The Ultimate DIY Hot Sauce Recipe

Are you someone who puts hot sauce on everything from scrambled eggs to steak tips? If so, we're betting you have a bottle (or two) of Frank's Red Hot or Sriracha in your pantry. But have you ever thought about making your own hot sauce?

DIY-ing this spicy stuff gives you more control over the flavor and heat level... and, it's super cheap (and easy!) to make. You can use any kind of hot pepper you'd like, but there are some flavors to keep in mind. If you want to recreate Sriracha, go with red jalapenos. If you're a fan of Frank's, reach for cayenne peppers. Or if you got a great deal on a variety pack of hot peppers at your local farmers market or grocery store, go for a spicy medley. 

This 4-ingredient recipe, inspired by Don't Waste The Crumbs' 15-Minute Hot Sauce, is an affordable, fuss-free win for any home kitchen. As an added bonus, you'll have peace of mind knowing there aren't any weird preservatives in your homemade hot sauce. 

Whichever peppers you choose, we have a feeling this DIY hot sauce will spice up everything that comes out of your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of fresh chile peppers (Fresno, Jalapeno, Habanero, Serrano, Poblano, Cayenne... or a mix!)
• 1 1/2 cups of white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 3 teaspoons of fresh minced garlic

Directions

1. Wash and dry the peppers.
2. Cut the tops off and slice in half lengthwise - save some of the seeds if you want to make your sauce extra hot.
3. Add the vinegar, sliced peppers, salt, and garlic to a medium-sized saucepan. 
4. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the peppers are soft. This should take about 10 minutes.
5. Pour the entire mixture into a blender or food processor.
6. Blend it until you get to your preferred consistency. 
7. Store it in an airtight jar or container in your refrigerator for up to 4 months. If it separates, give it a shake before you use it!

Save money on pantry staples - or the ingredients to make them yourself!

Save.com has great tips to help you save and make the most of your grocery list. Sticking to your budget doesn't have to be hard!

We'd love to know if you tried this hot sauce recipe - and how much money you saved making it yourself! Please share this post, tag us and tell us how it came out! And don't forget to check your weekly Save mailer for deals and coupons on groceries and everyday essentials.