Homemade Wasakaka Sauce That Makes Everything Taste Better
Bright citrus, fresh peppers, herbs, onion and savory seasonings come together in this bold homemade wasakaka. Spoon it over roasted chicken, grilled meats, vegetables, plantains and rice for a serious burst of flavor.
If you have ever eaten juicy roasted chicken with a sharp, herb-packed Caribbean sauce on the side, you already understand why wasakaka is so addictive. The version shown in the video uses plenty of fresh lime, sliced red onion, colorful peppers and herbs along with olive oil, bouillon and seasonings.
The beauty of this sauce is that it does not need a complicated cooking process. Most of the flavor comes from combining bright, fresh ingredients and allowing them to mingle. The longer the sauce rests, the more the onion, peppers and herbs perfume the liquid.
Below, I have broken down a practical homemade version inspired by the preparation shown in the video, plus the identifiable pantry products used during the preparation.
What Is Wasakaka?
Wasakaka is a punchy Caribbean-style condiment commonly associated with Dominican cooking. There are many household variations, but fresh citrus, garlic and herbs are recurring flavors.
This particular style is especially colorful because sliced onion, peppers and herbs are placed directly into the bottle or container. That gives the sauce a beautiful homemade appearance while allowing those ingredients to continue flavoring the liquid.
Wasakaka Ingredients
The amounts below make a balanced batch. Because homemade wasakaka varies from kitchen to kitchen, taste it before serving and adjust the citrus, salt and seasoning to suit your preference.
- About ½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- ⅓ to ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2–3 fresh garlic cloves, sliced or crushed
- Small red and green peppers, thinly sliced
- Fresh rosemary or other aromatic herbs
- ¼–½ teaspoon chicken bouillon
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Fine sea salt, to taste
- Optional: a splash of vinegar for extra tang
Start light with the bouillon and salt. Bouillon already contains sodium, so taste the mixture before adding additional salt.
Products Used for This Wasakaka
These are the identifiable packaged ingredients seen during preparation. Click any product to check its current Amazon availability.
California Olive Ranch Global Blend Extra Virgin Olive Oil
The green-label extra virgin olive oil visible in the preparation. It helps round out the sharp citrus and creates a smoother, more balanced sauce.
Check on Amazon → Amazon ASIN: B005CT8R90
Maggi Granulated Chicken Flavor Bouillon
A small amount adds concentrated savory flavor. Start with a little and taste before adding more because the seasoning is already salty.
Check on Amazon → Amazon ASIN: B0000KC2CY
Badia Ground Black Pepper
Ground black pepper gives the citrus mixture a subtle warm bite without hiding the fresh flavor of the lime and herbs.
Check on Amazon → Amazon ASIN: B004E5KGRE
La Baleine Fine Sea Salt
Fine sea salt dissolves quickly into the citrus mixture. Add it only after tasting the bouillon-seasoned sauce.
Check on Amazon → Amazon ASIN: B000VHNOSMProduct availability, package size and pricing can change on Amazon. Always verify the listing before purchasing.
How to Make Wasakaka
Squeeze the fresh lime
Cut the limes in half and squeeze enough juice to make roughly half a cup. Fresh juice gives the sauce the bright flavor that bottled lime juice usually cannot match.
Add the savory seasonings
Add a small amount of Maggi chicken bouillon, ground black pepper and a light pinch of sea salt. Stir until the seasoning is distributed throughout the lime juice.
Whisk in the olive oil
Slowly add the extra virgin olive oil while whisking or stirring. The oil softens the acidity and gives the sauce a richer mouthfeel. You do not need to create a perfectly stable emulsion.
Prepare the fresh vegetables
Thinly slice the red onion and peppers. Slice or lightly crush the garlic so that its flavor can infuse the liquid without turning the entire sauce into garlic paste.
Add the herbs and vegetables to the bottle
Place the onion, peppers, garlic and aromatic herbs into a clean glass bottle or jar. A narrow bottle creates the attractive layered appearance seen in the video.
Pour in the seasoned citrus mixture
Use a funnel if necessary. Pour the liquid mixture over the vegetables until they are mostly submerged. Seal the container and gently turn it several times to distribute everything.
Let the flavors develop
Give the sauce at least 30 minutes before serving. For stronger onion, pepper and herb flavor, refrigerate it for several hours before using.
How to Get the Flavor Just Right
If your sauce tastes too sharp, add a little more olive oil. If it tastes flat, another squeeze of lime may be all it needs. If you want additional savory depth, increase the bouillon very gradually.
Pepper lovers can use hotter peppers, while a milder version works beautifully with sweet red and green peppers. Leaving the peppers in larger strips gives the bottle a colorful presentation without releasing as much heat.
What to Eat With Wasakaka
The bright acidity makes this sauce especially good with rich or roasted foods. A few spoonfuls can completely change a simple meal.
How to Store Homemade Wasakaka
Because this version contains fresh onion, garlic, peppers and herbs, keep it refrigerated in a clean sealed container rather than leaving it at room temperature.
The olive oil may become cloudy or partially solid in the refrigerator. That is normal. Let the container sit briefly at room temperature and shake it before serving.
For best quality, prepare smaller batches that can be enjoyed while the citrus and herbs still taste fresh.
Easy Homemade Wasakaka Sauce
A fresh citrus, herb, onion and pepper sauce inspired by the colorful Dominican-style preparation shown in the video.
Ingredients
- ½ cup fresh lime juice
- ⅓–½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2–3 garlic cloves
- Red and green peppers, thinly sliced
- A few sprigs fresh aromatic herbs
- ¼–½ teaspoon chicken bouillon, or to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Fine sea salt, as needed
- Optional splash of vinegar
Instructions
- Squeeze the fresh limes into a measuring cup.
- Stir in chicken bouillon and ground black pepper.
- Taste before adding any additional salt.
- Whisk the olive oil into the seasoned lime juice.
- Thinly slice the onion, peppers and garlic.
- Place the sliced vegetables and herbs into a clean glass bottle or jar.
- Using a funnel, pour the lime and olive oil mixture into the container.
- Seal and gently shake or rotate the bottle.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
- Shake before serving and adjust lime, pepper or seasoning to taste.
Recipe Notes
Homemade wasakaka recipes differ from household to household, so use these measurements as a starting point rather than rigid rules. For extra heat, add hotter peppers. For a softer sauce, increase the olive oil slightly.
Wasakaka Recipe FAQ
What does wasakaka taste like?
This version is tangy, savory, herbal and slightly peppery. Fresh lime provides acidity while olive oil softens the citrus and creates a fuller flavor.
Is wasakaka spicy?
It can be, but it does not have to be. Mild peppers create flavor and color without much heat. Hot peppers can be added when you want a spicier sauce.
Can I make wasakaka without chicken bouillon?
Yes. Bouillon adds savory depth, but you can leave it out and season the sauce with salt, herbs and additional garlic instead.
Why does the olive oil become cloudy in the refrigerator?
Olive oil can become cloudy or partially solid when chilled. Let the container warm slightly and shake it before serving.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, a short resting period gives the onion, peppers, garlic and herbs time to flavor the liquid. Keep homemade sauce containing fresh ingredients refrigerated.
What is the best food to serve with wasakaka?
Roasted chicken is an excellent match, but the sauce also works with grilled meats, seafood, rice, beans, vegetables and plantains.
Stock Your Kitchen for the Recipe
The Maggi chicken bouillon used in this style of wasakaka adds an easy savory boost to the citrus and herb mixture.
See Maggi Chicken Bouillon on Amazon →
