Clean and dry the jalapeƱo peppers. Remove the stems and seeds and cut the peppers in half lengthwise.
Peel and chop the garlic cloves.
In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped jalapeno peppers, garlic, and ginger. These ingredients provide the heat and spice, pungent flavor, and a zesty kick to the sauce.
Add lime juice, sugar, fish sauce, vinegar, and salt to the blender or food processor.
Lime juice adds tanginess, sugar balances the heat with sweetness, fish sauce provides umami and saltiness, and vinegar adds acidity.
Blend the ingredients until you have a smooth paste.
Optional: Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, pushing it through with a spatula or spoon. This will remove any large chunks of pepper or garlic and give you a smoother sauce.
Pour the paste into a saucepan and heat it over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
This will help thicken the sauce.
Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan while continuously stirring the sauce. Cook it for an additional 3-4 minutes or until it achieves your desired consistency.
Allow the sauce to cool down before transferring it to a sterilized jar or a squeeze bottle. Store the sriracha sauce in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Serve the sauce as a condiment or dipping sauce for various dishes, such as pho, noodle dishes, or grilled meats.