Let’s talk about heat, baby! Not the weather kind (though grilling season is definitely my favorite time of year), but the kind that makes your taste buds do a happy little dance and maybe sweat just a little bit. This Jalapeño-Cilantro Grilling Sauce is for those of us who believe that food should be an experience, not just sustenance!

The combination of jalapeño and cilantro is a cornerstone of Latin American cuisine, particularly Mexican cooking, where these bright, bold flavors complement everything from tacos to grilled meats.

I created this Jalapeño-Cilantro Grilling Sauce after a vacation to Mexico where I became slightly obsessed with the table sauces served at every restaurant – each one more addictive than the last! This version captures those same vibrant flavors with fresh ingredients that come together in about 5 minutes flat.

If you’re cooking for spice-sensitive folks, you can easily dial back the jalapeño and still get all those fantastic herb flavors. The best part about making this from scratch? You control the heat level completely, unlike store-bought versions that are either too mild or face-meltingly hot with no in-between!

Fiery Jalapeño-Cilantro Grilling Sauce

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Heat-forward Jalapeño-Cilantro Grilling Sauce delivers bright vegetal spice balanced by fresh cilantro and acidic lime for complex layers of flavor.

• Author: Amanda MacArthur
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Resting Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 1 Cup
• Category: Sides & Sauces

Ingredients

• 3-4 jalapeños, stems removed (seeds removed for milder sauce)
• 1 bunch cilantro (about 1 cup packed leaves and tender stems)
• 4-5 garlic cloves
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon lime zest
• ¼ cup white or apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons honey or agave nectar
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (Mexican oregano if available)
• ½ cup olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients except olive oil in a food processor or blender
2. Pulse until finely chopped
3. With motor running, slowly add olive oil until emulsified
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed
5. Let sit for 15 minutes before using to allow flavors to blend

Notes

• Makes about 1 cup

 This Jalapeño-Cilantro Grilling Sauce is absolute magic on grilled foods! Brush it onto chicken, shrimp, or flank steak during the last few minutes of grilling for a glossy, flavorful finish that packs a punch. It’s also fantastic drizzled over grilled vegetables like corn on the cob, zucchini, or bell peppers – the slight char from the grill plays beautifully with the bright, spicy flavors of the sauce.

For a complete meal that comes together in minutes, grill chicken thighs brushed with this sauce, then serve with warm tortillas, diced avocado, and a quick cabbage slaw dressed with lime juice. The sauce also makes an incredible marinade for tougher cuts of meat like skirt steak – the acidity from the lime helps tenderize while the spices infuse flavor.

The sauce keeps in the refrigerator for about a week, and the flavor actually improves after a day or two as everything melds together. Reserve a little fresh sauce for drizzling at the table – the contrast of the cooked sauce with the bright, fresh flavors of the finishing sauce is chef’s kiss perfection!

Has this Jalapeño-Cilantro Grilling Sauce added some welcome heat to your grilling routine? Or have you discovered it’s amazing stirred into cream cheese for the world’s most addictive dip? Share your spicy adventures in the comments – I’m always looking for new ways to incorporate a little extra heat into everyday meals!