Learn how to cut jalapeno with this simple step-by-step guide. The hot jalapeno pepper can be diced, cubed, minced, chopped, divided, roasted according to the recipe.
And cutting or roasting the jalapenos without hurting yourself needs simple tricks and a plan.
And this guide helps you to understand the jalapeno pepper's framework better and helps to chop without burning yourself.
Actually, I'm hearing some of you, asking do we really need a special post titled as how to cut jalapeno peppers? The answer is yes. Those you have kitchen skills already may aware of the jalapeno's heat. And for some who hands got experienced handling the spices.
This post is for the people, who really want to know how to slice or cut the jalapeno peppers properly without any skin burns. The following instructions work for all types of peppers.
You might need a slice of jalapeno to spice up your drink. Or you may need just the jalapeno meat to flavor up your salsa. On the other hand, some may have plenty in the garden. Whatever the reason is, we all want to know the best proper way to cut the jalapeno without the hot pepper burn.
Why do we need prepping gloves?
The jalapeno peppers are hot and the seeds contain pepper oil called Capsaicin. To our surprise, this capsaicin does not dissolve in water. It turns out as it is hard to get rid of this when it gets in contact with the skin.
It may give a burning sensation for anywhere between 2-6 hours depends on the skin type. The good news is that this total problem is easily avoided just by wearing a pair of gloves. And do not touch face or eyes after handling.
And this applies to all other hot chili pepper varieties, including the jalapeno peppers.
Does everyone need gloves?
Not everyone, the prepping gloves are advisable to those who have sensitive skin. Those you have worked with the peppers before and comfortable with may not require it. I have in the kitchen working with peppers for decades, my skin got used to these pepper oil.
If you are not wearing the gloves, never touch your eyes or face at least for an hour. Because of the hot pepper oil's unique property, it may present in your hand even after washing your hands with water.
What makes the jalapeno pepper hot?
Before getting into the cutting chapter, let's learn the major heat sources of jalapeno. The seeds and the white membrane hold most of the heat. And the top portion of the jalapeno flesh is hotter than the bottom portions.
So proper care needs when dealing with the seeds and the rib.
Why and how to how to deseed?
Removing the seeds is done to remove the heat in a recipe. And an important step in learning how to cut jalapeno peppers. In any recipe, we usually remove the seeds and add them to the dish later to suit our family's heat preference. This gives us more control in deciding the food's spice level.
The seeds can be removed in two ways.
Scooping out. For this divide, the jalapeno into two is lengthwise. Use a spoon, gently glide it from the top to the bottom by applying slight pressure. Repeat once or twice until all the seeds are scooped out.
Our aim is to scoop the links between the white membrane and the green wall. A melon corer works great on scooping out jalapenos heat.
Coring out. For this, make a slice a jalapeno's meat lengthwise without touching the seeds. Then place them on the cutting board gently continue slicing them around the rib and the seeds. This way the seeds are placed intact with the ribs. This turns out as an easy way when tried a couple of times.
Tools needed
Sharp knife. I prefer this knife and like most from this brand.
Cutting board. I use this and happy with so far.
Prepping gloves. Any prepping gloves would work great, like these latex gloves or vinyl gloves.
How to cut jalapeno
Depending on the recipe, we may need the jalapeno pepper in different shades and sizes. Round slices are required to make pickle recipes or for garnishing. Likewise, we need them as minced, chopped, or diced to suit our main dish.
Discs
Run the knife breadthwise, and cut into slices evenly. This is great for making pickles or garnishing food like cornbread. The discs hold the rib and most of the seeds automatically loosen from its rib and fall apart. So, this method of cutting would be best for the recipes that require the flavors of jalapeno and some heat.
Half-moon
This half-moon cut is also done in two styles, with and without seeds. For the spicy version, slit the jalapeno into two, and slice them as semi-circle with the seeds and ribs on. This is good for making salad or sandwiches for the concentrated heat.
For the non-spicy version, cut the jalapeno into two and core the seeds completely. Then slice them into semi-circles. Since the seeds and the ribs are removed, this serves as a flavoring agent with mild heat.
Dicing
Great for making salad or stir-fries. Makes the food looks appetite with its bright green color. For the removal of the seeds, and using a sharp knife chop them into squares. They decide the size of the dice according to the recipe.
Match-stick
This is for mild heat and more flavor. Best for stir-fries or soups. To make perfect match-stick jalapeno, core the seeds as mentioned above, and cut them thinly along the length.
Minced
Ideal addition in most of the spicy recipes like this a Jalapeno peanut brittle. Remove the seeds, and mince them finely using a knife, or a food processor works excellent in here. Add some seeds to increase the heat.
How to store cut jalapeno?
Store the leftover in an air-sealed container in the refrigerator to use within 3 days.
Or freeze to use for 2 months. But note that freezing may soften the flesh of the jalapeno pepper.
For more jalapeno recipe,
Recommended tools for making this recipe
Chef’s Knife. The star of the show for chopping and dicing your jalapenos.
Cutting Board. A sturdy cutting board provides the perfect platform for cutting jalapenos.
Rubber Gloves: An essential safety measure when handling spicy jalapenos. They protect your hands from the burning capsaicin.
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