Hungarian Wax Pepper Hot Sauce Recipe Made Easy

Updated On: October 14, 2025

If you’re a fan of spicy, flavorful hot sauces that pack a punch with a hint of sweetness, the Hungarian wax pepper hot sauce is a must-try recipe. Originating from Hungary, this vibrant pepper variety offers a medium heat level that’s both approachable and exciting for those who want to spice up their meals without overwhelming their palate.

The sauce is incredibly versatile — perfect for drizzling over tacos, mixing into marinades, or serving as a dipping sauce for grilled veggies and meats.

Making your own Hungarian wax pepper hot sauce at home is surprisingly simple and rewarding. With fresh peppers, garlic, vinegar, and a few staple pantry ingredients, you can create a bright, tangy sauce that will elevate your culinary creations.

Whether you’re a seasoned hot sauce enthusiast or just starting your spicy food journey, this recipe offers a perfect balance of heat and flavor that’s sure to become a kitchen staple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Hungarian wax pepper hot sauce recipe stands out because it’s made with fresh, natural ingredients and requires no complicated techniques. Unlike many store-bought hot sauces loaded with preservatives and additives, this homemade version brings authentic flavor and customizable heat right to your kitchen.

The sauce’s vibrant orange color and mildly sweet heat make it a fantastic complement to a wide range of dishes. Plus, it’s ready in less than an hour, and the flavors only deepen after a few days of resting.

It’s also a great way to use up an abundant harvest of Hungarian wax peppers from your garden or local market.

Whether you want to spice up your sandwiches, grilled dishes, or even vegetarian meals, this hot sauce will quickly become your go-to condiment. For more easy and delicious recipes, check out our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious or try the Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious for a flavorful twist on traditional meals.

Ingredients

  • 10-12 Hungarian wax peppers (stemmed and chopped)
  • 4 cloves garlic (peeled)
  • 1 medium yellow onion (chopped)
  • 1 cup white vinegar (distilled or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for smoky depth)
  • 1/4 cup water (adjust as needed for consistency)

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Blender or food processor
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Fine mesh strainer (optional for smooth sauce)
  • Glass jar or bottle for storage
  • Spoon or spatula

Instructions

  1. Prepare the peppers: Wash the Hungarian wax peppers thoroughly. Remove the stems and chop them roughly. If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds before chopping.
  2. Sauté aromatics: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 3-5 minutes until soft and fragrant, but not browned.
  3. Add peppers and seasonings: Add the chopped Hungarian wax peppers to the pan. Stir for another 3 minutes to slightly soften the peppers.
  4. Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Blend the sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly for 5 minutes. Transfer everything to a blender or food processor. Add the lime juice, then blend until smooth. For an extra smooth sauce, strain through a fine mesh strainer.
  6. Adjust consistency and flavor: Taste the sauce and adjust salt, sugar, or lime juice if needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water and blend again.
  7. Cool and store: Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer to a clean glass jar or bottle. Seal tightly and refrigerate. The flavors will develop and mellow after 1-2 days.

Tips & Variations

“For a smoky twist, try roasting the peppers and garlic before cooking. This adds a deep, rich flavor to your hot sauce.”

If you want to experiment with heat levels, mix Hungarian wax peppers with milder sweet peppers or add a few hotter chili varieties like serrano or jalapeño. For a tangier sauce, increase the vinegar to 1 1/2 cups.

You can also swap the white vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a fruitier note.

To make this sauce more shelf-stable, sterilize your storage bottles and keep the sauce refrigerated. It should last up to 3 weeks.

For a thicker consistency, reduce the water or simmer longer before blending.

Looking for more exciting homemade sauces? Check out our Black Bean Sauce Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Guide for another flavorful condiment to try!

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per 2 tbsp
Calories 15 kcal
Carbohydrates 3 g
Fiber 0.7 g
Sugars 1.5 g
Fat 0.7 g
Sodium 230 mg
Vitamin C 20% DV

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Serving Suggestions

This Hungarian wax pepper hot sauce adds a lively kick to a variety of dishes. Drizzle it over tacos, roasted vegetables, scrambled eggs, or grilled chicken for an instant flavor boost.

It’s also fantastic as a dipping sauce for crispy fries or fresh veggie sticks.

Try mixing a spoonful into mayonnaise or sour cream for a creamy, spicy spread perfect for sandwiches or burgers. You can even stir it into soups or stews for a subtle heat that enhances the overall flavor profile.

For those who enjoy plant-based meals, this sauce pairs beautifully with vegan dishes. Check out our Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping to find creative ways to incorporate flavorful sauces like this one on the go!

Conclusion

Making your own Hungarian wax pepper hot sauce is a delightful way to bring fresh, bold flavors into your kitchen. This recipe is approachable for cooks of all skill levels and offers a perfect balance of heat, acidity, and sweetness.

It’s a versatile condiment that can transform everyday meals into exciting culinary experiences.

With just a handful of simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can enjoy a homemade sauce free from preservatives and tailored exactly to your heat preference. Whether you use it as a marinade, dip, or drizzle, this hot sauce is sure to become a favorite addition to your spice collection.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to explore more fantastic dishes like our Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide or the Best Vegan Pepper Jack Cheese Slice Recipe for Melty Flavor for complementary flavors and easy meal ideas.

Happy cooking and stay spicy!

📖 Recipe Card: Hungarian Wax Pepper Hot Sauce

Description: A vibrant and spicy hot sauce made from fresh Hungarian wax peppers, perfect for adding heat to any dish. This sauce balances the peppers' natural sweetness with tangy vinegar and garlic.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M

Servings: 1 cup

Ingredients

  • 10 Hungarian wax peppers, stems removed
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1/2 cup white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Chop the Hungarian wax peppers and garlic roughly.
  2. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
  3. Add peppers and garlic, sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  4. Add vinegar, water, salt, sugar, and smoked paprika.
  5. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  7. Blend the mixture until smooth.
  8. Strain sauce if desired for a smoother texture.
  9. Pour into a sterilized bottle and refrigerate.

Nutrition: Calories: 40 | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Carbs: 5g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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