Last Updated on November 18, 2023
Jalapeño cilantro sauce (Zhoug) is bursting with flavors and can easily elevate your meals. This spicy Middle Eastern condiment is taking culinary enthusiasts by storm.
Say goodbye to boring meals – with this Zhoug sauce recipe in hand, you’ll be able to transform any dish from ordinary into something truly extraordinary.
Are you ready for a fresh cilantro kick? This recipe will guide you on how to whip up an authentic, homemade cilantro jalapeño sauce in no time. 😁
Jalapeño Cilantro Sauce (Zhoug)
Jalapeño cilantro sauce (Zhoug sauce) is a fiery and flavorful Middle Eastern pesto that adds a fresh kick to any dish.
It originates from the Middle East and has quickly found its way into American kitchens because of its zesty and fresh taste.
This spicy green sauce is easy to make; it’s a robust blend of packed cilantro, hot chiles, and warm spices like cardamom and ground cumin – all contributing to an explosion of flavor.
The primary ingredients in this tangy cilantro jalapeño dip are fresh cilantro and Jalapeño which offer just the right kick for spice enthusiasts and cilantro lovers.
Unlike Mexican salsa verde or jalapeno cilantro pesto, Zhoug stands out with distinctive notes of garlic and small stems combined with the surprising punch of sea salt.
Your homemade Zhoug sauce won’t be shy on character; it’ll deliver brightness reminiscent of freshly picked herbs while embodying a deep heat profile comparable to any high-end Middle Eastern herb sauce.
Homemade Spicy Jalapeño Cilantro Sauce Recipe
To make this authentic Zhoug sauce recipe, you’ll need plenty of fresh cilantro leaves and small stems, Jalapeño (adjust the amount according to your heat preference).
Garlic cloves for that extra kick of flavor, ground cumin for depth, cardamom as an optional choice for an exotic touch, sea salt for seasoning, and more hot chiles if you want to turn up the heat.
It’s the perfect addition to grilled vegetables, sandwiches, or even a dip. You will need these ingredients:
- 2 cups of packed cilantro (including thin stems and roughly chopped)
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 2 pc Jalapeño pepper (medium-sized) PS. 2 pieces of jalapeño pepper are very mild, trust me on this one! 😉
- 2/3 cup grapeseed oil (you can use olive oil or other neutral-flavored oil)
- 1 tsp of ground cumin
- 2/3 tsp sea salt
- A pinch of black pepper
How To Make Cilantro Sauce
- To make your cilantro sauce, start by gathering the necessary ingredients: a bunch of fresh cilantro, garlic cloves, lime juice, oil, cumin, sea salt, and pepper. Wash the cilantro thoroughly to remove any dirt and pat it dry. Next, remove the thick stems from the cilantro and roughly chop the leaves.
- In a blender or small food processor, combine the cilantro leaves, garlic cloves, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, gradually adding the oil to achieve the desired consistency. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if necessary. If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can also add more Jalapeño chili peppers. Once the sauce has reached the desired taste and consistency, transfer it to a jar or container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Variations of This Condiment
By making this cilantro sauce at home, you have control over the ingredients and can customize it to your liking.
Experiment with different variations like vegan mayonnaise, vegan Greek yogurt, or vegan sour cream, and add your twist by incorporating other herbs or spices to make it a smooth and creamy sauce.
So, next time you have a bunch of fresh cilantro on hand, try making this easy and flavorful sauce to elevate your meals.
Ways To Use Cilantro Sauce
Jalapeño cilantro sauce is delicious. The bright and tangy flavors of cilantro and lime juice complement a wide range of cuisines, making it a go-to sauce for many Mexican foods.
It can also be an excellent addition to make your salads, sandwiches, burgers, and wraps super yummy. 🙂
Whether used as a dipping sauce or use it as a salad dressing, even as a salsa verde substitute, this tangy herb-infused creation is sure to spice up your culinary adventures. Here are some dishes you can drizzle it on:
🥘 Vegan Garlic Bread
🥘 Nachos
🥘 Quesadillas
🥘 Chickpea Taco
🥘 Taco Salad
🥘 Grilled Tofu Tortilla Wrap
🥘 Smashed Avocado Toast
🥘 Potato Salad
🥘 Sauteed Veggies
🥘 Falafel
Experiment with different variations by adding ingredients like jalapenos, avocado, or vegan yogurt for a unique touch.
Cilantro sauce adds a burst of freshness and complexity to any meal, making it a must-have in every kitchen.
You can also use it as a marinade, giving your food a bright and tangy flavor. Plus, you can use it as a dipping sauce for chips or vegetables.
How To Store Cilantro Sauce
To store leftover sauce, start by ensuring that the sauce, transferring to an airtight container with a matched lid. This will help to prevent any bacterial growth.
Glass jars or sealed containers are recommended as they are less likely to retain odors and flavors. Label the jar with the date you made the sauce to keep track of its freshness.
Store the sauce in the refrigerator, as it will help to extend its shelf life. It can generally be stored for up to one week when kept in the fridge.
If you want to freeze the sauce for longer use, transfer it to an airtight freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer.
Frozen cilantro sauce can be stored for up to three months. Remember to defrost the sauce in the refrigerator before using it and give it a good stir before serving.
Enjoy your cilantro sauce as a delicious and aromatic addition to your favorite meals. 😊
FAQS
Cilantro jalapeno sauce, also known as Zhoug, is a green sauce originating from the Middle East (likely Yemen). It is made from fresh cilantro, jalapenos, garlic, spices, and oil.
Cilantro jalapeno sauce can be used as a versatile dressing to enhance the flavor of various dishes.
It pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, sandwiches, tacos, falafel wraps, or as a dipping sauce for chips or bread.
Yes, cilantro jalapeno sauce tends to have some heat due to the use of fresh jalapenos.
The spiciness level can vary depending on personal preference and the number of seeds or veins left in the peppers during preparation.
Absolutely! Making your cilantro jalapeño sauce at home is fairly simple.
You will need fresh ingredients like cilantro leaves and stems, green chili peppers (jalapeños), garlic cloves, spices like cumin and coriander powder, lemon juice or vinegar for acidity, and olive oil to help blend everything smoothly.
There are many recipes available online that provide step-by-step instructions for making homemade Zhoug.
Jalapeño cilantro sauce (Zhoug)
Ingredients
- 2 cup fresh cilantro packed, including thin stems and roughly chopped
- 4 clove garlic
- 2 pc Jalapeño pepper (medium-sized), more if you like spicy
- ⅔ cup grapeseed oil you can use olive oil or other neutral-flavored oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ⅔ tsp sea salt
- pinch black pepper
Instructions
- To make your cilantro sauce, start by gathering the necessary ingredients: a bunch of fresh cilantro, garlic cloves, lime juice, oil, cumin, sea salt, and pepper. Wash the cilantro thoroughly to remove any dirt and pat it dry. Next, remove the thick stems from the cilantro and roughly chop the leaves.
- In a blender or small food processor, combine the cilantro leaves, garlic cloves, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, gradually adding the oil to achieve the desired consistency. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if necessary. If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can also add more Jalapeño chili peppers. Once the sauce has reached the desired taste and consistency, transfer it to a jar or container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Nutrition
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