What’s So Special about Serrabanero Green Hot Sauce?

(And How the Heck Do You Pronounce It, Anyway?)

Since it’s about to take the nation by storm as the star ingredient in Taco Bell’s limited edition Secret Aardvark Nacho Fries, we thought it was time to give our Serrabanero Green Hot Sauce some love.

So, what’s the deal with going green, you wonder? And seriously, how on earth do you even pronounce Serrabanero without sounding like you’re summoning a spicy spirit? Fear not, fellow sauce enthusiasts: We’re about to unleash a whirlwind of tangy tales and tongue-tingling tips about our beloved green sauce.

If you’ve ever looked at a bottle of green hot sauce on a grocery store shelf and wondered, “Why is it green, and what in the world do I do with it,” you’re not alone. Well, get ready to elevate your condiment game to mindblowing proportions. Green sauce brings a refreshing burst of flavor to your table and tastebuds, balancing heat with a touch of tangy, toe-tapping brightness. It’s the perfect companion for those looking to lively up their meals without overpowering the natural flavors of their food.

How’d We Concoct Such Green Goodness?

While most green sauces are jalapeno-based, our Serrabanero features both serrano and green habanero peppers. Serranos are a bit like green bell peppers; they’re fresh and clean-tasting but with more kick. Habaneros bring a fruity, citrusy flavor along with considerable heat. So, while Serrab isn’t our hottest sauce (for eye-watering heat, check out our Reaper Smoked Hot Sauce), our Serrabanero Green Hot Sauce packs a delicious sting.

It also packs waaaay more flavor than your average (dare we say, boring??) jalapeno-meets-water-and-vinegar green hot sauce! 

After all, when it came time to create the recipe, the challenge was on. Serrabanero was the first Secret Aardvark hot sauce recipe created by our fearless leader Stacy Moritz, after her husband and Aardvark founder Scott passed away in 2009. Scott was the culinary genius behind our classic Habanero Hot Sauce, plus our two marinades: Drunken Jerk Jamaican Marinade and Drunken Garlic Black Bean Sauce.

Stacy knew that to carry on Aardvark’s proud tradition, she’d have to go big or go home. 

“Green is a special place on the hot sauce spectrum. I wanted to do something different and unexpected,” she said.

But how do you take the basic equation of green peppers and vinegar and add true Aardvark flair? In part, by borrowing Scott’s “try everything” approach to creating a sauce.

“I mixed and matched every green veggie I could think of,” Stacy said. “Well, except for kale. Because… ewwww.” [Editor’s note: Kale’s a hard “no” for Stacy;]

The resulting masterpiece, Serrabanero, features roasted tomatillos and green tomatoes, which—along with the two-pepper serrab-hab mix—give it a special depth. This mouth-watering mix rounds out with basil, cilantro, organic mustard seed, lime, turmeric, and other secret spices that just make you want to eat more. Then maybe dance. Definitely feel free to dance.

What’s Green Hot Sauce Good For?

Everything. We’re not about rules. Let your mouth be your guide.

Just like our original Aardvark Habanero Sauce, you can consider Serrabanero a dump-it-on-everything sauce. It’s particularly delicious on eggs, chicken, pizza, burritos, and veggie dishes. It packs a zesty heat without overpowering the dish. It’s also a great addition to any dish you’d squeeze a lime on…so ceviche, margaritas, and tacos. And it pairs well with creamy sauces, so it’s a natural for guacamole. Try it with mac and cheese or in creamy soups and stews, too.

Does Eating Green Hot Sauce Make You Cool?

The clear answer is, of course, Y-E-S! The world of hot sauce is meant to be explored, and there are so many options out there. The world is your Aardvark!

For hot sauce adventurers who enjoy discovering new flavors, our Serrabanero Green Hot Sauce is ready to become your new right-hand hot sauce, beside your plate…whenever you need a delicious kick in the mouth!

…And How Do You Pronounce it, Anyway?

However you pronounce it, it’s perfectly fine with us! And believe us, we’ve heard plenty of variations! But in case you’re curious, it’s pronounced SerrAB-an-ER-o.
Serrano + Habanero = Serrabanero. Get it?!

Serrabanero Green Hot Sauce Recipes 

These are some of our favorites! 

Get You Some

You’ll find it on the shelves of many fine retailers! Check out our Sauce Locator and filter by Serrabanero. You’ll also find it here on our website, as well as on Amazon. And, of course, don’t miss Secret Aardvark Nacho Fries while they’re available for a limited time on Taco Bell menus nationwide starting April 25, 2024!