17 Homemade Hot Sauce Recipes for Heat Seekers

If you use the Scoville scale like a cookbook, you need to try these fantastic hot sauce recipes.

You might want to grab a glass of water because it’s getting hot in here!

If you love hot sauce as much as I do, you probably have a fridge full of all different kinds. After all, from eggs to ramen, each one serves a different purpose.

But have you tried making hot sauce at home?

Whether you like it super mild or so fiery, it makes your eyes water; you just can’t beat these homemade hot sauce recipes.

Unique Hot Sauce Recipes You’ll Love

1. Homemade Hot Sauce (Fermented or Quick)

Fermented hot sauce is some next-level stuff. But don’t let that intimidate you; it’s nothing a beginner can’t handle.

The fermentation process packs this hot sauce with probiotics and that distinct lactic acid flavor that comes with it.

So it’s a bit sour but also sweet and tangy.

Depending on your peppers, you can make this as hot or mild as you like. Meaning it’s the perfect table hot sauce for all your favorite meals.

2. Homemade Sriracha Sauce (with Fermented Peppers)

Can’t eat Asian food without Sriracha? I hear you! That’s why I included this sensational recipe.

Dubbed Sriracha after the Thailand town Si Rach, Sriracha is all about garlic and chili, and so is this hot sauce. 

While this homemade version is slightly different from what you’ll find on the shelves, it’s just as incredible. 

The hot sauce will have to ferment for a couple of weeks, but in the meantime, you can stock up on fun recipes to try it with.

3. Fermented Fresno Pepper Hot Sauce

If you like your peppers a notch up on the Scoville scale, Fresnos are the perfect choice.

They give this hot sauce a spicy kick!

There’s also a solid amount of garlic with a bit of tang from the apple cider vinegar. 

Unlike some of the others, all you need is five ingredients and ten minutes of your time. 

You will have to do a little babysitting since it is a fermented sauce, but this one behaves well.

4. Caribbean-Style Mango-Habanero Hot Sauce

Are you a fan of fiery habanero recipes? This Caribbean-style hot sauce will be your new fave!

The tantalizing contrast of spicy habaneros and sweet mango is complete perfection. And it’s so easy; it would be a shame not to make this stuff.

As for pairings, you can’t go wrong with these easy Caribbean dishes!

5. Taco Bell Diablo Sauce

Do you keep a secret stash of Taco Bell diablo sauce packets on hand? Same!

Like the real stuff, this copycat recipe is smokey, tomatoey, and packs a fiery punch!

You’ll need Peruvian aji panca paste for this one, which you may have to find at a specialty store or online. But it’s worth it, I swear!

6. Creamy Jalapeño Sauce

Cooling and spicy, this jalapeño sauce is the dip everyone will love. It’s zesty and oozing with garlicky jalapeño goodness. 

This goes well with some chips for dipping or drizzled over tacos, fajitas, skewers, and more. 

7. Chili Oil

Ramen, jammy eggs, dumplings, and even pizza taste better with a drizzle of chili oil.

A common staple in Asian cuisine, chili oil can last up to six months, so you’ll get plenty of use.

Sichuan chili flakes, warming spices, and quality oil are what you need to perfect this recipe. 

You may also want to use an oil thermometer to ensure you’re not heating the sauce to excess.

8. Malaysian Chili Paste (Sambal)

Sambal is a Malaysian chili paste hot sauce that features red chili peppers, shrimp paste, vinegar, and a pinch of salt. 

The consistency is thicker than Sriracha, and it’s a touch sweet, thanks to the coconut sugar. 

Ready in just 30 minutes, your soups, curries, and slurp-worthy Asian noodle bowls wouldn’t be the same without it!

9. Spicy Serrano Hot Sauce

This is my idea of a spicy fiesta!

This spicy green sauce not only uses one pound of serranos but also a splash of reposado tequila. Yum!

It’s a step up on the spicy scale, and there’s a lovely hint of zest from the lime.

I love this on some salmon and chicken tacos. But really, it goes well with any easy Mexican recipe.

10. Salsa Roja Recipe (Mexican Red Table Sauce)

As much as I love making tacos at home, something about eating out gives them more flavor.

I think it’s all down to the sauce, and with this recipe, you can make it yourself!

This red sauce is your standard Mexican sauce that’s like a cross between salsa and hot sauce. 

And there’s no need to wait because it’s ready in 30 minutes.

11. Falafel Hot Sauce

The hot sauce at my favorite falafel joint is insanely addictive. They nail it with the balance between spice and vinegar, and I just can’t get enough. 

And guess what, I came across a recipe that tastes just like it!

Harissa paste gives it a spicy kick, and the lemon makes it super fresh. One bite, and you’ll never be able to eat falafel without it. 

12. Spicy Honey BBQ Sauce

Looking for a hot sauce that goes well with barbecue? I’ve got just the thing.

This robust sauce is well-balanced in sweetness, spice, and tang. You can mix and match the peppers accordingly to your spice level too. 

Do you know what I’m thinking now? This will make my favorite fall-off-the-bone ribs to die for!

13. Garlic Chili Hot Sauce

Garlic and spicy food lovers, this condiment will be your new addiction. 

This hot sauce is jam-packed with garlic and spicy chilis. It also has a touch of umami from the fish sauce and bold flavor from the tomato sauce. 

It will last about a week in the fridge, but I doubt you’ll need to worry about that.

14. Homemade Louisiana Hot Sauce 

Louisiana has made quite the name for itself in the hot sauce market. And it’s not hard to see why – Louisiana hot sauce is unbelievable! 

This vinegary, spicy, and salty sauce is also easier to make at home than you may imagine.

All you need is four ingredients and about 40 minutes. How easy is that?

15. Passion Fruit Hot Sauce (Ají de Maracuya)

If you’re looking to try something a little out of the ordinary, this passion fruit delight is my top recommendation. 

The spice level is on the mild side, while the texture is nice and creamy.

And the passion fruit, you ask? It’s tart and sweet, adding an incredible complementary flavor. 

16. Portuguese Piri-Piri Hot Sauce

The trick to making a Piri-Piri is bird’s eye chile. These peppers are very fiery and fruity. 

Mix them with some lemon, garlic, and olive oil, and you have an authentic Portuguese hot sauce you’ll want to put on everything!

17. Roasted Habanero Carrot Salsa

Carrots in your hot sauce? Don’t knock it until you try it. 

Roasted carrots add a sweet flavor that calms down the habanero while complementing it at the same time. 

Thick enough for dipping, you can serve this as an appetizer or spoon it all over your meals. It’s a win either way!