Chamoy

Chamoy is a medium Mexican recipe that serves 6. 80 calories per serving. Recipe by Rick Bayless on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr

Cost: $18.00 total, $3.00 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Dried Hibiscus Flowers (coarsely packed, gives bright red color and tang)
  • 6 oz Dried Apricots (roughly 1 cup, stems removed)
  • 1.5 cup Water (for simmering and rehydrating)
  • 2 Guajillo Chilies (seeds removed, provides mild fruit‑chili flavor)
  • 4 Arbol Chilies (whole, adds heat)
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (balances sour and salty notes)
  • 3 tablespoon Tajín (Mexican chili‑lime‑salt seasoning)
  • 6 tablespoon Lime Juice (freshly squeezed Mexican limes)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (adjusts overall seasoning)

Instructions

  1. Measure and Prepare Ingredients

    Gather all dried and fresh ingredients. Remove seeds from the guajillo chilies and set aside. Measure hibiscus, apricots, water, chilies, sugar, Tajín, lime juice, and salt.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Simmer and Steep

    Place the hibiscus flowers, dried apricots, water, guajillo chilies, and arbol chilies in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes. Cover and let sit off‑heat for 30 minutes until the hibiscus and apricots are fully rehydrated and the mixture is dark red.

    Time: PT35M

    Temperature: 100°C

  3. Blend the Base

    Transfer the hot mixture to the blender. Add the sugar and Tajín. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth, about 1–2 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Strain for a Silky Texture

    Pour the blended liquid through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl, using the back of a spoon to press out as much liquid as possible. Discard the remaining solids.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Finish with Lime and Salt

    Stir in the fresh lime juice and the additional teaspoon of salt. Taste and adjust salt or sugar if needed.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Cool and Store

    Transfer the finished chamoy to a clean glass jar. Let cool to room temperature, then seal and refrigerate.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
80
Protein
0 g
Carbohydrates
20 g
Fat
0 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free, Nut‑Free

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Chamoy

Recipe by Rick Bayless

A vibrant, sweet‑spicy‑salty Mexican condiment made from dried hibiscus, apricots, chilies, lime, and Tajín. Perfect as a dip for fresh fruit, a drizzle for sorbet, or a flavor boost for snacks.

MediumMexicanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
20m
Prep
35m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 5m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$18.00
Total cost
$3.00
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Steeping the hibiscus and apricots for full flavor and color extraction.
  • Blending while the mixture is warm to achieve a completely smooth puree.
  • Straining to remove any remaining chili skins or hibiscus fragments.

Safety Warnings

  • The simmering liquid is very hot; handle the saucepan with oven mitts.
  • Chili seeds can irritate eyes and skin; wash hands after handling.
  • Hibiscus dye can stain clothing and countertops; wear an apron.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of chamoy in Mexican cuisine?

A

Chamoy originated from Japanese immigrants in Mexico who adapted the Japanese plum‑preserve "umeboshi" using local ingredients like hibiscus and dried apricots. Over time it became a beloved Mexican street‑food condiment, prized for its sweet‑spicy‑salty‑tangy profile.

cultural
Q

What traditional regional variations of chamoy exist within Mexican cuisine?

A

In northern Mexico, chamoy often includes tamarind for extra sourness, while in central regions it may be thicker and sweeter using more dried fruit. Some coastal versions add sea salt and fresh chiltepin for a briny kick.

cultural
Q

How is authentic chamoy traditionally served in Mexico?

A

Authentic chamoy is spooned over fresh fruit such as mango, pineapple, or watermelon, and it is also drizzled on shaved ice (raspados) and on snack sticks like mango on a stick sold by street vendors.

cultural
Q

During which celebrations or occasions is chamoy commonly used in Mexican culture?

A

Chamoy is a staple at summer festivals, fairs, and family gatherings where fresh fruit is served. It also appears at Día de los Muertos altars as a colorful garnish for fruit offerings.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients define traditional chamoy versus modern commercial versions?

A

Traditional chamoy relies on dried hibiscus (jamaica), dried apricots or plums, natural chilies, lime juice, and Tajín. Commercial versions often replace hibiscus with artificial coloring and add high‑fructose corn syrup for sweetness.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican dishes pair well with homemade chamoy?

A

Chamoy pairs beautifully with mango con chile, elote (Mexican street corn), fruit salads, and even as a glaze for grilled shrimp or chicken tacos.

cultural
Q

How has chamoy evolved over time in Mexican street food culture?

A

Originally a small‑batch condiment made at home, chamoy grew popular in the 1970s with the rise of packaged sauces. Today, artisanal makers return to the original hibiscus‑based recipes, emphasizing natural ingredients and less artificial additives.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making homemade chamoy?

A

Common errors include over‑boiling the hibiscus (which darkens the color), forgetting to remove guajillo seeds (causing bitterness), and not straining the puree, which leaves a gritty texture.

technical
Q

How do I know when the chamoy is done and ready to blend?

A

The mixture is ready when the hibiscus and apricots are fully softened, the liquid is a deep ruby color, and the chilies have released their flavor—usually after a 30‑minute steep following a brief boil.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Rick Bayless specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Rick Bayless focuses on authentic Mexican cooking, showcasing traditional techniques, regional ingredients, and modern twists while emphasizing cultural storytelling and culinary education.

channel

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