Trust me, if you’re a fan of savory, spicy, and salty combinations, this Jalapeno Salt is about to become your best friend in the kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe that makes everything taste better—whether you sprinkle it over popcorn for an instant snack upgrade, rub it on grilled meats for a punch of flavor, or toss it into your guacamole for an unexpected kick. Let’s be real: once you taste this, you’ll be wondering why you haven’t made it sooner. Ready to get your spice on? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Jalapeno Salt
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Versatile: Perfect for adding a zesty kick to anything—from your morning scrambled eggs to roasted vegetables or tacos. Imagine how much more exciting your meals will become with just a pinch of this fiery salt!
- Budget-Friendly: This recipe doesn’t require anything too fancy—just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. It’s proof that delicious flavors don’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
- Quick and Easy: With only a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, this is a quick fix for when you want to spice things up. It’s as easy as chopping, mixing, and drying—seriously, you can’t mess it up!
- Customizable: Not into too much heat? No problem! Adjust the amount of jalapeno to your liking. Or, mix it with other dried herbs or spices for a unique twist.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Serve it alongside chips and salsa, or use it to season your favorite dishes. This jalapeno salt is sure to be the star of your table.
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Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this recipe—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
- Jalapenos: These little green beauties are the heart of this recipe. They bring heat, flavor, and a little bit of smokiness.
- Salt: The essential ingredient that brings all the flavors together. It doesn’t just season—it helps preserve the jalapenos, making this mix last longer.
- Garlic Powder: Just a dash of garlic adds a savory depth that balances out the heat.
- Onion Powder: This gives the salt an extra layer of flavor, complementing the heat from the jalapenos.
- Cayenne Pepper (optional): If you like things extra spicy, a pinch of cayenne is a game-changer.
(Note: the full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
1. Dry the Jalapenos:
Start by slicing the jalapenos into thin rounds. The thinner the slices, the faster they’ll dry. You can use a dehydrator or simply lay the slices out on a baking sheet and pop them into the oven at a low temperature (around 170°F or 75°C) for a few hours until they’re completely dry and brittle.
2. Grind the Jalapenos:
Once the jalapenos are dry, it’s time to grind them. You can use a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle for this step. Aim for a fine powder, but it’s okay if there are some flakes of the pepper for added texture.
3. Mix with Salt and Seasonings:
In a small bowl, combine the ground jalapenos with your salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined.
4. Store:
Transfer the jalapeno salt into an airtight jar or spice container. Let it sit for at least 24 hours to let the flavors meld together. The longer it sits, the more the flavors intensify!
5. Enjoy:
Sprinkle this salty, spicy goodness over your favorite dishes—whether it’s tacos, popcorn, scrambled eggs, or even roasted veggies. It’s the perfect way to add a little extra zing to anything.
How to Serve Jalapeno Salt
This spicy salt is incredibly versatile and will make your meals pop. Here are a few ideas to serve it with:
- Popcorn: Toss a pinch of this salt over freshly popped popcorn for a savory, spicy treat that’s impossible to stop eating.
- Tacos: Sprinkle it on your taco fillings or use it to rim your taco glasses for an extra pop of flavor.
- Grilled Meats: Rub it onto chicken, steak, or shrimp before grilling for a burst of flavor that’ll have your guests asking for the recipe.
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss your favorite veggies with olive oil and a sprinkle of jalapeno salt before roasting for a savory, spicy side dish.
- Guacamole: Add a little jalapeno salt to your guacamole for an extra layer of flavor and heat.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Prep Ahead: Make a large batch and store it in an airtight container. It’ll last for months, so you’ll always have it on hand for your favorite dishes.
- Adjust the Heat: Not into too much spice? Use fewer jalapenos or remove the seeds. For extra heat, leave the seeds in or add a pinch more cayenne pepper.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other spices or herbs, like cumin, smoked paprika, or even a bit of dried cilantro for a unique twist.
- Storage Tips: Keep your jalapeno salt in a cool, dry place. It’ll last for months if stored properly in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12 (approximately 1/4 teaspoon per serving)
Calories per serving: 0 kcal (minimal calories from salt and jalapeno flavoring)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute fresh jalapenos for dried ones?
A1: You can, but fresh jalapenos have more moisture, so they won’t create the same dry, powdery texture. Dry them thoroughly before grinding, or use a dehydrator for best results.
Q2: Can I make this with other peppers?
A2: Absolutely! You can use any hot pepper you like, such as serranos or habaneros, for a different heat profile.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store your jalapeno salt in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It’ll last for several months.
Q4: Can I make this without a dehydrator?
A4: Yes! You can dry the jalapenos in the oven at a low temperature (around 170°F/75°C) for several hours.
Q5: Can I make this spicier?
A5: If you want more heat, add extra cayenne pepper or leave the seeds in the jalapenos before drying them. It’s all about adjusting it to your personal taste.
Q6: Can I freeze this salt?
A6: While it’s not necessary to freeze it, you can keep it in the freezer to extend its shelf life even further.
Q7: How long will this last?
A7: If stored in an airtight container, jalapeno salt will stay fresh for several months.
Q8: Can I use this in other dishes besides Mexican food?
A8: Definitely! It’s perfect for seasoning grilled meats, roasted vegetables, popcorn, or even as a garnish for eggs and avocado toast.
Q9: Can I add other herbs to this mix?
A9: Yes! Feel free to experiment by adding herbs like oregano, thyme, or cilantro for additional flavor.
Q10: Can I adjust the saltiness?
A10: You can adjust the salt content to your preference. Just keep in mind that more salt will make it stronger, so taste as you go.
Conclusion
There you have it—your new favorite spicy, savory condiment! Jalapeno salt is a game-changer when it comes to adding a flavorful kick to your meals. Whether you’re sprinkling it on your favorite dishes or using it to impress your guests, it’s a must-have in your spice collection. So, grab those jalapenos, get grinding, and enjoy all the ways this salty goodness will elevate your meals!
PrintThe Recipe: Jalapeno Salt
Jalapeño Salt is a flavorful, spicy seasoning that adds a kick to any dish! Made with just two simple ingredients—jalapeños and sea salt—this seasoning is perfect for sprinkling on meats, vegetables, popcorn, or even cocktails. The heat from the jalapeños infuses the salt, creating a unique and bold flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup of Jalapeño Salt 1x
- Category: Spice, Seasoning
- Method: Roasting, Grinding
- Cuisine: Mexican, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 fresh jalapeños, deseeded and finely chopped
- 1 cup sea salt (or kosher salt)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).
- Spread the chopped jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast the jalapeños in the oven for about 30-45 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are dehydrated and slightly crispy. Alternatively, you can use a food dehydrator if you have one.
- Allow the roasted jalapeños to cool completely.
- In a small food processor or spice grinder, combine the roasted jalapeños with the sea salt. Pulse until the mixture is finely blended and the jalapeños are fully incorporated into the salt.
- Store the Jalapeño Salt in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It should last for several months.
Notes
- For a stronger flavor, leave the seeds in the jalapeños when chopping.
- If you prefer a more intense heat, use more jalapeños or substitute them with hotter peppers like serranos or habaneros.
- This salt can be used as a finishing salt for dishes like tacos, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even as a rimming salt for cocktails like margaritas.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 teaspoon
- Calories: 0 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0g