How to Make Zhug/Skhug [Yemeni Hot Sauce Recipe]

Kick up your spice game with this traditional Zhug or Skhug Recipe, a Yemen-inspired hot sauce recipe. All you need is some oil, peppers, herbs and spices and you have flavorful additional to all sorts of meals!

It’s taken me over a year to post this recipe! I wish I had a good excuse but to be honest life just happened and I kind of put it on the back burner. But it was inspired by a meal C and I had in Portland in the fall of 2019. We tried out an amazing Israeli restaurant there called Shalom Y’all (highly recommend!) and I fell in love with their zhug recipe – although they spell is “s’hug”. I pretty much mixed it with everything from roasted cauliflower to grilled Octopus. It was to-die-for!

I asked the server before we left if he had the recipe. He said it didn’t but he believed it was a blend of grapeseed oil, peppers, parsley and spices. And so I did a little research, played around with amounts and landed on this zhug sauce which I’m in love with. C and I have been putting it on just about everything (more suggestions below!) and I knew it was time to share the recipe with you. Better late than never!

What is Zhug or Skhug?

Zhug is a traditional Yemeni hot sauce condiment that is typically a blend of oil, hot peppers and spices. It comes in two varities: green and red. It has been adapted across the Middle East so you can find a version of this zhug recipe in many middle eastern cultures.

A more traditional version would use whole spices that you grind with a mortal and pestle but for those of you who are short on time and/or don’t have whole spices, this zhug recipe calls for ground spices. Note: sometimes zhug is also spelled “shug”, “skhug” or “zhoug”.

Here’s what you need to make skhug:

• Grapeseed oil – a traditional middle eastern oil that also has a more neutral taste. If you can’t find grapeseed oil you can replace it with extra virgin olive oil
• Serrano peppers – for heat! If you like things slightly less spicy you can remove the seeds. Jalapeños also work great.
• Parsley – just cut off the thick stems at the bottom but no need to chop the leaf. Go big! Use the whole bunch. You can also use fresh cilantro if you prefer it.
• Garlic – Use fresh garlic cloves, minced.
• Spices – cumin, coriander, turmeric and of course, salt!

How To Make Skhug [Recipe Instructions]

This zhug recipe is so simple to make. You pretty much just need to gather your ingredients, add to a blender or food processor and then store in a container. The key is to use quality ingredients.

STEP 1: Gather all your ingredients and add them to a blender (a food processor also works).

STEP 2: Blend until smooth and then store in a glass or sealable jar in the fridge.

How to Store Skhug Sauce

Your zhug sauce recipe will save in the fridge for up to 1 month. Just make sure you store it in a sealed container. The zhug sauce will thicken in the fridge. I personally don’t mind the thickness but if you prefer a thinner hot sauce you can thin it out with a little water before use.

Red Zhug vs. Green Zhug

Typically zhug can be either green or red. I personally prefer the flavor of green zhug (who doesn’t love a good dose of parsley?!) but red zhug is just as delicious and easy to make.

To make red zhug:

-replace your serrano peppers with hot red peppers (cayenne pepper would be a good substitute)

-omit the parsley

Otherwise all other ingredients will remain the same and store in the fridge for up to 1 month.

How to Use Zhoug Sauce

So now that we know how to make zhoug sauce, what do you pair it with? Honestly, I pair it with everything. Use it as liberally as you would use hot sauce. Here are some suggestions:

-Add a dollop to your shakshuka – even better, green shakshuka!

-Thin out with a bit of water and drizzle some roasted cauliflower or other roasted veggies

-Mix in with your avocado toast for a little kick

-As a dip for pita bread (here’s how to make homemade pita!) or veggies.

-The perfect dipping sauce for your meat or protein – rotisserie chicken or steak anyone?!

-Top onto a falafel burger or falafel bowl!

No matter how you eat it, just promise me you’ll savor it and enjoy it!

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Like this recipe? Here are some others you might enjoy:

• Green Shakshuka
• Roasted Vegetables with Tahini
• Greek Chicken Gyros
• Fattoush Salad with Grilled Chicken