Homemade Guacamole With a Surprising Secret Ingredient

A hand holding a tortilla chip near a bowl of guacamole, with more chips scattered around.

There’s good guacamole, and then there’s guacamole that makes you pause mid-bite and savor every creamy, citrusy, delicious mouthful. If you’ve ever had the famous tableside guacamole at Boudro’s on the San Antonio Riverwalk, you know exactly what I mean. This homemade guacamole recipe captures that fresh, vibrant flavor so you can bring a little taste of Texas to your kitchen.

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I’ve never met a guacamole I didn’t like. But one bite of the tableside guacamole at Boudro’s, and it was true love. There’s something special about the way they prepare it right in front of you—chunky, zesty, and packed with fresh ingredients that bring out the best in every bite.

Luckily, you don’t have to book a trip to San Antonio to experience it. This homemade guacamole recipe is inspired by Boudro’s signature dish, including the surprise ingredient twist that takes it to the next level — fresh orange juice. It adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tangy lime, creamy avocado, and crisp red onion, giving you that same fresh flavor as the Riverwalk original in just minutes. 

A bowl of guacamole with chopped tomatoes and cilantro, surrounded by tortilla chips. A hand holds one chip above the bowl. Text on the image reads "Quick & Easy Guacamole at Home".

    

In This Article

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Fresh, Vibrant Flavor. This homemade guacamole captures the bright, citrusy freshness of Boudro’s famous tableside guac along the San Antonio Riverwalk.
  • Quick and Easy to Make. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, this guacamole is ready in five minutes flat.
  • Crowd-Pleasing. When my aunt from Houston visits and says with her slow Southern drawl, “Sage, this is the best guac I’ve ever had!” you know it’s a winner. And after decades in South Texas, she knows her guacamole!
Ingredients for guacamole including avocados, red onion, orange, lime, Roma tomatoes, jalapeno, cilantro, salt, and pepper arranged on a wooden surface.
Photo Credit: Sage Scott.

Guacamole Ingredients

This simple guacamole recipe delivers the same fresh flavor you’d expect from Boudro’s iconic tableside guacamole on the San Antonio Riverwalk. Although it swaps jalapenos for serrano peppers and skips the extra steps of fire-roasting the tomatoes and peppers — unless you’re feeling extra. 

Here are the key ingredients you need for restaurant-worth guacamole: 

  • Avocados: As the foundation for any good guacamole, you’ll want to choose perfectly ripe avocados for the best texture and flavor.
  • Fresh Citrus Juice: A combination of lime and orange juice brings the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Don’t skip the orange — it’s the secret ingredient that makes this guacamole truly shine.
  • Red Onion: Finely diced red onion adds a sharp, slightly sweet bite to the mix. If necessary, you can substitute an equal amount of yellow onion, but it does change the flavor slightly.
  • Tomatoes: Roma tomatoes, cored, seeded, and diced, bring a pop of color and fresh, juicy flavor to every bite.
  • Jalapeño: A little heat goes a long way. Remove the seeds and ribs for a milder flavor, or leave them in if you love spice. For even more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or a second diced pepper.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro adds a herby, citrusy brightness that ties everything together. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, I get it. It can taste like soap to some people. If that’s the case, substitute flat-leaf parsley.

How to Pick the Best Avocados for Guacamole

To make the best homemade guacamole, you’ll need ripe avocados. Look for ones with dark green to nearly black skin and a slight give when gently squeezed. Unripe avocados are too firm to mash, while overly soft ones may be past their prime. If yours aren’t quite ready, speed up ripening by placing them in a paper bag with a banana or apple for a day or two.

Related Article: How to Store Avocados for Maximum Freshness

A bowl of mashed avocado with utensils on top, surrounded by a lime, tomatoes, and a small dish of salt and pepper on a cloth.
Photo Credit: Sage Scott.

