Introduction
Bring bold heat and tangy flavor to your dishes with this Poppin' Jalapeño Sauce. Made on the Arteflame grill, this vibrant sauce combines roasted jalapeños, garlic, and lime for a zesty kick. Perfect for tacos, grilled meats, or even as a spicy dip!
Ingredients
- 6 fresh jalapeños
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill
- Light your Arteflame grill by soaking vegetable oil-soaked napkins under firewood. Let the grill heat for about 20 minutes.
- Place the jalapeños and garlic cloves on the flat cooktop near the center for a high-heat char.
Step 2: Roast the Jalapeños and Garlic
- Roast the jalapeños on the Arteflame grill, turning occasionally, until the skin is charred and blistered (about 6-8 minutes).
- Roast the garlic cloves in their skin for 5-6 minutes, turning frequently to prevent burning.
- Remove the roasted jalapeños and garlic from the grill and let them cool slightly.
Step 3: Peel and Prep
- Peel the skin off the roasted jalapeños (it’s okay if some charred bits remain for extra flavor).
- Remove the seeds if you prefer a milder sauce. Leave them in for more heat.
- Peel the roasted garlic cloves.
Step 4: Blend the Ingredients
- Add the roasted jalapeños, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, cumin powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 5: Serve or Store
- Use the sauce immediately as a topping for tacos, grilled chicken, or seafood.
- Store any leftovers in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Tips
- Control Heat: For a spicier sauce, add more roasted jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Balance Acidity: Adjust the lime juice to taste for a tangy kick.
- Smoky Flavor: Ensure the jalapeños and garlic are well-charred for a deep smoky flavor.
Variations
- Creamy Jalapeño Sauce: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a milder, creamier version.
- Sweet Heat: Blend in a teaspoon of honey or agave for a sweet and spicy balance.
- Cilantro-Lime Jalapeño Sauce: Add a handful of fresh cilantro for a herbaceous twist.
- Extra Smoky Sauce: Add a splash of liquid smoke for enhanced depth.
- Pineapple-Jalapeño Sauce: Blend in a few chunks of grilled pineapple for a tropical flair.
Pairings
- Tacos: Drizzle over beef, chicken, or veggie tacos for a spicy kick.
- Grilled Meats: Use as a sauce or marinade for grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops.
- Seafood: Pair with grilled shrimp or fish for a zesty flavor boost.
- Appetizers: Serve as a dip for tortilla chips or drizzle over nachos.
Conclusion
This Poppin' Jalapeño Sauce is a fiery yet versatile addition to your grilling menu. Roasting the jalapeños and garlic on the Arteflame grill enhances the smoky, bold flavors that make this sauce a must-have for any heat lover.
