Spicy Stuffed Jalapeños with Fresh Herbs
Experience a burst of flavor and heat with this tantalizing recipe for Spicy Stuffed Jalapeños, inspired by Soledad Díaz of Oaxaca’s renowned El Topil restaurant. These vibrant peppers are lovingly filled with a creamy mezcla of queso fresco, fresh cilantro, mint, and sweet yellow onion, creating a perfect balance between spice and freshness. Ideal as a bold snack or appetizer, these stuffed jalapeños pair beautifully with mezcal, offering a delightful culinary adventure for those who crave a bit of heat while enjoying a refreshing bite. Prepare to impress your guests with this crowd-pleaser that's both easy to make and irresistibly delicious!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
jalapeños
8 (trimmed and halved)
queso fresco
1/4 lb (crumbled)
cilantro
1/2 cup (chopped)
mint
1/2 cup (chopped)
yellow onion
1 small (chopped)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by wearing rubber gloves to protect your hands from the heat of the jalapeños. Trim the stem ends off the 8 jalapeños and carefully slice them in half lengthwise.
2
2. Using a thin-bladed knife or a spoon, gently scrape out the seeds and veins from each half to reduce the heat level while keeping the flavor.
3
3. In a mixing bowl, combine 1/4 lb of queso fresco, 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro, 1/2 cup of chopped mint, and 1 small chopped yellow onion. Mix until well incorporated, creating a flavorful stuffing.
4
4. Generously stuff each jalapeño half with the herb and cheese mixture, ensuring they are filled to the brim.
5
5. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, place the stuffed jalapeños in the skillet and sauté, turning occasionally, for about 15 minutes or until the peppers are tender and each side is beautifully browned.
6
6. Carefully remove the stuffed jalapeños from the skillet and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Spicy Stuffed Jalapeños with Fresh Herbs.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by Soledad Díaz of Oaxaca’s El Topil restaurant.
How many jalapeños are needed for this dish?
You will need 8 jalapeños.
What type of cheese is used for the stuffing?
The recipe calls for 1/4 lb of queso fresco.
Which fresh herbs are included in the filling?
The filling includes fresh cilantro and mint.
How much cilantro is required?
You need 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro.
How much mint is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of chopped mint.
What kind of onion should be used for the stuffing?
A small chopped yellow onion is used for the mixture.
What safety precaution is recommended when handling the peppers?
It is recommended to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from the heat of the jalapeños.
How should the jalapeños be prepared for stuffing?
Trim the stem ends off and slice them in half lengthwise, then scrape out the seeds and veins.
How is the stuffing mixture prepared?
Combine the queso fresco, cilantro, mint, and yellow onion in a mixing bowl until well incorporated.
How full should the jalapeño halves be stuffed?
They should be generously filled to the brim with the herb and cheese mixture.
What type of skillet is best for cooking these?
A nonstick skillet is recommended.
What cooking method is used for the stuffed jalapeños?
They are sautéed in olive oil over medium-low heat.
How long should the jalapeños cook in the skillet?
They should be sautéed for about 15 minutes.
How do I know when the stuffed peppers are finished cooking?
The peppers are done when they are tender and each side is beautifully browned.
Should the peppers be served immediately after cooking?
They should be allowed to cool slightly before being served warm.
What beverage pairs well with this appetizer?
These stuffed jalapeños pair beautifully with mezcal.
Is this dish considered spicy?
Yes, it is described as a burst of flavor and heat, though removing the seeds and veins helps manage the spice level.
What is the origin of the inspiration for this dish?
The inspiration comes from Oaxaca, Mexico.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: jalapeños, queso fresco, cilantro, mint, yellow onion, and olive oil.
Can this be served as a snack?
Yes, it is ideal as a bold snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
What is the preparation style for the queso fresco?
The queso fresco should be crumbled before mixing.
How much olive oil is needed?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing.
Should the heat be high when sautéing?
No, the recipe suggests using medium-low heat.
Are the seeds kept in the jalapeños?
No, the seeds and veins are scraped out to reduce heat while keeping flavor.
What texture does the filling have?
The filling is described as a creamy mixture of cheese and fresh herbs.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is described as easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
What is the purpose of turning the peppers occasionally while cooking?
Turning them ensures they become tender and brown evenly on all sides.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include jalapeños, stuffed peppers, appetizer, snack, mexican cuisine, queso fresco, fresh herbs, and spicy.