First, give them a good wash and dry them completely. Water is the enemy of good frozen peppers because it creates big, ugly ice crystals. Pat them with a towel like you’re tucking them in for a nap.
Then, you have a choice. You can freeze them whole, which is lazy and awesome. Just toss them in a freezer bag, squeeze out the air, and you’re done. This is for when you’re in a hurry and you know you’ll just dice them later.
6 Amazing Ways to Freeze Jalapeno Peppers | Freezing jalapenos in the
My favorite method is to dice them first. Chop them into little rings or bits, spread them on a baking sheet lined with wax paper, and freeze for an hour. This is called flash freezing, and it stops them from clumping into one spicy ice brick. Then, pour the loose pieces into a bag. Now you can grab a handful whenever you want.
A Little Tip for the Spice-Averse
If you’re a little nervous about heat, here’s a pro move. The seeds and white membranes hold most of the fire. Before freezing, slice the peppers open and scrape out the insides. You’ll get all the green, grassy flavor with way less burn. It’s like ordering a jalapeño with the training wheels on.
Also, wear gloves! I learned this the hard way after rubbing my eye an hour later. That’s a mistake you only make once. Your eyeballs will thank you for a little plastic barrier.
