This creamy jalapeno sauce is popular in Tex-Mex and Southwest cuisine, perfect for tacos, as a salsa or dip, only 5 ingredients!
This Creamy Jalapeno Sauce is going to be your new favorite sauce. It's perfect for spicy food lovers, and I think you'll find it as addictive as I do.
There is a fantastic Tex-Mex restaurant in Florida that we like to visit when we are in the area that serves up some incredible food, and it is here where I first encountered this creamy jalapeno sauce.
They served it on the side. I took one taste and was instantly hooked. As a cook, I asked the waiter how they made it. She just smiled and said, "The cooks won't say exactly, but everyone asks."
"It's so creamy. Does it have crema in it? Cream cheese? Or avocado?" I asked.
"No. It's just boiled jalapeno peppers."
WHAT?
It took me some time to figure out how to make this stuff, but I FINALLY did, and as this is one of my very favorite sauce recipes ever, I'm sharing it with you.
It's really a Tex-Mex thing, and I've since learned that you'll find this creamy jalapeno sauce all over, originally from Texas where it is called "Salsa Doña", created by a cook named Bertha Gonzales, who made it for her taco truck in Veracruz.
I think you'll love it.
The Secret of this Jalapeno Sauce Recipe
So, if this creamy jalapeno sauce does not use dairy of any kind or even a creamy avocado, then how does it get so creamy? Oil. That is the secret.
It's an emulsification of jalapenos and oil and you'll find it used widely in Tex-Mex and Southwest cuisine.
The jalapeno peppers (and onion, in this case) are emulsified with a neutral oil in a food processor or blender until it becomes very creamy.
It's perfect for spooning over tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more, but it's also awesome when served as a jalapeno dip or creamy jalapeno salsa with crispy tortilla chips.
It's seriously easy to make, and it only uses 5 primary ingredients! I've never seen anything like this in a grocery store.
So let's talk about how to make creamy jalapeno sauce, shall we?
Creamy Jalapeno Sauce Ingredients
- Jalapeno Peppers.
- Onion.
- Garlic.
- Oil. Use a neutral oil, like vegetable oil or avocado oil.
- Salt.
How to make Creamy Jalapeno Sauce - The Recipe Method
First, slice the stems from the jalapeno peppers and add the peppers to a medium sized pot along with the onion. I measured out 12 ounces of jalapeno pepper to 6 ounces red onion.
Cover them with water.
Bring the mixture to a quick boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the jalapeno peppers soften up.
They will turn dull green and you can pierce them with a fork easily, but do not let them become mushy.
This is what they look like, robbed of their color.
Strain out the liquid, but keep the liquid on hand.
Add the boiled jalapenos and onion to a blender or food processor along with the garlic and salt.
Process until smooth, then slowly drizzle in the oil while processing. The jalapeno sauce will become nice and creamy, about 4-5 minutes or so.
What's happening is an emulsification, which is basically causing everything to become a single sauce that thickens up and becomes creamy.
See how creamy it is? Taste and add more salt as desired.
If you’d like a thinner sauce, add in a few tablespoons of the reserved boiling water. Mine was perfect without adding any of the reserved water.
SO GOOD!
Serving Your Creamy Jalapeno Sauce
Use this jalapeno sauce as a table condiment. Spoon it over any type of taco or burrito, taco salad dressing, cheese or chicken quesadillas, pretty much anything you'd serve up at a Mexican or Tex-Mex restaurant.
Serve it as a creamy jalapeno dip or jalapeno salsa with tortilla chips. It's perfect this way.
I never want pork tacos without this stuff. It's really THAT GOOD. Try it on my Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Jalapeno Sauce or my Spicy Breakfast Tacos recipe, too!
Variations on this Jalapeno Sauce Recipe
Consider this as a base recipe. You can easily add in other ingredients and experiment. Want a pop of freshness? Add some lime juice. Cilantro would be GREAT here.
Try making this with FRESH jalapeno peppers and onions, without boiling them, or with pickled jalapenos for a vinegary pop. You can also make this with other peppers. Consider a serrano or habanero version. Extra heat!
If you're looking for more of a hot sauce vibe, add in a bit of vinegar for some tang. And, despite its wonderful creaminess, try adding in some sour cream or crema, or even a nicely ripe avocado for another flavorful version.
You can also add more seasonings as you wish, such as cumin, garlic powder, chili powder and more. This is the creamy jalapeño sauce you need in your life.
Storage Information
This sauce will last a week in the refrigerator in a sealed container. It does not freeze well due to the oil content.
Patty's Perspective
It’s unreal how creamy this sauce is when you look at the ingredients. It’s silky smooth and gives me endless ideas of what food to pair with it. And now I'm obsessed with it. I can't help grabbing a bag of chips and eating it like salsa.
I hope you enjoy it!
