Step 1

First, ensure that all your tools—especially the food processor and jars—are thoroughly cleaned and completely dry. Rinse them with vinegar or bleach to avoid any mold or bacteria growth. This is critical because even a tiny amount of water can ruin your sauce.

Step 2

Squeeze the juice from the limes (or lemons) and set it aside. This will be added later to give the sauce that extra zesty kick.

Step 3

Add half of the peppers, garlic, culantro (or cilantro), salt, and half the vinegar into your food processor. Begin blending until smooth. Slowly add the remaining peppers and vinegar as it blends.

Step 4

As the mixture blends, stop the processor occasionally to scrape down the sides. This ensures that any larger chunks of peppers, garlic, or culantro get blended evenly. Blend until the mixture is smooth but still has some texture.

Step 5

Once blended, add the fresh lime juice and give the mixture a final pulse to incorporate it fully.

Step 6

Carefully pour the pepper sauce into sanitized glass jars. Make sure no water gets into the jar, as this can spoil your sauce.