The Strategy
When y'all are working with fiery jalapeños or other hot peppers, you've got to treat them with a whole lot of respect. Those hot oils can stick to your fingers and make you cry if you touch your eyes, so wearing kitchen gloves is a mighty smart idea. If you want to keep the heat friendly, make sure to scrape away all those white ribs and seeds where the fire lives.
Technique Summary
Keeping your hands protected with gloves is the smartest way to prep spicy peppers without any unwanted burns. Scraping away the inner seeds and pale ribs keeps the flavor bright and the heat friendly for everyone at the table.
Chef’s Checkpoints
- The pepper halves are completely cleared of seeds and spongy white inner membrane.
- The air stays clear of spicy, throat-irritating fumes while you slice.
- Hands remain cool and free of any lingering burning sensation after prep is complete.