Try Some of My Other Popular Jalapeno Sauce Recipes
- Roasted Jalapeno Pepper Sauce
- Roasted Red Jalapeno Pepper Hot Sauce
- Fresh Jalapeno Hot Sauce
- Pineapple-Jalapeno Hot Sauce
- Jalapeno-Honey-Bourbon BBQ Sauce
- Spicy Basil Cream Sauce
- Creamy Sriracha Mayo
- Sriracha Aioli
- Tomatillo Sauce
- Adobo Sauce
- Or try this Spicy Serrano Hot Sauce Recipe
See my other Sauce Recipes and Hot Sauce Recipes.
If you try this recipe, please let us know! Leave a comment, rate it and tag a photo #ChiliPepperMadness on Instagram so we can take a look. I always love to see all of your spicy inspirations. Thanks! -- Mike H.
Creamy Jalapeno Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 fresh jalapeno peppers about 12 ounces by weight
- 1 small red onion chopped (about 4 ounces)
- 4-5 garlic cloves
- ½ cup Neutral oil use corn oil, avocado oil, or a neutral vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Slice the stems from the jalapeno peppers and add them to a medium sized pot along with the onion.
- Cover with water and bring to a quick boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the jalapeno peppers soften up. They will turn dull green and you can pierce them with a fork easily, but do not let them become mushy.
- Strain but keep the liquid on hand.
- Add the boiled jalapenos and onion to a food processor along with the garlic, oil and salt. Process until very smooth and creamy, about 4-5 minutes.
- If you’d like a thinner sauce, add in a few tablespoons of the reserved boiling water.
- Adjust for salt and serve!
Video
Notes
Nutrition Information
NOTE: This recipe was updated on 4/8/22 to include new information, photos and video. It was originally published on 7/13/18.
Carey Sims says
I just made this with a combination of mostly jalapeños, a few Serranos, and a few Shishito peppers. I roasted my peppers and roasted garlic and onions separately. I put them in a bowl and let them steam so they would get soft enough for the blend. I used Zero Acre cultured oil, which is great. The only addition I had was a pinch of smoked salt and a dash of lemon juice for brightness. This is a nice sauce and I look forward to making it again soon. Thanks for the recipe!
Mike Hultquist says
Glad you enjoyed it, Carey!
Mitzi Reeder says
This is so good. I first made a salsa verde using tomatillos but everyone wanted a creamy version so I followed your recipe using oil and it is great. Perfect! I love all of your recipes and tips. thank you!!
Mike H. says
You are very welcome, Mitzi! =)
Con says
Love this recipe as a base and almost always have a squeeze bottle (or three) of different versions in my fridge.
Some variations I've tried with success
1) Add a splash of vinegar or sweet pickle juice, to taste.
2) Add a handful of fresh cilantro after the initial blending (or even just parsley for a brighter/fresher look and taste.
3) Add a canned chipotle pepper (or even just a spoonful of adobo sauce) for a smokier red sauce.
4) I make a milder version with shishito peppers and boil the garlic with the peppers and onions...My toddler won't eat a tortilla chip without a bowl of their "personal" dip.
Mike Hultquist says
Outstanding! I love it all, Con. Great the toddlers got their own!
Brian says
Could you add a fruit like pineapple or mango to make it a sweet and spicy sauce?
Mike Hultquist says
Absolutely, Brian. Let me know how it goes! Enjoy.
Jess says
Simple & straightforward but perfect! Ate it one a quesadilla & it elevated it soo well. I used a yellow onion because it’s what I had on hand & my jalapeños were on their last leg so they needed to be used tonight. Still tasted amazing, definitely going to try it with a red onion when I get a chance. I usually don’t add salt to most meals but don’t skip the salt on this one!
Mike H. says
Thank you for the review, Jess. Enjoy!
Tamara says
I live this recipe! I always wondered how to make this when I lived in Austin, Texas. I passed it through a fine mesh strainer to remove the seeds and make it completely smooth.
Mike Hultquist says
Yes!!! I love this sauce so much! Thanks, Tamara! Glad you found it.
Diana says
I used avocado oil. After I boiled the jalapeños, I easily pulled out the centers, which gets rid of most of the seeds but not all. My son could have taken all the seeds, but I wanted it to be edible for my husband as well. It had a nice level of heat for all. Truly addicting as well. This is kind of silly, but I thought the creamy green sauces they serve on the side with chips at taquerias had avocado in them. I thought that was why they were creamy. Duh.
Mike Hultquist says
Yes!! Glad you enjoyed it, Diana! I know, I was surprised as well when I found out they didn't have avocado. Glad to share what I learn! Cheers!
Brenda says
I made sauce today and it is absolutely delicious. A new SA favourite. How long can I store it in the fridge.
Mike Hultquist says
Glad you enjoyed it, Brenda. The storage information is listed under the "Storage" section: This sauce will last a week in the refrigerator in a sealed container. It does not freeze well due to the oil content.
Sally Eisenberg says
I made this today 1-3-2025. This Creamy Jalapeno Sauce is thick and very tasty, also on the hot side which I truly love. Thank you for a really wonderful hot sauce
Mike Hultquist says
Thanks so much, Sally!