Valentina Hot Sauce goes wonderfully with classic Mexican dishes like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, adding a tangy, spicy kick. It’s also great drizzled over eggs, nachos, or even pizza for an extra burst of heat. For a snack, pair it with fresh fruit like mango or cucumber for a refreshing yet spicy twist.
Valentina hot sauce is one of the most popular Mexican sauce people usually buy from the store. But it is not available everywhere. That’s why people often want to know how to make Valentina sauce at home.
You will be happy to know that it’s not rocket science to make this hot sauce at home. With a few simple ingredients and some effort, you can make it as tasty as the one sold in stores.
Besides the common ingredients at your home, it only needs chili powder and hot paprika. It is a combination of these two spices that makes it so special.
What is Valentina Hot Sauce?
Valentina hot sauce is a Mexican-style condiment made from chili powder, tomato puree and other ingredients. It has a rich, smoky flavor and a vibrant orange hue. It’s often used as an accompaniment to tacos and burritos. Besides, it adds a kick to salsa, eggs, rice and beans. The intensity of heat depends on the type of chilies used in the recipe.
What does it taste like?
Valentina hot sauce has a complex flavor, with notes of smoky chili, tanginess of vinegar, and a hint of sweetness. It’s definitely spicy, but not too overpowering. The tomato base makes it balanced and slightly sweet, while the chili powder adds depth and smokiness.
How did I first get introduced to the Valentina Hot Sauce?
I was first introduced to Valentina hot sauce when I lived in Mexico and started exploring Mexican cuisine more. It has a distinct flavor that I quickly fell in love with and began adding it to all my dishes, from tacos to burritos. Since then, I’ve been a fan of it and am always trying new recipes with the sauce.
How to make Valentina Hot Sauce?
Making your own Valentina Hot Sauce is easy and only requires a handful of ingredients. You’ll need:
You can also checkout the following sauces Recipe :
- Making Red Lobster Tartar Sauce
- Tartar Sauce Recipe from Captain D
- How to Make Kikkoman Teriyaki Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon hot smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 teaspoon sea salt
A dash of cornstarch
Juice from 1/2 fresh lime
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Heat the Water
In a small saucepan, bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium heat. This will serve as the base for your Valentina Hot Sauce.
Step 2: Pour in the Vinegar and Salt
After all the spices are mixed in, pour the distilled white vinegar into the saucepan and stir. Add the sea salt, mixing until it is fully dissolved in the liquid.
Step 3: Add the Spices One by One
Once the water is simmering, start by adding the hot smoked paprika. Stir well to dissolve it into the water. Next, add the sugar (if using), followed by the ground cumin and chili powder. Stir after each addition to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Thicken with Cornstarch
Sprinkle a dash of cornstarch into the saucepan to thicken the sauce. Stir constantly to dissolve the cornstarch and allow the sauce to thicken, which should take 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Add the Lime Juice
Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness, remove it from the heat. Squeeze the juice from half a fresh lime into the sauce and stir well to combine, adding a citrusy balance to the spicy, tangy flavor.
Step 6: Cool and Store
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or bottle. Store it in the refrigerator, where the flavors will continue to meld.
Tips
• You can adjust the heat of your Valentina Hot Sauce by adding more chili powder or hot paprika.
• If you like a smoother texture, blend the sauce for longer and strain it through a sieve before bottling.
• Add sugar if you prefer a sweeter taste.
• You can also add other spices to your Valentina Hot Sauce, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or cumin.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon hot smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar optional
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- A dash of cornstarch
- Juice from 1/2 fresh lime
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium heat. This will serve as the base for your Valentina Hot Sauce.
- After all the spices are mixed in, pour the distilled white vinegar into the saucepan and stir. Add the sea salt, mixing until it is fully dissolved in the liquid.
- Once the water is simmering, start by adding the hot smoked paprika. Stir well to dissolve it into the water. Next, add the sugar (if using), followed by the ground cumin and chili powder. Stir after each addition to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Sprinkle a dash of cornstarch into the saucepan to thicken the sauce. Stir constantly to dissolve the cornstarch and allow the sauce to thicken, which should take 1-2 minutes.
- Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness, remove it from the heat. Squeeze the juice from half a fresh lime into the sauce and stir well to combine, adding a citrusy balance to the spicy, tangy flavor.
- Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or bottle. Store it in the refrigerator, where the flavors will continue to meld.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Information
Valentina hot sauce is low in calories, saturated fat, and cholesterol, making it a great condiment choice for those watching their weight. One tablespoon of Valentina hot sauce contains around 10-20 calories.
What to serve with Valentina Hot Sauce?
Valentina Hot Sauce goes well with just about any Mexican dish. It can be added to tacos, burritos, nachos, and other dishes for an extra kick of flavor. You can also use it as a dip or marinade for meats and vegetables.
How to store leftover Valentina Hot Sauce?
Leftover Valentina Hot Sauce can be stored in an airtight container or jar for up to one month in the refrigerator. It will keep longer if you freeze it. Make sure to label the container with the date and contents so you know when it was made and how long it has been sitting in your freezer.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can safely enjoy Valentina Hot Sauce as long as it is consumed in moderation. However, if you are pregnant or nursing, you should always consult with your doctor before eating any foods that may contain unknown allergens or ingredients.
FAQs
What is the difference between Valentina Hot Sauce and Tabasco?
The main difference between Valentina Hot Sauce and Tabasco is in their ingredients. Valentina Hot Sauce typically contains chili powder, hot paprika, vinegar, sugar, and salt while Tabasco contains mostly vinegar and capsicum peppers.
Additionally, Valentina Hot Sauce has a slightly sweeter flavor than Tabasco.
Is Valentina Hot Sauce spicy?
Yes, Valentina hot sauce is quite spicy. It has a blend of chili powder, paprika, and other spices that give it its unique flavor and heat level. The overall spiciness of the sauce depends on how much chili powder and paprika is used, so adjust according to your preference.
Is Valentina Hot Sauce gluten-free?
Yes, Valentina Hot Sauce is naturally gluten-free since it only contains a few simple ingredients such as vinegar, sugar, salt, chili powder and hot paprika. However, always check the label of any store-bought version you plan to purchase.
How do you use Valentina Hot Sauce?
Valentina Hot Sauce can be used as a condiment for tacos, burritos, nachos, and other Mexican dishes. It also makes a great marinade for chicken, steak, or fish. You can even use it as a dip for your favorite chips and veggies.
Wrapping Up
Valentina Hot Sauce is a flavorful and spicy condiment that adds a kick of heat to any dish. Made with just a few simple ingredients, it’s easy to make your own at home and customize the flavor and heat level according to your preference.
You can enjoy Valentina Hot Sauce on tacos, burritos, nachos or other Mexican dishes for an extra touch of flavor. Store leftover sauce in the fridge or freezer for up to one month.
Please share this recipe with your friends and family! Thank you for reading.
Sharing is caring!
You Might Also Like These Recipes!
Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more