The Secret Ingredient I Always Use To Make the Best Guacamole

Guacamole is not a complicated dip. In my opinion, less is more—you just need a few key ingredients to make a top-tier recipe, and anything else is optional.

There are a few ingredients that you see often, like limes, salt, and onions. I always add a hefty portion of fresh cilantro, and I love some spice, so I add that too—usually in the form of habaneros. 

But here’s one secret trick I always turn to no matter the situation, and it gets people to remember your guacamole. It combines a little citrus and a little spice—two things that are a must for a great, memorable recipe.

My Secret Ingredient for Guacamole

My secret ingredient is technically two ingredients combined into one. In addition to fresh lime juice—which I always add—I also reach for fresh orange juice.

Before I squeeze an orange over my avocados, I dice up a habanero as finely as possible and combine the two in a blender to make what is essentially spicy orange juice. The result is a deeper, brighter flavor that you don’t always get with lemon or lime alone.

Tips and Tricks

• A blender is key. An immersion blender, in a deep bowl, or a full-size blender both work. The key is to infuse the fresh orange juice with spice, so when you add this ingredient to your guacamole, the blended, zesty juice coats the guacamole in the best way.
• How much should you use? If you’re wondering how much you need, the answer depends on how much guacamole you’re making. For yourself and a couple of people, you don’t need more than an orange or two, and depending on your spice tolerance, maybe just a single habanero. I go with a couple because the acid of the orange juice will help balance the heat of a pepper. 
• Make a little more than you need. There’s no harm in making extra. This ingredient is really something you should add a little at a time, tasting and adding more until you find your sweet spot. Plus, orange juice and habaneros can work for other recipes, like marinades for chicken or shrimp, glazes for pork or vegetables, and even as a spicy orange vinaigrette for salads.
• Change out the peppers. If you think habaneros will be too spicy for your tastebuds, the same result can be achieved with a less spicy pepper like jalapeños, poblanos, or Anaheim peppers. Either way, your guacamole will benefit from a little spice-infused orange juice.