If you’ve ever dined at Carlos O’Kelly’s, you know their Diablo Sauce is a fiery, flavorful condiment that adds a perfect kick to any dish. Whether you’re a fan of spicy foods or just looking to elevate your meals with a zesty, smoky heat, this homemade Diablo Sauce recipe captures the essence of that beloved restaurant favorite.
Packed with bold chili flavors, a hint of garlic, and a touch of tanginess, this sauce is incredibly versatile and easy to prepare in your own kitchen. It’s perfect as a dipping sauce, a marinade, or a spicy drizzle over tacos, grilled meats, or vegetables.
Today, I’m excited to share a detailed, foolproof recipe to recreate Carlos O’Kelly’s Diablo Sauce at home. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have this spicy sauce ready in no time.
Plus, I’ll share tips and serving suggestions to help you enjoy this sauce in various delicious ways. Let’s turn up the heat and bring a taste of Carlos O’Kelly’s right to your table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Diablo Sauce recipe is a game-changer for spice lovers. Its balance of smoky, tangy, and spicy flavors makes it a perfect condiment for a wide range of dishes.
The best part? You control the heat level, so you can make it as mild or as fiery as you like.
Plus, it uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients, making it accessible and budget-friendly.
The sauce’s versatility means it’s not just a dip — it’s a marinade, a sandwich spread, or a topping that enhances everything from grilled chicken to roasted veggies. And unlike store-bought sauces, this homemade version is free from preservatives and artificial additives, letting you enjoy authentic flavor with a clean conscience.
Ingredients
- 4-5 dried chipotle peppers (soaked and seeded)
- 2 fresh jalapeño peppers (adjust for heat preference)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup for a vegan option
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water (or as needed for consistency)
Equipment
- Small bowl (for soaking dried peppers)
- Blender or food processor
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula
- Glass jar or airtight container for storage
Instructions
- Prepare the dried chipotle peppers: Place the dried chipotle peppers in a small bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for about 20 minutes until softened. Remove the seeds to reduce bitterness and heat if desired.
- Blend the peppers: In a blender or food processor, combine the soaked chipotle peppers, fresh jalapeños (stemmed and seeded if you prefer less heat), minced garlic, tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Add liquids: Pour in olive oil and about 1/4 cup of water to help blend the mixture smoothly. You can add more water if the sauce is too thick.
- Process until smooth: Blend everything together until you get a smooth, rich sauce with no large chunks remaining.
- Simmer the sauce: Transfer the blended sauce to a medium saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step helps develop the flavors and slightly thickens the sauce.
- Cool and store: Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool to room temperature. Transfer it to a glass jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Tips & Variations
Want to tone down the heat? Use fewer jalapeños or remove all seeds.
For extra smoky flavor, add a dash of liquid smoke.
- Adjust sweetness: If the sauce is too spicy or acidic, add a bit more honey or agave to balance it out.
- Make it vegan: Substitute honey with agave syrup or maple syrup for a fully plant-based sauce.
- Thicker sauce: To thicken, simmer longer or add a teaspoon of tomato paste.
- Garlic lovers: Add an extra clove of garlic for a more pungent kick.
- Batch prep: This sauce keeps well refrigerated for up to two weeks or freeze in small portions for longer storage.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per 2 Tbsp Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 35 |
Total Fat | 2.5g |
Saturated Fat | 0.3g |
Carbohydrates | 4g |
Sugars | 2g |
Protein | 0.4g |
Sodium | 210mg |
Serving Suggestions
This Diablo Sauce is incredibly versatile and adds a flavorful punch to many dishes. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:
- As a spicy dip for tortilla chips or fresh veggies.
- Drizzled over grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak for an extra kick.
- Mixed into tacos or burritos as a fiery condiment.
- Used as a marinade for roasting vegetables like cauliflower or sweet potatoes.
- Spread inside sandwiches or wraps for a smoky, spicy twist.
- Added to scrambled eggs or vegan tofu scramble for breakfast heat.
For more delicious and easy recipes, check out these favorites: Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious, Black Bean Sauce Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Guide, and A Cold Vegetable Soup Recipe to Refresh Your Summer Meals.
Conclusion
Making Carlos O’Kelly’s Diablo Sauce at home is not only rewarding but also incredibly simple with this easy-to-follow recipe. The bold flavors of smoky chipotle, fresh jalapeños, and tangy vinegar come together perfectly to create a sauce that livens up any meal.
Whether you’re a seasoned spice enthusiast or just beginning to explore fiery flavors, this Diablo Sauce offers a customizable heat level that suits all palates.
With minimal ingredients and equipment, you can whip up a batch anytime and store it for weeks, ensuring that you always have a delicious spicy condiment on hand. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the recipe by adjusting the spice or sweetness to your liking.
This sauce truly embodies the vibrant, bold spirit of Mexican-inspired cuisine and will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
📖 Recipe Card: Carlos O'Kellys Diablo Sauce
Description: A spicy and flavorful sauce perfect for Mexican dishes, combining heat and tanginess. Ideal for dipping or drizzling over tacos and grilled meats.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add jalapeños and cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and tomato paste.
- Add cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, sugar, and salt.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in vinegar.
- Let cool slightly, then blend until smooth.
Nutrition: Calories: 80 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Carbs: 8g
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