Hot sauce
I’m a long time hot sauce fan since the first time my uncle dabbed a little Tabasco on his fried fish. Actually… I think before that my mother was in the habit of putting Yi Pin on her wings from the Chinese spot (New Yorkers know what I mean). Anyway I’ve been a hot sauce guy for longer than I even really know. It wasn’t til maybe 10 years or so ago that I started really really getting into it. It started with wings then buying and trying out different sauces I’d find while I was out. I still remember and enjoy one of those first sauces that got me thinking of and considering hot sauce as a serious condiment. But this isn’t one of those sauces.
This is Don Rafael’s hot sauce. Product of Puerto Rico and perhaps my favorite hot sauce since I’ve tried it for the first time 2 years ago. Don Rafael has a looooong line of hot sauces in a variety of flavor and spice profiles, ranging from lemon and ginger (I hate it, tastes like soap) to avocado and coriander (pretty good flavor, not hot) and roasted garlic (great flavor, mild heat). But the one I want to talk about today, and my personal favorite is their Fire sauce (https://donrafaelpr.com/products/fire-don-rafael).
I’m not a fan of hour sauces that are hot for its own sake but Don Rafael’s Fire sauce is the perfect blend of flavor and heat. I’ve posted a picture of the ingredients and while it lists pineapple and oregano as the stand out ingredients (from other hot sauces at least) I wouldn’t describe it as sweet and it hits a perfect not of savory to enhance many different kinds of dishes.
Flavor:
Don Rafael’s Fire sauce has a very even flavor. As you can see from the ingredient list it’s kept very simple and straight forward. I’ve found the sauce goes well on just about any chicken dish, but is less flexible with beef dishes (I haven’t found a beef dish I like it on yet) and I haven’t tried it on fish (frankly doesn’t seem like it’d be good on fish). As an example I love to throw some of this in halal cart style grilled chicken, the oregano goes with the oregano already present in the dish and the subtle citrus flavor brings forward the background notes of the chicken and its spices. I’ve found that it works well as part of a marinade too though it does kind of dictate the final flavor profile.
Heat:
I wouldn’t describe this hot sauce as blindingly hot, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t hot. It’s an even heat. I described it as the perfect balance of flavor and heat and I meant that. The heat is compliment to the flavor and somehow never seems to outpace it. Which is to say that, obviously adding more sauce will increase
Se heat but the flavor never seems excessive or overpowering at the same time. The heat washes over the entire tongue, but I’d say it’s more front of mouth than back of throat and it’s a slow and steady build up to an easy wind down. Experienced hot sauce connoisseurs won’t be overwhelmed at all but will certainly be pleased and new comers will find the heat level easy to measure with each dollop.
Overall:
This sauce is more of a flavor sauce than a heat sauce but it can definitely bring the latter if applied appropriately. For experienced hot sauce lovers I would recommend applying liberally to your favorite sautéed, grilled, or baked chicken dish. You’ll find that the flavor of the habaneros, black pepper and oregano compliment it well and the citrus will raise up whatever herbs and spices you’ve chosen to include yourself. For new hot sauce enjoyers this is a great entry point and will easily earn its place on your shelf. Start slow. Dab a little on your finger to see how you like it and add slowly to whatever you’re eating until you get an idea of what heat level works for you.
This is a mainstay in my hot sauce collection and I always order in multiples when I need to reup. Unfortunately I can’t vouch for Don Rafael’s entire collection (not for lack of trying) and I know the Puerto Rico shipping might make it a tough sell for just one hot sauce but if this review is enough to pique your interest, I would highly recommend their “roasted garlic” and “pique”. Both are great for very different reasons and I would be happy to elaborate for anyone who wants to know more. To check out Don Rafael’s entire collection and maybe even order a botttle or two check them out here: https://donrafaelpr.com/
by mykleins