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Pineapple Habanero Hot Sauce Recipe

Jeremy Williams We Want The Sauce Founder and Editor In Chief
Written By: Jeremy Williams
Published Date:
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If you’re looking for a hot sauce full of flavor but not too hot, check out this Pineapple Habanero Hot Sauce recipe.

Loaded with great pineapple taste, it still packs enough heat to spice up all your favorite foods.

There’s no three-alarm fire here, just the perfect sauce for grilled seafood, chicken, and pork.

Or use it to spice up tropical cocktails – Habanero Pina Coladas, anyone?

This vibrant hot sauce is so flavorful your guests will be begging to know where you bought it.

Yet it’s so easy to make they’ll never believe you made it yourself!

The secret? Roasted habaneros!

So if you’ve been looking for the perfect tropical habanero hot sauce, you have to read on!

What Do You Need To Make Pineapple Habanero Hot Sauce

Ingredients

Habanero Peppers

The roasted habaneros infuse your hot sauce with a deep smoky flavor that goes great with the sweet pineapple.

However, be careful, these little guys are super hot. You can reduce the number in half for a milder sauce or add an extra to kick up the heat.

Fresh Garlic

Intensifies the flavor and adds a hint of bitterness.

I recommend fresh for this recipe, as garlic powder won’t give your sauce the same taste.

Yellow or White Onion

For a bit of savory. Experiment with different onions to change the taste. Reds and sweets are excellent choices.

Fresh Pineapple

The star of the show.

I recommend using fresh, but canned will work if it’s not in season. However, look for brands with no added sugar.

Cilantro Leaves

Add a rich, earthy taste and a bit of color.

Lime Juice

The acid brightens up your hot sauce and helps preserve its color.

Feel free to substitute fresh lemon juice for a milder citrus flavor.

Apple Cider Vinegar

The perfect amount of tang. You can experiment with different kinds to change the taste, but stick with lighter-colored options, like champagne or distilled white.

Honey

Adds sweetness and a sheen to your hot sauce.

Don’t have honey? Brown sugar is an excellent alternative; the molasses will deepen the smoky flavor.

Salt

I like kosher for its consistent saltiness. If you use a different kind, start with less to avoid over-seasoning your hot sauce.

Equipment

  • Cutting board and knife
  • Roasting pan and oven or grill
  • Blender
  • Saucepan
  • Spoon or spatula

How To Make Pineapple Habanero Hot Sauce

First, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F or preheat your grill. Then place the habaneros, garlic (with skins), and onion on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil.

Roast until browned but not charred. Remove and allow to cool to the touch.

Remove the garlic skins and add them along with the rest of the ingredients to a blender. Puree until smooth.

Next, transfer the mixture to a saucepan and bring it to a low boil.

Reduce the heat and allow to simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step brings all the flavors together.

Taste and adjust any of the ingredients.

Allow to cool before serving.

Enjoy!

Other Things To Consider When Making Pineapple Habanero Hot Sauce

You Can Customize Your Sauce

This Pineapple Habanero Hot Sauce recipe is loaded with great tropical flavor just as it is. But for even more island flair, add ½ teaspoon of ground allspice.

You can change the onion to change the taste.

  • For example, use red instead of white for a more intense onion flavor, while a sweet will mellow your hot sauce.
  • Cut the number of habaneros in half, or only use one for a milder hot sauce. Think spicy pineapple sauce rather than fiery hot sauce.
  • Or add another one to kick up the heat.
  • Want more citrus taste? Add some lime zest or another tablespoon of juice. Orange juice is another excellent option; it will add sweetness to your sauce.
  • Change the vinegar to change the tang, but stick with lighter-colored options rather than darker ones.

Hot sauce recipes were meant to be tweaked. So enjoy trying out different combinations to find your favorite version.

What Can I Eat With Pineapple Habanero Hot Sauce?

You’ll be surprised how this Pineapple Habanero Hot Sauce recipe pairs with so many different foods.

  • It’s the perfect partner for grilled fish and seafood.
  • The spicy pineapple flavor goes great with all kinds of pork – Pineapple Habanero Pork Ribs is a summertime favorite.
  • Drizzle over grilled veggies for a delicious side.
  • Mix with chopped cabbage, carrots, raisins, and mayo for a spicy tropical slaw.
  • Use it as a dip for crispy fried bacon or grilled sausage.
  • Or add to your favorite stir fry – yum!

Make More Than You Need!

This versatile hot sauce will be a big hit at all your summertime cookouts, but make sure you have enough.

So go ahead and double the recipe.

Extra sauce will last for months in the fridge. Or freeze it for up to a year.

And don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next month, as this hot sauce improves with age.

Yield: Yield: 3 ½ cups of sauce (approx. 36 servings)

Pineapple Habanero Hot Sauce Recipe

Pineapple Habanero Hot Sauce

If you're looking for a hot sauce full of flavor but not too hot, check out this Pineapple Habanero Hot Sauce recipe. Loaded with great pineapple taste, it still packs enough heat to spice up all your favorite foods.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 habanero peppers, stems removed
  • 4 cloves of fresh garlic
  • ½ medium yellow or white onion
  • 2 cups chopped fresh pineapple
  • 1-2 tablespoons virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • Juice from one lime

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and place the habaneros, garlic (with skins), and onion on a baking sheet. Brush with olive oil. Roast until they are brown but not charred. Remove and let cool to the touch.
  2. Remove the garlic skins and place with the habaneros, onion, pineapple, cilantro, apple cider vinegar, honey, lime juice, and salt in a blender. Puree until it reaches your desired consistency.
  3. Transfer to a saucepan and bring to a low boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Taste your hot sauce and adjust any of the ingredients.
  5. Allow to cool before serving.
  6. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Add ½ teaspoon of ground allspice for Jamaican flair.
  • Change the onion to change the taste. A red will give your hot sauce a more intense flavor, while a sweet onion will be more mellow.
  • Substitute yellow or orange bell pepper for half of the habaneros for a milder hot sauce.
  • Or add another habanero if you like it really hot.
  • Like bright citrus flavor? Add some lime zest or another tablespoon of juice.
  • Change the vinegar to change the tang, but stick with lighter-colored options rather than darker ones.
  • You can strain your sauce if you prefer a thinner hot sauce, though I like to leave mine as is. Or another option - strain and then add back a tablespoon of the pulp to give it a little texture.

Nutrition Information:


Amount Per Serving: Calories: 35Total Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 60mgCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 0g
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