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Close-up of a rustic bowl filled with speckled creamy jalapeño sauce and a metal spoon resting inside.

Vibrant Creamy Jalapeño Sauce

A vibrant, tangy, and subtly spicy sauce perfect for tacos, burritos, salads, or grilled meats. This easy-to-make sauce adds a fantastic kick to any dish and comes together in under 20 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Condiment, Sauce, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 130
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 3-4 medium Jalapeños stems removed, roughly chopped (deseed and remove ribs for less heat)
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise full-fat for best creaminess
  • 1/4 cup Sour Cream or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro packed, roughly chopped
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Lime Juice adjust to taste
  • 2-4 tbsp Cold Water to adjust consistency
  • 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Cumin Powder optional, for depth
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper optional

Equipment

  • Blender or Food Processor
  • Small Skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Spatula

Method
 

Prepare Ingredients
  1. Carefully chop the jalapeños, removing the stems. For less heat, slice them in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds and white ribs. Mince the garlic cloves.
  2. Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped jalapeños and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jalapeños are softened and slightly charred, and the garlic is fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
Combine Ingredients
  1. Transfer the cooled sautéed jalapeños and garlic to a blender or food processor. Add the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), fresh cilantro, lime juice, salt, cumin powder (if using), and black pepper (if using).
  2. Blend on high until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add cold water one tablespoon at a time until your desired consistency is reached. The goal is a pourable, yet thick, sauce.
  3. Taste the creamy jalapeño sauce and adjust salt, lime juice, or additional spices as needed. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a small piece of a fresh jalapeño.
  4. Pour the sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve cold.

Notes

For a spicier sauce, leave some or all of the seeds and ribs in the jalapeños. You can also roast the jalapeños under a broiler or on a grill for a smokier flavor before blending. This sauce is fantastic for meal prep; it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.