Complex taste with simple ingredients, smoky Charred Jalapeño-Lime Guacamole is fabulous as a snack or appetizer. Schmear on tacos or toast, or dollop on your favorite Mexican inspired soup or enchiladas! This recipe is vegetarian, vegan and easily gluten free.

Overhead shot of Charred Jalapeño-Lime Guacamole topped with cilantro and tomatoes.

Recipe Inspiration

During my trip to Texas this summer, a new guacamole recipe was the last thing on my radar. I mean, I’ve been making guacamole for what seems like forever. How in the world could there be another new-to-me way to prepare it?

This one blew my socks off.

It was in a taco bar where I discovered it. My Ma, Dad, Aunt and I shared it over the most scrumptious tacos. But really, it was the Jalapeno-Lime Guacamole that stole my heart.

Charring jalapenos on an open flame, stove top. Mashing the avocado in a bowl.

Two Ways to Charr the Jalapeños

I’ve included two different charring methods in the recipe:

in the oven under the broiler
on a gas range or grill (open flame)

I use a gas range when charring one or two jalapeño as it’s pretty easy to manage. However, when I have three or more, I typically to turn on the broiler. It’s just easier to manage.

The key flavor in this simple guacamole recipe comes from the smokiness charring the jalapeños yields. These smokey notes take ordinary guacamole over the top and of course the spiciness from the jalapeños is a mouthwatering bonus. Add two if you’re into spicy things!

How to Make Guacamole

A recipe to have in your back pocket, in summary, here’s how to make this easy jalapeno guacamole (see recipe card for details):

First, charr the jalapeños by roasting in the oven or on a stovetop gas flame
Second, cut the avocado, discard the skin and seed. Scoop out the flesh, put it in a bowl, add the spices, salt, and lime.
Next, mash the avocado using a fork or small potato masher.
Last, fold in chopped jalapeños and cilantro.

A bowl of guacamole surrounded by chips and cucumbers.

Avocado Buying Tips

To find the perfect avocado, choose firm avocados that do not yield to finger pressure. They’re not ripe at this stage, and while this takes some planning, it ensures that the avocado isn’t bruised or have soft spots.

When ripening at home, place them in a basket or on the counter at room temperature and check on them about every other day until they yield to gentile pressure. This is when I put them in the refrigerator. Here, they’ll stay chilled, and ready to use and it slows the ripening processes allowing me to use them as needed within about a 4-5 days.

I still get stringy avocados occasionally, but I find bruising and uneven ripening is reduced and they store longer.

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Charred Jalapeño-Lime Guacamole Recipe

5 stars (from 2 ratings)

By Traci York

Prep: 10

Total: 10

Servings: 4

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Ingredients

▢ 1 Jalapeño , use two for extra spicy or if the jalapeños are mild
▢ 2 Large Avocados
▢ 1/2 tsp Garlic Granuals, or 2 tsp fresh minced garlic
▢ 1/2 tsp Fine Sea Salt, or adjust to taste
▢ 1 1/2 Tbs Fresh Lime Juice
▢ 2 Tbs Fresh Cilantro, chopped

Instructions

For Charring the Jalapeño(s):
A. On Gas Stove-Top or Grill: Char on the grate over an open flame, using a pair of tongs to rotate the jalapeño(s) as needed to char all sides, about 5-10 minutes total. It's okay if the flame touches the jalapeño, just keep your eye on it. Remove from stove or grill and cool. There's no need to peel the skin of the jalapeño. Remove the stem and finely mince the jalapeño(s), including the seeds which may be removed for a less spicy flavor (I leave them in).
OR
B. In Oven: Set the oven rack to the top setting. Preheat oven to broil. Place the jalapeños on a small sheet pan and into the oven. Char the jalapeño(s), turning them to get all sides blackened for about 5-10 minutes. Remove from oven and cool. Remove the stem and finely mince the jalapeño(s), including the seeds which may be removed for a less spicy flavor (I leave them in).
Scoop out the flesh of the avocados. In a medium bowl, add the avocado flesh, garlic, salt, lime juice and minced jalapeño(s). Use a potato masher to mash until some chunks remain, or make it extra creamy my continuing to mash. Stir in the fresh chopped cilantro. Allowing to set for at least an hour allows the flavors to marry.

Notes

*Recipe doubles with ease.

Avocado Tips: To find the perfect avocado, I choose avocados that are firm, that do not yield to finger pressure. They're not ripe at this stage, but I like to ripen at home. While this takes some planning ahead, it ensures that the avocado isn't bruised or have soft spots. When ripening at home, I place them in a basket at room temperature and check on them about every other day until they yield to gentile pressure. This is when I put them in the refrigerator. Here, they'll stay chilled and it slows the ripening processes allowing me to use them as needed within about a 4-5 days.

Charring Jalapeños: I typically char 3-4 jalapeño at a time and freeze any remaining for use in salsa, pepita crema or tomatillo salsa. Simply char and cool the jalapeño. Freeze them individually on a sheet pan. Once frozen, transfer the jalapeño to a storage container. Thaw when ready to use.