Roasting Jalapenos: Pan-Searing Method

Roasting jalapeños is a great way to add a kick of flavour to your dishes. The process is simple and can be done in a pan, in the oven, or on a grill. Roasting jalapeños mellows their spiciness and adds a nice, smoky flavour. It also makes the jalapeños easier to peel.

Preparing the jalapenos

Preparing the jalapeños is a straightforward process, but it requires caution. Jalapeños contain capsaicin, which is the chemical compound that makes them spicy and can cause skin irritation. It is recommended that you wear gloves when handling jalapeños and avoid touching your eyes.

To prepare the jalapeños, start by washing them under cool water to remove any dirt or residue. Dry the peppers thoroughly with a paper towel or cloth.

Next, remove the stems by simply pulling or twisting them off. If the stems are difficult to remove, you can use a sharp knife to slice off the very end of each pepper.

At this point, you can choose to keep the jalapeños whole or cut them in half lengthwise. If you are cutting them in half, use a small spoon or your fingers to carefully remove the seeds and white membranes from the inside of the peppers. The seeds and membranes contain most of the heat, so removing them will make the jalapeños milder.

Once your jalapeños are prepared, you can proceed to roasting them in the pan.

Roasting methods

There are several ways to roast jalapeños, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common methods:

Roasting jalapeños in the oven

This is the most accessible method for roasting jalapeños, as it can be done at home in an oven. To roast jalapeños in the oven, preheat your oven to between 360°F and 450°F. While the oven is preheating, prepare your jalapeños by washing and drying them. Remove the stems and slice the jalapeños in half. You can also choose to remove the seeds and membranes, which will reduce the spiciness of the peppers. Place the jalapeños on a baking sheet, cut-side down, and lightly coat them with oil. Roast the jalapeños for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the skins are charred.

Roasting jalapeños on a grill

If you have a grill, this is a great option for roasting jalapeños. Fire up your grill and let the heat come down for about 15-20 minutes if using charcoal. If using a gas grill, aim for a temperature of around 450°F. Clean the jalapeños and remove the stems. Place the whole jalapeños on the grill, leaving about 1-2 inches of space between them. Grill the jalapeños for about 5 minutes with the lid closed, then turn them over and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes. The jalapeños should be soft and pliable with charred skins.

Roasting jalapeños on a gas stove

If you have a gas stove, you can roast jalapeños over an open flame. This method can be dangerous and time-consuming, as you can only roast one or two jalapeños at a time. To roast jalapeños on a gas stove, clean and dry the peppers, then remove the stems. Skewer the jalapeños on a long metal prong to avoid getting burned. Wearing an oven mitt, hold the jalapeños about 2 inches above the flame and roast for 3-5 minutes, turning them after each minute to ensure even charring. Be careful not to touch the jalapeños to the flame and have some water nearby in case of emergency.

Roasting jalapeños in an air fryer

To roast jalapeños in an air fryer, preheat your machine to 390°F for 5 minutes. Rinse the jalapeños and pat them dry, then arrange them in the air fryer basket so they aren't overlapping. Roast the jalapeños for a total of 10 minutes, flipping them over halfway through. When the timer goes off, keep the air fryer closed for an additional 3 minutes to help the jalapeños soften.

Regardless of the roasting method you choose, it is important to wear gloves when handling jalapeños, as they contain capsaicin, a compound that can cause a burning sensation and irritation if it comes into contact with your skin. Additionally, it is recommended to steam the jalapeños after roasting to loosen the skins and make them easier to peel. To steam the jalapeños, place them in a paper bag or under a bowl to trap the steam, and let them sit for about 15 minutes.

Steaming and peeling

There are two methods for steaming:

• Place the jalapeños under a bowl: Using a clean surface (like a cutting board), place the hot peppers close together. Place the bowl over the peppers upside down, sealing tightly so that no air can escape. Alternatively, simply place them in a bowl and cover with a silicone bowl cover. Allow to steam (and cool) for 15 minutes or more. Then proceed to remove the pepper skins.
• Place the jalapeños in a paper bag: Place the freshly roasted peppers in a paper bag and seal it tightly. This will trap moisture (although not as well as the bowl method) and loosen the skins. Allow to steam for 15 minutes or more, then remove the pepper skins.

The skin of the pepper is not needed because it is tough and slightly bitter. The point of roasting jalapeños is to keep the sweet, fiery flavour of the pepper without any harshness from the skin! Also, if making hot sauce, the skin is hard to finely chop.

