Spicy Guacamole Recipe (VIDEO)
Spicy Guacamole is the ultimate party appetizer and it always disappears fast. We’ve dialed in the correct ratios of avocados to onions and lime juice to give this authentic flavor.
Our Classic Guacamole was delicious; we probably made it a hundred times! We’ve changed it up a little and spiced it up a lot! This spicy guacamole lights a small fire in your mouth forcing you to eat it slowly and savor each bite. Plus, you can adjust the spiciness depending on which pepper you add.
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My husband is the adventurous eater in our family and he’s always inspiring me to improve recipes and make a great recipe even more amazing. Thanks to his adventurous pallet, we now make this Spicy Guacamole even more often than the classic and we even have a Corn Guacamole if you love a sweet and smoky twist to your guac.
Spicy Guacamole Video Tutorial
Watch Natasha make this Spicy Guacamole. You will be surprised at how easy it is and it’s sure to get on your regular rotation. Now go forth and make some guacamole.
Ingredients for Spicy Guacamole
These are all the ingredients for a classic guac plus extras to make it spicier (i.e. peppers, garlic and cumin):
- Avocados – we use large ripe avocados (not too squishy and not too firm)
- Tomato – use a medium tomato or 2 smaller roma tomatoes and don’t use tomatoes that are over ripe and juicy.
- Onion – white onion has the best flavor for guacamole but you can use yellow onion or red onion if that is what you have on hand and it will taste great. Watch our tutorial on how to chop an onion.
- Cilantro – you’ll need about 1/2 cup chopped cilantro which is about 1/3 to 1/2 of a bunch
- Peppers – use serrano peppers for a spicier guacamole or jalapeno peppers for a milder version and add them to taste. Be sure to seed the peppers before adding.
- Garlic – adds an extra layer of spice and flavor
- Lime juice – freshly squeezed is best from 1 1/2 to 2 limes
- Salt and pepper – add these to taste
- Cumin – adding ground cumin adds a subtle smoky layer of flavor
How To Make Spicy Guacamole
1. Cut avocados in half, remove the seeds and scrape them out into a flat bottomed bowl (a flat bottom will make it easier to mash). Smash with a potato masher or a fork (leave some chunks; don’t puree it). Squeeze the lime juice directly over the avocados.
Pro Tip: The fresh lime juice is the best way to preserve the color and freshness. Be sure to use freshly squeezed lime juice and avoid using concentrate lime juice which can have additives and never tastes quite right.
2. Chop onion and add it to the bowl.
3. Remove seeds from jalapeños (or serranos for spicier guacamole). Chop jalapeños finely. We double chop them through our Vidalia Chop Wizard which makes chopping a cinch!
4. Cut the tomato in half parallel with the top and remove seeds (either by scraping them out with a small spoon or by squeezing them out). Dice your tomatoes. Add chopped tomatoes to your bowl. We often just leave the seeds in (that’s ok too).
5. Press garlic than finely chop your cilantro and add it to the bowl.
6. Add 1/2 tsp dry cumin powder, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp kosher salt (regular salt is ok too), and stir just until combined.
If you’re really bored, serve guacamole in the avocado shells. Hopefully, you didn’t have to fish them out of the garbage can. I’m not admitting to anything.
Make-Ahead
Guacamole is best enjoyed the day it is made for the best vibrant color and flavor, but you can store it up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. It does lose some of it’s spiciness as it stands and the flavors meld.
- Refrigerated – If you have leftover guacamole, or want to make it ahead, place plastic wrap directly over the surface of the guacamole. Contact with air is what causes avocado to brown so you want to keep the air out.
- Can I freeze gaucamole? – guacamole does not freeze well and neither do tomaotes. They will end up watery and mealy so we do not recommend freezing.
Pro Tip: To speed up ripening your avocados, place them in a bag and keep them at room temperature. An avocado is ripe when it gives a little with a gentle pressure. It should feel slightly soft but not squishy.
P.S. If you’ve handled jalapenos, DO NOT pick your nose. Trust me.
More Avocado Recipes
If you love avocado as much as we do (super fans over here!), then you will find some new favorites in this list of recipes with avocado. We have everything from avocado salads to appetizers and tacos.
- Avocado Corn Salad
- Cucumber Shrimp Avocado Appetizersj
- Cowboy Caviar Salsa
- Taco Salad Recipe
- Classic Ceviche
- Fish Tacos
Spicy Guacamole Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 large avocados
- 3 Tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed from 1 1/2 limes
- 1 medium tomatoes, seeded and diced
- 1/2 white onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cilantro , from 1/2 bunch
- 2 serrano peppers, finely chopped (or use jalapenos for milder guac)
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed
- 1/2 tsp sea salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
Instructions
- Cut avocados in half, remove the seeds and scrape them out into a flat bottomed bowl. Smash with a potato masher or a fork. Squeeze lime juice directly over avocados.
