Best 9 Cilantro Chili Pepper Sauce Recipes

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Cilantro chili pepper sauce, a vibrant and flavorful condiment, is the perfect way to add a burst of heat and freshness to your favorite dishes. Originating from the culinary traditions of Mexico and South America, this sauce is commonly used to enhance tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and various other Mexican and Tex-Mex recipes. With its distinctive green color and spicy, tangy flavor, cilantro chili pepper sauce has gained immense popularity as a versatile ingredient in home cooking and restaurant settings alike. Whether you prefer a mild or fiery kick, there's a cilantro chili pepper sauce recipe to suit your taste preferences. In this article, we'll explore some of the best recipes for making homemade cilantro chili pepper sauce, providing step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure you create the perfect condiment for your next culinary adventure.

Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!

CILANTRO-CHILI PEPPER SAUCE



Cilantro-Chili Pepper Sauce image

I am overrun with wild cilantro in my back yard. Literally, it feeds my compost bin more than my family even though we use it in everything. This sauce (perhaps more of a pesto) is fabulous on anything but the obvious choices are chicken and tuna. Enjoy.

Provided by Jeff

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes

Time 1h5m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

3 fresh red chile peppers
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pinch kosher salt
½ cup malt vinegar
2 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon lime juice
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
1 green onion, chopped

Steps:

  • Cut the stem end off of the chile peppers, and remove the seeds using a thin knife, otherwise leaving the peppers whole. Place the peppers into a skillet, and toast over medium-high heat, turning frequently, until the skins of the peppers have blackened and loosened, about 10 minutes. The peppers are ready when 1/4 of the skin has blackened. Remove the peppers, place into a small bowl, and cover with plastic wrap. Allow to cool and steam for about 15 minutes, then remove and discard the skins. Chop the peppers, and set aside.
  • Heat the sesame oil in the skillet over medium heat. Stir in the garlic, and cook for 2 minutes to soften, then increase heat to medium-high, and stir in the chopped peppers and salt. Cook and stir until the mixture is hot and sizzling, about 1 minute. Pour in the vinegar, brown sugar, and fish sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, and allow to simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Scrape the mixture into a blender, and add the soy sauce, lime juice, cilantro, and green onion. Puree until smooth. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 48.9 calories, Carbohydrate 7.7 g, Fat 1.8 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 1.1 g, SaturatedFat 0.3 g, Sodium 672.8 mg, Sugar 5 g

CILANTRO SERRANO CREAM SAUCE



Cilantro Serrano Cream Sauce image

This is a great sauce for chicken tacos and fish tacos. It's also great as a dip!

Provided by Luci

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes

Time 10m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 6

½ bunch cilantro, coarsely chopped
3 serrano chile peppers, seeded and chopped
3 cloves garlic
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup heavy cream
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Place cilantro, serrano peppers, garlic, mayonnaise, and cream into a blender; season with salt and pepper. Puree until smooth, about 15 seconds.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 151.7 calories, Carbohydrate 1.2 g, Cholesterol 25.6 mg, Fat 16.4 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 0.5 g, SaturatedFat 5.1 g, Sodium 84.8 mg, Sugar 0.2 g

PERUVIAN ROASTED CHICKEN WITH SPICY CILANTRO SAUCE



Peruvian Roasted Chicken With Spicy Cilantro Sauce image

Burnished-skinned, deeply flavored and more than just a little spicy, it's no wonder that Peruvian chicken has become something of an obsession here in the United States. There are dozens of way to make this dish, but most recipes call for two different kinds of Peruvian chile pastes - aji amarilla and aji panca - to add the necessary complexity and heat. You can find them at South American markets and online. But in a pinch, you can substitute a red chile paste (like sriracha or sambal) for the aji amarillo, and ground pasilla chile powder for the aji panca. The flavors won't be traditional, but the chicken will still be tasty - especially when slathered with the irresistibly creamy, spicy cilantro sauce that goes alongside.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     dinner, easy, weekday, poultry, main course

