Signature Guacamole

This Mexican-style guacamole pairs creamy avocado with lime, fresh coriander and tomato, with chipotle Tabasco adding a smoky kick. It takes just five minutes to make and works as a dip or a fresh topping.
Ingredients
- 2 mediumripe avocados
- Juice of 1lime
- 120 ml (½ cup)fresh coriander, chopped
- 1 mediumtomato, seeds removed and chopped
- 4 dashes, or to tasteTabasco Chipotle hot sauce
- ¼ teaspoonsalt
Instructions
- 1
Mash the avocados
Put the avocados in a bowl and mash them to your preferred texture; aim for mostly smooth with a few chunks if you like.
- 2
Stir in the flavourings
Mix in the lime juice, coriander, tomato, hot sauce and salt. Add more hot sauce if you want a spicier guacamole.
What is guacamole?
Guacamole is a Mexican avocado dip, often served with tortilla chips or alongside other dishes. Avocado gives it a creamy base, while lime and fresh ingredients bring brightness and contrast.
This quick version includes chopped tomato and coriander, with chipotle Tabasco for smoky heat. Mashing the avocado first lets you choose how chunky the finished dip will be.
Nutrition and macros by portion
The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 166 calories, 2g protein, 9g carbs, 0g fat.
| Portion | Adjustment | kcal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lighter | Smaller avocado portion | 116 kcal | 1g | 6g | 0g |
| This serving | As written | 166 kcal | 2g | 9g | 0g |
| Hungry | Serve with extra chips | 249 kcal | 3g | 14g | 0g |
The avocado provides most of the energy and fat, while the tomato and lime contribute some of the carbohydrates; this recipe contains little protein. Serve a portion with a protein-rich dish and extra vegetables to balance the plate.
Choosing the ingredients
Ripe avocados: They should yield gently when pressed, without feeling mushy. Unripe fruit is harder to mash and has a firmer texture.
Tomato and coriander: Remove the tomato seeds so they add less moisture, then chop the flesh and coriander finely enough to distribute through the dip.
Chipotle Tabasco: The sauce brings heat and a smoky note. Start with the stated four dashes, then adjust to taste.
Getting the texture right
Mash the avocado before adding the other ingredients so you can control its texture. Stop when it is as smooth or chunky as you prefer.
Fold in the tomato and coriander rather than mashing them into the avocado. This helps keep their pieces distinct in the finished dip.
Balancing lime and heat
Lime juice adds a sharp counterpoint to the rich avocado. Stir it through evenly so each scoop has a balanced flavour.
Hot sauce varies in strength, so taste before adding extra. A little more can make the chipotle flavour more pronounced as well as raising the heat.
Serving ideas
Serve the guacamole with tortilla chips, or spoon it alongside tacos, quesadillas or grilled vegetables. It also makes a fresh topping for beans or a simple rice bowl.
If serving it as part of a meal, pair it with a protein-rich main and additional vegetables for a more rounded plate.
Recipe notes & tips
- Use avocados that give slightly under gentle pressure.
- Remove the tomato seeds before chopping to limit excess moisture.
- Mash the avocado to your preferred texture before mixing in the other ingredients.
- Taste the dip before adding more chipotle sauce.
- Chop the coriander and tomato finely for an even mix.
Variations
- More heat: Add extra chipotle Tabasco a little at a time.
- Chunkier texture: Mash the avocado lightly and keep the tomato pieces larger.
- Extra lime: Add a little more juice for a sharper flavour.
- Milder dip: Use fewer dashes of hot sauce.
- Serve as a topping: Spoon it over tacos or a rice bowl just before serving.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using firm avocados: They are difficult to mash; wait until they yield gently to pressure.
- Adding too much hot sauce at once: The heat can overwhelm the dip; taste and add it gradually.
- Leaving tomato seeds in: They can make the mixture watery; remove them before chopping.
- Over-mashing the tomato and coriander: They can lose their distinct texture; stir them in after mashing the avocado.
- Making it too far ahead: The avocado can discolour; prepare it close to serving or cover it tightly.
How to store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and use within 1–2 days. Press the covering close to the surface to limit air exposure; serve cold, as reheating is not suitable for guacamole.
Frequently asked questions
How ripe should the avocados be?
They should yield gently when pressed but should not feel mushy. This makes them easy to mash while keeping a pleasant texture.
Can I make it spicier?
Yes. Stir in more chipotle Tabasco a few dashes at a time, tasting as you go.
Can I make guacamole ahead?
It is best made close to serving, but you can prepare it a little ahead and refrigerate it in an airtight container with the surface covered.
Why remove the tomato seeds?
The seeds and their surrounding liquid can add extra moisture. Removing them helps the guacamole stay less watery.
What can I serve with it?
Tortilla chips are a classic choice. It also works alongside tacos, quesadillas, grilled vegetables or a rice bowl.
Cook it from the original
This recipe comes from culinaryginger.com. Their page has the author’s own photos, notes and tips — the best place to cook it from.
Open the recipe on culinaryginger.com