- Chop onion and add it to the bowl. Remove seeds from jalapenos, finely dice and add to the bowl.
- Cut the tomato in half parallel with the top and remove seeds. Dice your tomatoes and add them to your bowl.
- Press garlic and chop your cilantro than add them to the bowl.
- Add 1/2 tsp dry cumin powder, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt and serve right away.
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving
This recipe was first published in 2012. New photos and a video were added in 2022. Here is the original photo.
Natasha Kravchuk
Hi! I'm Natasha Kravchuk. Here you'll find delicious, trusted recipes with easy step-by-step photos and videos. 
Дорога Наташо, As a native-born Ukie who discovered Mexican food in Albuquerque, I was wondering what a “spicy” dish was to a fellow Ukrainian. I prepared your recipe and concluded I could have convinced my father to try it. I personally added Serrano peppers. I have not found Habaneros to go well in guacamole.
Thank you for trying my recipe!
This is a great guacamole recipe, even my husband likes and he said he didn’t like guacamole
Wonderful! So glad it was enjoyed. 🙂
I have been searching for a recipe for Banana bread that has a similar consistency and taste of my Gramma’s and thanks to your Moist Banana Bread recipe. It’s the BOMB!
Yay, so glad you found this recipe, Kim!
This guacamole is absolutely delicious! It did not last long at our house! Everyone loved it!
That’s wonderful! It sure does go quickly! Thank you for the excellent review.
Nothing better than a little spice in your guacamole! We will dip just about anything in this! So good!
It’s so versatile! We love it.
Wonderful recipe – I found your recipe and it was hit with everyone in my family. Making again soon!
So glad to hear that, Melissa! Thank you for the review.
I plan on making this soon. Just wanted to say I enjoy your recipes as they are easy to follow and makes me feel like I can cook lol I used to not care for cooking but have noticed recently since following you that i enjoy it and look forward to cooking.
I’m so happy to hear that Candice! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.
Natasha! Thank you this is delicious fresh and spices guacamole. Your recipes are lovely and so easy to follow. I am steadily becoming a big fan. X Made the pork schnitzels too and they were amazing as well! Both of these have become regular family meals, can’t wait to try another recipe 💖
I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review, Hannah!
Hi Natasha, I’ve tried this recipe two months ago and it has become weekly meal for me. It’s tastes amazing, thank you for the recipe.
I would also recommend, that it can be eaten by putting in between the bread (like sandwich)!
So nice to know that this has become one of your favorites at home. That’s a good tip, thanks for sharing, I actually love this in a sandwich!
I’m on a keto diet and avocado is something of a keto super-food…but I don’t like it much. Prepared in this recipe, though – and it’s a different story! Very, very tasty. I use Indian finger chillis (because I always have a big bag of them in the freezer) and lemon juice instead of lime – but those aren’t really big variations. I agree with multiple commenters about the avocado stone though – definitely helps to keep it green!
As a footnote on salt….far and away my favourite is the soft, flaky variety from Maldon Salt. I believe it is available in the United States
Thank you so much for sharing that with us Tim! I’m happy you’re enjoying our recipes!
Natasha – You are the best . I follow your blog and facebook page and simply simply love your personality , your presentation skills and above all your yummy recipes and the clear instructions you give and share – My family have named diner time as NATASHA’s MENU on my black board in the kitchen and i no longer list individual menu items – we named it all on you with a heart sign – We love you. Keep inspiring US!
Hello Harini, so great to read your comments as it just made my day. Thank you so much for your compliments, we appreciate it!
Natasha, I’m wondering if I can substitute cilantro for something else as I really dislike it.
Hi Roxane, you can try if you will like parsley or basil
Thanks so much for this. I’ve never succeeded at superior guacamole before – a great flavor balance first of all. And this was a big hit in a home of fiery foodies. Serranos are key.
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!
I love guac with a little kick!
Isn’t it amazing!
This is so perfect with may 5th being this week! Can’t wait to make it again for our celebration
That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review!
This was the best! Perfectly spicey and we had it with our tacos. It was delicious!
So glad to know that you loved it, Eden. Thanks for your great feedback!
Great recipe, but what is it with you people with kosher salt?? Isn’t there just normal salt ?
I’m glad you enjoyed this, Camilla!
Natasha, If you add the pit of the avocado to the dip, it will keep it from turning brown. I love all your recipes.
Great tip! Thank you for sharing!
I make this recipe every time I want guac. Its exceptional.
That’s so great Kristina! Thank you for the great review!
Natasha,
This tastes so authentic and the perfect spice level. Loved it! And so did my guests.
Thanks for another great recipe
-Alena
Hi Alena, I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for sharing that with us!
Hi Natasha. Great recipe. Just a tip: keep the avocado pits and place them in the guacamole. Aside from the plastic wrap they help to keep it from turning brown and it stays fresh much longer.