Time 50m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 24

6 garlic cloves, finely grated or minced
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon aji amarillo paste or another chile paste such as sriracha or sambal
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon aji panca paste or 1 teaspoon pasilla chile powder
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 (3 1/2- to 4 1/2-pound) chicken, halved (see Note) or 4 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken parts
Extra-virgin olive oil, as needed
1 cup cilantro leaves and tender stems
3 to 4 jalapeños, seeded and diced
1/4 cup/1 ounce crumbled feta cheese
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice, more to taste
2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano or basil
3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, more to taste
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 tablespoon aji amarillo or other chile paste (see headnote)
1/2 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Lime wedges, for garnish

Steps:

  • For the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together garlic, soy sauce, aji amarillo paste, lime juice, aji panca paste, mustard, cumin, pepper and salt.
  • Add chicken halves, turning to coat them all over with marinade. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours and up to 12 hours.
  • Heat the oven to 450 degrees. Remove chicken from marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Arrange skin-side up on a rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with oil.
  • Roast until skin is golden and chicken is cooked through, 35 to 45 minutes (if using chicken parts, remove the breasts after 25 to 35 minutes). Remove from oven and let sit, loosely covered with foil, for 10 minutes before serving.
  • While chicken is roasting, make the sauce. In a blender, blend cilantro, jalapeños, feta, garlic, lime juice, oregano, salt, mustard, aji amarillo paste, honey, and cumin until smooth. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in oil until mixture is emulsified. Taste and adjust the seasonings with salt or lime juice or both.
  • Carve the chicken and serve with the sauce and lime wedges on the side.

ISLAND AHI BURGERS WITH CILANTRO-CHILE-LIME SAUCE



Island Ahi Burgers with Cilantro-Chile-Lime Sauce image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h10m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 25

2 Anaheim chile peppers
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons sour cream
3 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/2 cup panko (Japanese bread crumbs)
4 teaspoons soy sauce
4 teaspoons sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon grated lime zest
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 pounds ahi tuna fillets, finely chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 seeded Kaiser rolls, split
1 large Maui onion (or other sweet onion), thinly sliced
1 large vine-ripened tomato, sliced
1 package radish or sunflower sprouts

Steps:

  • Sauce: Char peppers over gas flame or under broiler until blistered on all sides. Enclose in a paper bag and let stand 15 minutes. Peel peppers, remove stem and seeds, and dice. Measure 1/4 cup diced peppers into a small bowl and add mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, ginger, garlic, and salt; stir well.
  • Burgers: Meanwhile, in large bowl, beat egg and stir in panko, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, lime juice and zest, red pepper flakes, and salt. Add ahi and combine gently; form 4 patties.
  • Heat vegetable oil on nonstick griddle over medium-high heat. Add patties and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side. Toast rolls under broiler during last few minutes of cooking. Spread sauce on roll bottom and top with onion, tomato, sprouts, and additional sauce. Add roll tops and devour.

SOMALI CILANTRO AND GREEN CHILE PEPPER SAUCE



Somali Cilantro and Green Chile Pepper Sauce image

Hawa's company, Basbaas, is named for the Somali term for chile pepper, and her ready-made sauces are just like this one-an everyday condiment that makes everything it touches better. In fact, this cilantro and green chile pepper sauce that delivers spice and acid in big doses is a version of Basbaas's green sauce. Serve it on...anything. From scrambled eggs to grilled fish, tacos to roast chicken, a bowl of rice to a grilled steak, it's one of the most versatile recipes in the book.

Provided by Food Network

Categories     condiment

Time 5m

Yield About 1 cup

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/2 cup full-fat unsweetened coconut milk
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice, plus more as needed
2 tablespoons white vinegar or white wine vinegar
1/2 cup packed cilantro leaves
2 jalapeños, stemmed and coarsely chopped
2 large garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed

Steps:

  • In the jar of a blender or in a food processor, combine the coconut milk, lime juice, vinegar, cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, sugar, and salt and puree until smooth. Season the sauce to taste with more lime juice or salt if needed. Serve immediately or place in a jar and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

BEEF CHILI WITH CHIPOTLE CHILIES AND CILANTRO



Beef Chili with Chipotle Chilies and Cilantro image

Categories     Soup/Stew     Bean     Beef     Ground Beef     Bon Appétit

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 pounds lean ground beef
2 cups chopped onions
3 tablespoons ground cumin
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon chopped canned chipotle chilies in adobo sauce*
2 1/2 cups (or more) water
1 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
Grated cheddar cheese
Sour cream
Additional chopped onion
*Canned chipotle chilies are available at Latin American markets, specialty foods stores and some supermarkets.

