Like a little heat in your dip? Then you’ll love this spicy guacamole recipe! It’s full of flavo,r and gets its heat from jalapeños peppers. We love Mexican food in California and so guacamole is present at nearly every BBQ, game day or even just a simple get together. There are just as many ways to make it as there are cooks! This version has plenty of tangy lime juice, shallots in place of green or white onions and a nice kick of garlic. (This post was originally published on August 10th, 2016, and updated on February 27th, 2025)

What is a molcajete?

My daughter gave me a molcajete for my birthday one year. This Meso-American food vessel has been used for thousands of years. It pre-dates Mexico as we know it, and was used by the Aztec and Mayan cultures. It can be used to grind spices, make salsa or guacamole. It’s retains heat well, since it’s made out of basalt. But I can’t imagine cooking anything it in since it’s fairly small. Not only can you prepare the guacamole in it, it’s perfect for serving too!

Ingredients for this spicy guacamole recipe

This recipe serves at least 8 people. I used half of a large jalapeño, but if you remove the seeds and ribs, you can tone down the heat considerably.

ingredients for Jalapeno Shallot Guacamole — Avocados, shallots, jalapeño, lime and garlic go into this spicy guacamole.

3 ripe avocados
2 shallots minced
3 cloves garlic minced
1/2 or more jalapeño, minced
Juice of 1 1/2 limes
Kosher salt and pepper to taste.

How to make spicy guacamole

In a bowl, coarsely mash avocado. Add lime juice.

Preparing Jalapeno Shallot Guacamole — Just a squeeze of lime.

Mince shallots, garlic and jalapeños. Add to avocados.

Mix just until everything is incorporated. Don’t over-mix.

Just a squeeze of lime prevents the avocados from turning brown.

Check for seasoning, adding more lime juice or jalapeño if desired.

Keeping Guacamole fresh

One thing that drives everyone crazy is keeping guacamole fresh. It will oxidize and turn turn brown when air is exposed to it. While it’s best to eat immediately, when prepping for a party, it’s easier to make it in advance. I like to do two things. First smooth the top off and squeeze a bit more lime juice over the surface. Then put a piece of plastic wrap over the guacamole making sure there’s no bubbles where air can get in. Just before serving, peel of plastic and stir in the lime juice

What to serve with guacamole

Margaritas and guacamole and chips are a classic combination. I have the Classic 3-2-1 Margarita recipe as well as a Mango Margarita and Lemon Margarita recipe.

Salsa Fresca and classic Guacamole are a perfect match!

Salsa fresca is a quick, easy, and fresh homemade salsa. This easy salsa recipe is a great way to use fresh garden tomatoes.

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