Hello Teresa! I’m glad to hear you enjoy the recipe! Thanks for sharing your great tip with other readers!
I love love love your recipe!! I make it for every event we have and let me tell you it is a big hit with the fighter squadron here in NM! Thank you so much for posting 😊
Colleen, thank you for such a great review 😁. This recipe is a regular at our house as well, we make it almost every week 😋.
Just to let you know, this is a great recipe. And you don’t need to limit yourself to jalapenos if you want spicier. I made a delicious guacamole with 2 pieces of carolina reaper (only the flesh, no seeds). Turned out great!
I love that you got creative with it! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
I love this recipe , only changes I did was I add cummin about 3/4 teaspoon as that made it more flavorful for my friends ! Apart, recipe is a killer
I love the extra cumin idea! We have made it that way before as well and it does taste really good with more. 🙂
Hi Natasha, I love a good guacamole and I made your “spicey” recipe today, but without the jalapenos, and used 2 small shallots chopped fine instead of regular onion. I also added a couple dashes of cayenne pepper and a few tablespoons of mild salsa. It was so delish! Thanks again for another great appetizer! Janet
Janet, thank you for the nice review 😀. I will be trying cayenne pepper next time myself, thanks for the tip.
Another great recipe, Natasha! I used serrano pepper instead of jalapeño for a little more heat 😉
We love fiery guacamole also. I’m always drizzling mine with tabasco. Next time I’m trying your serrano pepper suggestion! 🙂
Actually, it was a red habañero pepper. That is the way to go if you want some real fire. I am making it again tonight 🙂
Mmm I do love adding some real fire to my food. I accept the red habañero challenge! 🙂
My family wanted tacos yesterday and avocados were on sale so I tried your guac recipe. Very good. I prefer to soak chopped onions in ice water for a bit to mellow them out and I used a fresh lime so that was all I did differently.
One other reader commented about mellow jalapenos and it’s true that sometimes they are. Ithink they have bred the heat out of jalapenos. Try Tabasco chipotle sauce to add in some heat when that happens.
I love your tip about the onions and yes I agree about the jalapeños. It’s hit and miss – sometimes they are blazing fiery hot and sometimes they are so bland you can hardly tell they are there!
Wow Natasha luv ur guacamole recipes the spicy and the 1 made by vadim mmmmmm yummmm wondering if it would work with red onion may wanna try it with the addition of jalapeno muy caliente baby lmao would be a gr8 Passover starter
Thank you Tzivia for the nice comment 😀. We used red onion in the past and it works great as well. We add fresh jalapeños or canned. Both work nice in the recipe.
Ur welcome Natasha sweetheart always a pleasure to be on this really way cool awesome site ok so red is good to use got it canned or fresh jalapenos wow gr8 way to really ooooomphhhh the spice
Made it today and it was delicious!
Thank you !!!
Luba, you’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it 😀.
Made it and it was delicious!
The only thing was that it wasn’t spicy.. not sure why. Either way it was great! Thank you!
Hi Yana! I’m so glad you liked our favorite guacamole :). You can take the spice level up or down with the amount of jalapeno you add to it, the size of your jalapenos and some jalapenos are just spicier than others. I go all out and even drizzle my portion with a bunch of tabasco sauce because I love it fiery hot!
Made this twice already in the past two weeks… what can I say – it’s tasty!
Thank you Polina 😀, we make it at least twice a week.
Hi Natasha,
I’m from Mexico and I was curious about this recipe when I saw the title “Spicy Guacamole”. Just want to say Congratulations! because it is really close to the Mexico’s home made Guacamole. What is more, I loved to see the comments of the people who liked this dish 😉
I’ve seen some of your recipes and I definitely gonna try them! Thanks!!
That’s fantastic! I’m so happy to hear that. Thank you for sharing that with me Lilia 🙂
you are too cute! Thanks for the laughs and the awesome recipe!
You are welcome Michelle :D.
Making this tonight and can’t wait to try it! Already have your slow cooker chicken tacos going and already made your delicious roasted salsa. My family and I have become your biggest food fans!
Aww that’s awesome! Thanks so much for sharing that with me. Can I come over? 😉
i made this last night for our family gatehring and everyone LOVED it! thank you for sharing such great recipes! I have loved every one i made from your website 🙂
I’m so happy you all loved it and that you are enjoying my recipes :). Thanks for the awesome review!
Hi Natasha,
We are doing a guacamole roundup on Friday for Guacamole Day and wondered if we could include a link to your recipe in our post. We would also like to use your picture and will feature it with your blog’s name.
Thanks so much.
Linda, thank you for asking and I sure appreciate the feature. You have my permission :).
I made it yesterday for Mother’s Day brunch. DELISH! Everyone loved it and said that they want to see it every Sunday for our family summer pool get-togethers! Served with black bean tortilla chips.
