Jalapeno Salt Recipe: Easy Homemade Seasoning Guide

If you’re a fan of adding a little kick to your dishes, jalapeno salt is a simple yet flavorful seasoning that can elevate everything from grilled meats to popcorn. This homemade blend combines the spicy warmth of fresh jalapeno peppers with the classic taste of sea salt, creating a versatile condiment that’s easy to make and customize.

Whether you’re looking to spice up your everyday meals or searching for a unique gift idea for a food lover, jalapeno salt is a fantastic choice.

Making jalapeno salt at home lets you control the heat level and freshness, ensuring every pinch packs the perfect punch. Plus, it’s a great way to preserve jalapenos when you have a surplus from your garden or market trips.

In this post, I’ll walk you through a detailed recipe, share tips for tweaking the flavor, and suggest creative ways to use this spicy seasoning in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Jalapeno salt is a unique seasoning that adds zest and heat without overpowering your dishes. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal equipment.

Plus, it’s shelf-stable, so you can make a big batch and store it for months.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves experimenting with bold flavors or wants to add a homemade touch to their spice cabinet. It’s also gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and can be tailored to your preferred heat intensity by adjusting the number of jalapenos used.

Whether sprinkled on roasted vegetables, mixed into marinades, or used as a finishing salt, jalapeno salt will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 4 fresh jalapeno peppers (medium-sized, seeds removed for less heat)
• 1 cup coarse sea salt (or kosher salt)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for added depth)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for smoky flavor)

Equipment

• Baking sheet (for drying jalapenos)
• Parchment paper (to prevent sticking)
• Food processor or spice grinder (for grinding)
• Mixing bowl
• Airtight container or glass jar (for storage)
• Knife and cutting board
• Oven or food dehydrator (for drying)

Instructions

1. Prepare the jalapenos: Start by washing the jalapenos thoroughly. Slice them into thin rounds, removing seeds if you prefer a milder salt. The seeds carry a lot of heat, so removing them can make the salt more approachable.
2. Dry the jalapenos: Preheat your oven to 175°F (80°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the jalapeno slices evenly on it. Place the tray in the oven and dry the jalapenos for about 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through. Alternatively, use a food dehydrator following the manufacturer’s instructions until completely dry and brittle.
3. Grind dried jalapenos: Once fully dried, transfer the jalapeno slices to a food processor or spice grinder. Pulse until you achieve a fine powder. Be careful not to over-grind into a paste.
4. Mix the salt blend: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground jalapeno powder with the sea salt. Add garlic powder and smoked paprika if using. Stir well to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
5. Store your jalapeno salt: Transfer the mixture into an airtight container or glass jar. Label it and store in a cool, dry place. The salt will keep fresh and flavorful for up to 6 months.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra smoky flavor, try roasting the jalapenos over an open flame before drying them.”

Feel free to experiment with different types of salt, such as Himalayan pink salt or fleur de sel, to tweak the texture and flavor. You can also adjust the heat by including more seeds or using hotter peppers like serranos or habaneros.

Adding complementary spices like cumin or coriander powder can add complexity to your jalapeno salt. If you have fresh herbs like cilantro or oregano, dry and grind them into the mix for a vibrant twist.

For a citrusy note, a little dried lime zest works beautifully.

When grinding the dried peppers, ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated, as the fine chili powder can cause irritation if inhaled.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition values are estimates based on the salt and jalapeno quantities used. Jalapeno salt is primarily a seasoning, so use it sparingly due to its high sodium content.

Serving Suggestions

Jalapeno salt is incredibly versatile and can be used in many ways:

• Sprinkle over grilled or roasted vegetables to add a spicy zest.
• Rim cocktail glasses for margaritas or Bloody Marys for a flavorful twist.
• Add to homemade popcorn or roasted nuts for a spicy snack.
• Use as a finishing salt on avocado toast or scrambled eggs.
• Mix into dips and marinades to enhance flavor complexity.

For more creative seasoning ideas, check out our Black Bean Sauce Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Guide or explore Best Vegan Kale Dip Recipe for Easy Healthy Snacking for tasty accompaniments.

Conclusion

Homemade jalapeno salt is a fantastic way to add a pop of heat and flavor to your culinary creations. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can create a custom seasoning that’s perfect for everyday use or gifting.

The ability to control the spice level and experiment with different flavor additions makes this recipe both fun and practical.

Whether you’re a seasoned spice lover or just starting to explore bold flavors, jalapeno salt offers a convenient, shelf-stable way to elevate your dishes. Try it on everything from snacks to main courses and discover how a pinch of heat can transform your meals.

For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, don’t miss our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious and Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping.

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