How To Dice a Jalapeño

An easy way to add some heat to recipes is adding some jalapeño. Their intensity can range from mild to medium-hot, so depending on your taste, add a little or a lot for a spicy kick. Here are the ins and outs on how to dice a jalapeño for adding to salsa, guacamole or dips.

The Right Knife

Because of a jalapeño's waxy exterior, a sharp knife is a must. Also, choose a knife with a blade that is the right size for the pepper. Cutco’s 3″ Gourmet Paring Knife is a good choice, since most jalapeños are typically two to four inches long.

The knife is sharp and easy to hold when cutting small peppers.

The Heat of a Jalapeño

If you’re concerned about the irritating capsaicin compound from jalapeños that causes a burning sensation on your hands, feel free to wear food-safe gloves while cutting.

The seeds and ribs of jalapeños are what really packs the heat. So if you’re hoping to tone them down, fully remove them before using. Also, peppers with striations on them tend to have more heat, so avoid jalapeños with those stretch marks.

How To Dice a Jalapeño

1. Using a 3″ Gourmet Paring Knife trim off the stem end of the jalapeño.
2. Using a tunnel grip, cut the pepper in half lengthwise.
3. Remove the seeds using a teaspoon.
4. Lay the halves flat on the cutting board and cut into strips.
5. Rotate the jalapeño and cut crosswise to dice.

Jalapeño Recipes

Try one of these jalapeños recipes from Cutco:

Jalapeño Popper and Bacon Dip

Taco Dip With Tomatoes, Jalapeños and Sliced Olives

Creamy Avocado Dip With Lime Juice and Jalapeño