What is it?

The classic Tex-Mex hot chile and one of the world’s best-known. Originally grown in Mexico, the jalapeño is named for Jalapa, a town in the state of Veracruz. The fresh chile has a strong, vegetal flavor to go with the heat. Although many Americans prefer to cook with fresh jalapeños, the jalapeño is most widely consumed in the United States in its pickled form. Red jalapeños are common in the fall.

When dried and smoked, jalapeños are calledchipotles.

Don’t have it?

The smaller serrano can make a good substitute but may pack a little more heat.

How to choose:

Choose chiles that are shiny and firm pods with strong, uniform color. They should feel dense and heavy for their size. Avoid chiles that are flaccid, wrinkled, bruised, blemished, or discolored.

How to prep:

It’s wise to wear rubber gloves when handling hot chiles so you don’t get any juice on your face or in your eyes. Stem before using. Leave seeds in or out depending on what recipe suggests or your preference.

How to store:

Keep refrigerated in the vegetable crisper drawer where they will last a week or more.

Cross Reference

chipotle

Recipes

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  Recipe

  Seared Skirt Steak with Garlicky Tequila-Lime Salsa Verde

  This warm butter sauce riffs on both a familiar marinade and the ubiquitous Central American green salsa. The steak is a sponge for the intense flavors of the sauce.

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  Recipe

  Ancho Chile BBQ Sauce

  A mix of ancho, poblano, and jalapeño chiles gives this sauce a big kick. It’s a hearty sauce, tailor made for the deep flavor of beef.

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  Recipe

  Green Tomato BBQ Sauce

  Here’s a great unblended barbecue sauce meant for passing at the table. This is terrific with sticky Korean-style beef short ribs.

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  Recipe

  Hot Pineapple BBQ Sauce

  这个酱料是专为通过,未混合的the table, ideally with poultry and pork. If you feel like serving it on beef, add a tablespoon of finely chopped ginger…

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  Recipe

  Avocado Toasts with Chipotle Butter, Black Beans, and Tomato

  For a spicier, more filling take on conventional avocado toast, layer avocado with chile butter, refried beans, and tomato. Serve eggs alongside or on top.

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  Recipe

  Cooked Tomatillo Salsa

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  Recipe

  Mayan Mezcalita

  The longer this cocktail sits, the more flavor it will have. Since you pour it over ice, you can make it hours ahead.

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  Recipe

  Grilled Australian Lamb Tacos with Pomegranate-Mint Salsa

  Ginger-and-garlic rubbed lamb plus a sweet-sour pomegranate and mint relish puts a Mediterranean spin on the beloved Mexican street food.

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  Recipe

  Chicken Saag

  My husband and I were saddened when our favorite Indian restaurant switched from making their saag with chicken thighs to making it with chicken breasts. What had been a deeply…

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  Recipe

  Heirloom Bean Potato Cassoulet

  With deeply developed flavors and aromas that satisfy and entice, this cassoulet has everything you would expect from this homey French classic, except all the meat.