How to Make Homemade Guacamole

Making fresh guacamole at home is quick and easy with just a few simple ingredients. The key is balancing creamy avocados with bright citrus and fresh mix-ins for the perfect blend of flavors and textures. Here’s how to do it:

  • Prepare the avocados. Cut them in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. 
  • Add citrus. Stir in freshly squeezed lime and orange juice to enhance the flavor and keep the guacamole from browning.
  • Dice the avocados. Cut the avocados to the consistency desired. (This recipe is a chunky style dip.)
  • Mix in fresh ingredients. Fold in diced red onion, Roma tomatoes, jalapeño, and chopped cilantro for color, texture, and a bit of heat. 
  • Season to taste. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, give it a final stir, and enjoy immediately!
A bowl of guacamole surrounded by tortilla chips, with a jalapeño and a lime in the background.
Photo Credit: Sage Scott.

How to Serve Guacamole

Guacamole is a classic dip for crispy tortilla chips, but its versatility goes far beyond snacking. Add it to a taco bar for a fresh, creamy topping that pairs perfectly with any filling. It also makes a delicious spread for sandwiches, burgers, and even breakfast bagels. However you serve it, this homemade guacamole is sure to be a hit!

Storing Leftover Guacamole for Maximum Freshness

I’ve never had even a hint of brown appear on this guacamole, although that might be because it disappears so fast! But if you have leftover guacamole, proper storage is key to keeping it fresh. The lime and orange juice in this recipe help slow oxidation, but for extra protection, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to minimize air exposure. Then, seal it in an airtight container and refrigerate. When stored this way, guacamole stays fresh and vibrant for about 1–2 days. If it darkens slightly, just give it a quick stir before serving—good as new!

Can You Freeze Homemade Guacamole?

Yes, you can freeze guacamole, but it’s never quite as good as fresh. If you don’t want to waste fresh avocados but aren’t ready to make guac just yet, here’s what I suggest:

  • Mash the avocados with lime and orange juice—but hold off on adding the tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, as they don’t freeze well.
  • Store the mashed avocado in an airtight container, leaving a little space for expansion, and freeze for up to three months.
  • When you’re ready to make guacamole, thaw the mashed avocado in the fridge, then pick up the recipe below at Step #3.

Homemade Guacamole Inspired by Boudro’s

This homemade guacamole recipe is inspired by the famous tableside classic at Boudro’s on the San Antonio Riverwalk. Made with simple, fresh ingredients, including a surprising twist, it comes together in minutes for an irresistible, restaurant-worthy guacamole.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Appetizer, Condiment
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 5
Calories 140 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice about one medium lime
  • 1 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice about ¼ an orange
  • ¼ cup red onion finely diced
  • 2 Roma tomatoes cored, seeded, and finely diced
  • 1 jalapeno seeds and ribs removed, finely diced
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
  • kosher salt or to taste I use ½ tsp
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste I use ¼ tsp

Instructions
 

  • Cut the avocados in half. Remove the pits and scoop the flesh into a medium mixing bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Squeeze the fresh lime and orange juice over the avocado halves.
  • Sprinkle the diced red onions over the avocados
  • Using a fork and knife, cut the avocado into small chunks.
  • Add the tomatoes, jalapeno, and cilantro. Mix just until combined.
  • Sample the guac and, if needed, add more salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve with tortilla chips or alongside your favorite Mexican dishes.

Notes

  • As it’s served at Boudro’s, this is a chunky guacamole. For a creamier guacamole, mash the avocados more thoroughly.
  • If time allows, let the guacamole sit for 10–15 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.
  • Want it spicier? Use a serrano pepper instead of jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne.
  • This homemade guacamole can do more than serve as a dip for tortilla chips. Use it as a topping for tacos, burrito bowls, nachos, grilled chicken, or even avocado toast.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cupCalories: 140kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 2gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 8mgFiber: 6gSugar: 2gCalcium: 16mgIron: 1mg

Please Note: Nutrition information is automatically calculated. It should only be used as an approximation.

Keyword avocado
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