Popcorn is a light and delightful treat that pairs well with lots of seasonings and spices, thanks to its relatively neutral flavor. While purists often claim that the only adornment popcorn needs is butter, there's another addition that can really turn up the heat. Adding hot sauce to popcorn creates a spicy, crunchy treat that soars to flavor heights plain popcorn is incapable of reaching.
Hot sauce on popcorn actually has origins in the beloved Mexican street food, con salsa. This snack can also feature lime juice, which adds some bright acidity to further accentuate the spicy flavor. As for how much hot sauce to add, that's completely up to you.
More hot sauce naturally means more heat, but keep in mind that more sauce also makes for a messier snack. In this case, it helps to keep some napkins handy while you enjoy your spicy treat. You'll also need to consider which hot sauce is best for your upgraded popcorn.
Types of hot sauce to enhance your popcorn Hot sauce gets its kick from capsaicin, a chemical found in peppers of all varieties. However, hot sauces can also contain additional ingredients, such as vinegar or even sugar, which means that flavor profiles vary from brand to brand. For example, sriracha is a popular sauce that hails from Thailand and features garlic, which gives it a bit of depth.
Chile lime hot sauce is another option if you want to maintain the original palomitas con salsa flavor. Certain types of hot sauce, such as those made in the Louisiana style.