Steps:

  • Sauté beef and 2 cups chopped onions in large Dutch oven over high heat until beef is cooked through, stirring often and breaking up beef with back of spoon, about 10 minutes. Add cumin, chili powder, garlic powder and chipotle chilies; sauté 3 minutes. Mix in 2 1/2 cups water and 1/2 cup cilantro. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover partially and cook 1 1/2 hours, adding more water by 1/4 cupfuls if chili becomes dry. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill. Bring to simmer before continuing.)
  • Mix remaining 1/2 cup cilantro into chili. Ladle chili into bowls. Serve, passing cheese, sour cream and additional chopped onion separately.

SPICY CILANTRO SAUCE



Spicy Cilantro Sauce image

Categories     Sauce     Blender     Ginger     Herb     Low Fat     Vegetarian     Quick & Easy     Lemon     Hot Pepper     Summer     Healthy     Cilantro     Parsley     Gourmet

Yield Makes about 3/4 cup

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 cup packed fresh flat-leafed parsley leaves
2 shallots
1 large garlic clove
2 teaspoons grated peeled fresh gingerroot
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/4 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Steps:

  • Have ready a bowl of ice water. In a small saucepan of boiling water blanch cilantro and parsley 10 seconds and drain in a sieve. Refresh herbs in ice water and drain in sieve. Chop shallots and garlic.
  • In a small nonstick skillet cook shallots, garlic, gingerroot, cumin, and red pepper flakes in 1 tablespoon water and oil over moderately low heat, stirring, until shallots are softened. In a blender purée shallot mixture, herbs, remaining 1/4 cup water, and soy sauce until smooth, about 1 minute, and season with salt and pepper. Sauce may be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Bring sauce to room temperature before serving.
  • Just before serving, stir in lemon juice.

TURKEY CHILI



Turkey Chili image

Rather than browning the meat first, which doesn't do much for lean ground turkey and can actually make it tough, this recipe prioritizes cooking down the vegetables first. Onions and canned tomatoes fried in olive oil provide an umami-rich flavor base for turkey's blank canvas, and the adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers does a lot of this dish's heavy lifting. Optional toppings like shredded cheese and sour cream help cool down the spice. One of the best ways to enjoy this simple but powerful chili is over French fries with melted cheese, or tossed with some cooked spaghetti. It's so great on its own, as well.

Provided by Eric Kim

Categories     dinner, easy, soups and stews, main course

Time 45m

Yield 2 to 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large white onion, diced
1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
Salt
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 pound ground turkey
1 (7-ounce) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
Shredded extra-sharp Cheddar, sour cream and whole cilantro leaves, for serving (optional)

Steps:

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until translucent and starting to brown at the edges, 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Use a fork to fish the tomatoes out of the can and add them to the pot, leaving behind the juice for now. Season with salt and cook the tomatoes, breaking them up with the wooden spoon and stirring occasionally, until jammy and their liquid has reduced significantly, 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Stir in the chili powder and cook until fragrant, just a few seconds. Add the ground turkey, season with salt and stir to combine, breaking up the meat with the spoon. (Don't worry about browning or cooking it through here, as it will do so when it simmers.) Stir in the reserved liquid from the tomato can.
  • Use the fork to fish out as many chipotle peppers from the can as you would like, starting with two or three, and add to the pot, breaking them up with the wooden spoon, along with all of the adobo sauce. The more peppers you use, the spicier your final chili will be; if you like spice, just add the entire can. (Store any peppers you don't use in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week and in the freezer for up to 2 months.) Fill the empty chipotle can with cold tap water, swish it around and add to the pot. Stir to combine.
  • Bring the chili to a simmer over medium-high heat - you should see occasional small bubbles breaking the surface of the mixture - then cover the pot and reduce the heat to continue simmering over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced and the tomatoes have broken down, about 20 minutes. The chili should look thick and shiny, but not too thick that you couldn't ladle it into a bowl. (If it's too watery, then simmer with the lid off for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.) Taste and add more salt if desired. Serve with cheese, sour cream and cilantro, if using.