Storing roasted jalapenos

Refrigeration

Roasted jalapenos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This is a good option if you plan to use them within a few days as it helps retain their flavour and texture.

Freezing

Freezing is an excellent option for long-term storage. Place the roasted jalapenos in freezer bags and store them in the freezer for several months. They will retain their roasted flavour even after freezing. When you're ready to use them, simply take them out and cook them straight from frozen. Frozen jalapenos are best used for frying or roasting as they won't be crunchy after thawing.

Pickling

Pickling is a tasty way to preserve jalapenos and can be done in two ways: quick pickling and long-term pickling. For quick pickling, slice the jalapenos into rings and pack them tightly into glass mason jars. Make a brine by boiling a mixture of distilled white vinegar, water, salt, and spices like oregano, mustard seeds, and black peppercorns. Pour the hot brine over the jalapenos, seal the jars, and let them cool before storing in the fridge. Quick-pickled jalapenos will last several weeks in the fridge. For long-term pickling, process the jars in a water bath for 15 minutes before sealing and storing at room temperature for months.

Fermentation

Fermentation is an ancient and natural way to preserve jalapenos by creating an acidic environment. Weigh the jalapenos and add 2-3% salt, then blend them in a food processor until chunky. Pack the mixture into a glass jar, leaving some headspace, and cover it. Place the jar in a dimly lit room at 65-75°F (warmer temperatures speed up fermentation). Remember to "burp" the jars daily to release CO2. After 2-3 weeks, check the smell and flavour. If successful, the mixture will be acidic and tangy. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will last for several months.

Candied Jalapenos

Also known as cowboy candy, candied jalapenos are a sweet and crunchy treat. They are similar to pickled jalapenos but require more cooking and the addition of sugar. They will keep for a long time in the fridge and are delicious on their own or added to tacos and pizza.

Dehydration

Dehydrating jalapenos is a simple way to preserve them for up to a year or longer. Smoke the jalapenos before dehydrating for a delicious chipotle-style powder. Dehydrate different peppers separately to capture their unique flavours. Blend the dried jalapenos into flakes or powder and use them as a spicy seasoning.

Using roasted jalapenos in recipes

Roasted jalapeños are a great addition to many recipes, adding a smoky flavour and a kick of spice. The process of roasting jalapeños mellows their spice, making them more palatable for those who find raw jalapeños too hot. Here are some ideas for using roasted jalapeños in your cooking:

Salsas and Dips

Roasted jalapeños are a perfect addition to salsas and dips, adding a smoky flavour and a spicy kick. Try blending them into a green salsa, a fresh tomato salsa, or a cranberry jalapeño dip. You can also mix them with guacamole or cream cheese to make a creamy, spicy dip.

Salads

Add some spice to your potato or egg salads with roasted jalapeños. They will bring a nice kick of heat and a rich, sweet flavour.

Sandwiches, Burgers, and Tacos

Use roasted jalapeños as a topping for sandwiches, burgers, or tacos. They will add a burst of flavour and spice to your meal.

Soups and Sauces

Roasted jalapeños can be blended into soups or pasta sauces to add a mild heat and a smoky flavour. Try stirring them into a tomato sauce for a unique flavour profile.

Queso

Make a delicious roasted jalapeño queso by blending roasted jalapeños with cheddar, Monterey Jack, and spices. Serve with toasted bagel chunks for the perfect snack.

Hummus

For a unique twist on traditional hummus, blend in some roasted jalapeños. This will add a smoky flavour and a little spice to your hummus.

Vinaigrette

Mix some chopped roasted jalapeño into your favourite vinaigrette for a spicy kick. This can be a great way to elevate a simple salad.

Stuffed Jalapeños

For a fun appetiser, try stuffing roasted jalapeños with cream cheese. Simply remove the seeds, stuff with cream cheese, and bake for a few minutes until the cheese is gooey. You can also mix the cream cheese with grated Parmesan for extra flavour.

Chicken

Roasted jalapeños go great with chicken. Try using them in a stuffed chicken recipe, or chop them up and add them to your favourite chicken dish.

Roasted Jalapeno Honey Butter

Chop up some roasted jalapeños and mix them with honey and butter to make a sweet and spicy treat. This can be used as a spread or a topping for various dishes.

Remember to wear gloves when handling jalapeños, as they contain capsaicin, which can cause a burning sensation and irritation on the skin. Enjoy experimenting with these versatile peppers!

Frequently asked questions