is a quick and easy recipe that delivers a perfect balance of sweet and heat. Made with simple ingredients like ripe mangoes, habaneros, and vinegar, it’s perfect for gifting or adding a fiery kick to any dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
  • 34 habanero peppers, stems removed (seeds optional)
  • 1/2 cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon honey (or agave nectar for vegan)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped (about 1/2 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Peel and dice the mangoes into roughly 1-inch chunks. Chop the onion. Smash the garlic cloves. Remove the stems from the habaneros. For a milder sauce, remove seeds and membranes.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the smashed garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the peppers and spices: Stir in the habaneros and ground cumin (if using). Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  4. Simmer the fruit and liquids: Add the diced mangoes, white vinegar, lime juice, water, honey, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Cool slightly: Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for 5-10 minutes.
  6. Blend until smooth: Transfer the mixture to a blender. Start on low speed and increase to high. Blend for 45-60 seconds until smooth. Add water a tablespoon at a time if too thick.
  7. Taste and adjust: Add more salt, honey, or lime juice as desired.
  8. Strain (optional): For an ultra-smooth sauce, pour through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing on solids.
  9. Bottle and cool: Use a funnel to pour the hot sauce into clean glass jars or bottles, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Let cool to room temperature before sealing.
  10. Refrigerate and enjoy: Refrigerate for at least 24 hours for best flavor. Use within 2-3 weeks.

Notes

Wear gloves when handling habaneros to avoid skin irritation. Taste as you go, as pepper heat varies. Don’t skip the sauté step for deeper flavor. Use ripe mangoes for best sweetness. Let the sauce rest overnight for flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: habanero mango hot sauce, small batch hot sauce, homemade hot sauce, spicy mango sauce, easy hot sauce recipe