The contrast of the green guacamole and the black tortilla chips sounds nice! It sounds like you’ve found a new favorite 😉
Can’t wait to try this. How long will the left overs keep in the fridge?
Leftovers can stay in the fridge for up to 3 days, just put plastic wrap directly on the guacamole to eliminate any air pockets. Stir before serving. We just made this recipe few days ago :).
Soy Fatty, me gusta mucho tu blog y todas tus recetas
Feliz Año!!
Thank you Fatima, I hope that you’ll find many new favorites and Happy New Year to you as well :).
Hey Natasha this recipe is great, but you got to try guacamole with pomegranate seeds mixed it… So GOOD!
Yess!!! I just purchased a whole box of pomegranates at Costco!! Thanks for the tip! Did you change anything else?
Great recipe, I have a friend that doesn’t like lime though and was wondering if I substitute lemon if it would take away the integrity of the recipe?
You can definitely use lemon instead. We use whichever one is in the fridge 🙂
Hi, i LOVE your website! Thank you so much for al the amazing recipes.
I was wondering is it ok to use parsley instead of cilantro because I’m not a big fan of it or will it change the taste?
It will taste way different, but it is the best substitute for cilantro if you absolutely have to do it 🙂
Made this for my daughters bday party everyone loved it was so delicious. I only used one pepper because by the time I was done slicing it my hands and nails where on fire lol. Note wear gloves if chopping peppers w knife!
I’m glad that everyone loved the recipe :).
hi! can i put ground cumin instead of cumin powder?
That should be fine 🙂
Hi Natasha,
I have noticed that you have not included cilantro in the ingredients list. Would you be able to tell us how much you put it?
Thanks!
Oh sorry about that; half a bunch of cilantro
Thank you!
This looks amazing cant wait to try it!:) just a quick question where does the lime juice come in?
Oops, thanks for catching that, lime juice goes in at the end when adding salt and pepper. I also updated the post 🙂
This sounds so good. My husband loves salsa with extra jalapeno peppers so this will be great alternative that still has some heat for chips. And thanks for ‘chopper’ tip :))
You are welcome Nella. Yes, that chopper comes really handy, especially for Olivye.
Healthy and delicious appetizer. My family loves it when its spicy especially kids.
I like that you add cumin to it, will defiantly make your version 🙂
Stop by my place and check out my Housewarming Giveaway!!
http://www.grabandgorecipes.com/grabandgorecipes-housewarming-giveaway/
Thank you 🙂
Thank you Inessa! I definitely will check it out!
OR YOUR MOUTH!! lol trust me 🙂 Thanks for a new twist on it, gonna try it soon 🙂
No finger lickin’ I guess lol
You are funny! I like the comment about the nose too…:) and dont belittle your garden! if it grows things, its a garden… its tough for us who live in the big cities with tiny lots… but hey we still manage to grow things! 🙂
I am proud of my little garden even if it does just grow herbs 🙂 what do you plant in yours?
I love this! It’s like salsa-mole:) I once rubbed my eyes after touching jalapeños.. It was all bad! Lol
I love my chop wizard as well.. Cute/ uniform pieces in half the time it takes to chop?! Yes please:)
Oh man ouch! I can imagine 😉 . That’s exactly how I feel about my vidalia (maybe I should contact them to sponsor another giveaway hmmm…)
BAHAHAHA I loved the comment about not picking your nose! too funny! This is perfect for the 4th of July bbq! Thanks i’ll definitely try it!
ha ha. What’s a post without a good laugh in it? 🙂
This looks delicious…..my daughter could eat a bucket of this and then not eat for a week. I’m going to try your recipe…love your pics, step by step.
Thanks for sharing one of your recipes. 🙂
Sounds like an interesting diet 😉 I hope you and your daughter love this recipe!
I love avocados! My husband finally starting liking it too. I made a salad with it this week and he absolutely raved about it and requested that I make it again. Guacamole is awesome. I really like it with fresh tomato salsa and some sour cream. Yummy! Plus, it’s so perfectly refreshing for summer AND healthy too.
Mmm yes, I do love avocados in salad. It’s nice that they aren’t too pricy right now. It’s a good time to experiment with avocados.
This looks and sounds like an AMAZING recipe!!! My hubby and I love to make and eat guacamole lol.. one of our favorite snacks 🙂 Totally looking forward to trying this recipe! Thanks for sharing it 🙂
Oh we definitely have something in common. I hope you love it as much as we do!! 🙂
Just made this recipe and OMG!!! It’s soooooo yummy! This is a 5 star recipe but I couldn’t get it to put 5.
Thank you Nancy for the awesome review. Sometimes that feature acts up on mobile devices. I’m not sure why. Thank you anyways, I appreciate that you took the time to share your results with me. 🙂