America's Test Kitchen LogoCook's Country LogoCook's Illustrated LogoAmerica's Test Kitchen LogoCook's Country LogoCook's Illustrated Logo

Pique

By Bryan Roof

Published on August 30, 2025

Time

10 minutes, plus 12 hours infusing

Yield

Makes about 2 cups

Pique

Ingredients

1½ ounces Thai chiles, stemmed4 garlic cloves, peeled and halved lengthwise5 sprigs fresh oregano (¼ ounce)2 teaspoons table salt 2 teaspoons peppercorns 2 cups distilled white vinegar, plus extra as needed

Before You Begin

Pique is a spicy seasoned vinegar from Puerto Rico; we like serving ours with Alcapurrias or other rich foods.

Instructions

  1. Combine 1½ ounces stemmed fresh Thai chiles, 4 garlic cloves (peeled and halved lengthwise), 5 sprigs oregano, 2 teaspoons table salt, and 2 teaspoons peppercorns in 16-ounce bottle with tight-fitting cap. Using funnel, pour 2 cups distilled white vinegar over chiles mixture to cover, adding extra vinegar as needed. Cover bottle and let sit at room temperature for at least 12 hours. Serve. (Pique can be refrigerated for up to 1 month; flavor will continue to mature over time.)
Pique
Photography by Steve Klise. Styling by Steve Klise.

Pique

Headshot of Bryan Roof
By Bryan Roof

Published on August 30, 2025

Save

Time

10 minutes, plus 12 hours infusing

Yield

Makes about 2 cups

Ingredients

1½ ounces Thai chiles, stemmed
4 garlic cloves, peeled and halved lengthwise
5 sprigs fresh oregano (¼ ounce)
2 teaspoons table salt
2 teaspoons peppercorns
2 cups distilled white vinegar, plus extra as needed

Ingredients

1½ ounces Thai chiles, stemmed
4 garlic cloves, peeled and halved lengthwise
5 sprigs fresh oregano (¼ ounce)
2 teaspoons table salt
2 teaspoons peppercorns
2 cups distilled white vinegar, plus extra as needed

Ingredients

1½ ounces Thai chiles, stemmed
4 garlic cloves, peeled and halved lengthwise
5 sprigs fresh oregano (¼ ounce)
2 teaspoons table salt
2 teaspoons peppercorns
2 cups distilled white vinegar, plus extra as needed

Why This Recipe Works

Pique is a Puerto Rican table condiment that packs heat and acidity. Steeping a mixture of Thai chiles, garlic, oregano, and peppercorns in vinegar for at least 12 hours allows the chiles’ heat and aromatics to permeate the vinegar. The result is a bold, tangy seasoning that cuts through rich fried foods such as alcapurrias.

Before You Begin

Pique is a spicy seasoned vinegar from Puerto Rico; we like serving ours with Alcapurrias or other rich foods.

Instructions

  1. Combine 1½ ounces stemmed fresh Thai chiles, 4 garlic cloves (peeled and halved lengthwise), 5 sprigs oregano, 2 teaspoons table salt, and 2 teaspoons peppercorns in 16-ounce bottle with tight-fitting cap. Using funnel, pour 2 cups distilled white vinegar over chiles mixture to cover, adding extra vinegar as needed. Cover bottle and let sit at room temperature for at least 12 hours. Serve. (Pique can be refrigerated for up to 1 month; flavor will continue to mature over time.)

Gift This Recipe

Enjoyed this dish? Let others know by sharing it as a gift recipe.

This is a members' feature.