Aji Peruvian Hot Sauce

Ignite your taste buds with the vibrant and zesty Aji Peruvian Hot Sauce, a traditional condiment hailing from Peru that's bursting with bold flavor and fiery personality. Crafted with fresh or jarred aji amarillo peppers—a hallmark of Peruvian cuisine—this sauce delivers a perfect balance of heat, tang, and freshness, complemented by garlic, red onion, and a generous handful of aromatic cilantro. A splash of lime juice and a hint of rice vinegar add a tangy brightness, while silky olive oil brings it all together in a smooth, versatile blend. Perfect as a drizzle over grilled meats, a dip for fried snacks, or a flavor-packed addition to soups and stews, this quick and easy 20-minute recipe is your ideal gateway to the world of Peruvian cuisine. Make it in advance for a spicy, homemade condiment that stays fresh for up to a week—though it’s unlikely to last that long!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 Aji amarillo peppers (fresh or jarred)
• 2 Garlic cloves
• 0.5 medium Red onion
• 0.5 cup Cilantro leaves
• 2 tablespoons Fresh lime juice
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Rice vinegar
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 2 tablespoons Water (optional, for thinning)

Directions

Step 1

If using fresh aji amarillo peppers, start by cutting off the stems, slicing the peppers lengthwise, and removing the seeds and membranes (wear gloves if needed, as these peppers can be hot). If using jarred aji amarillo paste, you can skip this step.

Step 2

Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add the fresh aji amarillo peppers and boil for 5 minutes. Drain and let them cool. Skip this step if using jarred aji amarillo paste.

Step 3

In a blender or food processor, combine the prepared aji amarillo peppers (or 3-4 tablespoons of aji amarillo paste), garlic cloves, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, rice vinegar, and salt.

Step 4

Blend the mixture until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time and blend until your desired consistency is reached.

Step 5

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more lime juice, salt, or olive oil to balance the flavors.

Step 6

Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl or jar. Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to one week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	510.9 grams (510.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	529

Total Fat 43.80g	56%
Saturated Fat 6.70g	34%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1262mg	55%
Total Carbohydrate 33.20g	12%
Dietary Fiber 8.90g	32%
Total Sugars 14.40g
Protein 6.90g	14%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 136mg	10%
Iron 4mg	21%
Potassium 1401mg	30%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 71.1%

Protein: 5.0%

Carbs: 23.9%