CHICKEN TOMATO CASSEROLE WITH CILANTRO PEPPER SAUCE



Chicken Tomato Casserole With Cilantro Pepper Sauce image

Fresh tomatoes, sweet green peppers, onion and cilantro sauce makes this an easy dish to put together. Perfect for a weeknight or even entertaining.

Provided by SarasotaCook

Categories     Chicken Breast

Time 55m

Yield 4 Individual Servings, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

4 chicken breasts (boneless skinless)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 green pepper, chopped fine
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 medium onion, chopped fine
1/4 cilantro, chopped fine (you can substitute parsley, but for me cilantro is what makes the dish)
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 medium tomatoes, sliced (use a nice beefsteak or large tomato, not the small plum tomatoes)
2 cups monterey jack cheese
salt
pepper
1 lime, cut in wedges

Steps:

  • Chicken -- I use a baggie to marinade my chicken. Just add the olive oil, lime juice, salt, cayenne and chicken, close up the baggie and shake well to make sure the chicken is covered with the marinade. I like to marinade at least 1-2 hours and up to 8 hours (or all day).
  • Make sure to take the chicken out of the refrigerator to let it come to room temp before you begin to saute.
  • In a large saute pan (I prefer non-stick for this) add the olive oil and saute the chicken on medium high until golden brown on each side. Cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts. About 4 minutes per side. Remove to a plate while you finish the pepper onion sauce.
  • Pepper, Onion and Cilantro Sauce -- In the same pan you cooked the chicken in, add the remaining olive oil and bring to medium high heat. Then add in the garlic, green peppers, onion and cook 2-3 minutes until tender, but not brown. Remove from the heat and stir in the cilantro.
  • Casserole -- Spray a 9x9 casserole dish with a non stick spray. Line the bottom of the dish with 2/3's of the tomato slices and season with salt and pepper. Then top with 2/3's of the pepper onion cilantro sauce, 1/2 the cheese, and the chicken breasts. Repeat with the remaining tomatoes and the pepper onion cilantro sauce over each chicken breast.
  • NOTE: You can use individual baking or casserole dishes for this if you want.
  • Bake -- In a 400 degree oven, bake 15-20 minutes, then sprinkle each chicken breast with the remaining cheese. Bake an additional 15 minutes until the chicken is tender. ENJOY!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 627.5, Fat 44.4, SaturatedFat 16.6, Cholesterol 143.1, Sodium 621, Carbohydrate 12, Fiber 2.9, Sugar 5.8, Protein 45.9

Tips:

  • Choose the right type of chili peppers: For this recipe, serrano peppers are recommended. However, you can adjust the heat level by using different types of chili peppers, such as jalapeños or habaneros.
  • Roast the chili peppers: Roasting the chili peppers enhances their flavor and makes them easier to blend. You can roast them in the oven or on a grill.
  • Use fresh cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the sauce. If you don't have fresh cilantro, you can use dried cilantro, but the flavor will be less intense.
  • Adjust the consistency of the sauce: The consistency of the sauce can be adjusted by adding more or less water. If you want a thicker sauce, use less water. If you want a thinner sauce, use more water.
  • Store the sauce properly: The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months.

Conclusion:

This cilantro chili pepper sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used to add flavor to a variety of dishes. It is perfect for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and other Mexican-inspired dishes. It can also be used as a marinade for chicken, fish, or shrimp. The sauce is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you're looking for a way to add some spice to your meal, give this cilantro chili pepper sauce a try!

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