Red Enchilada Sauce

This easy red enchilada sauce is a game-changer for your Mexican dishes! With just a few pantry ingredients and 15 minutes, you can whip up a flavorful sauce that elevates any meal. Perfect for enchiladas, tacos, or even as a dip, this homemade sauce beats any store-bought version hands down. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, this versatile sauce will surely impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Make: Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Packed: Rich and robust flavors that enhance any dish.
• Versatile Use: Ideal for enchiladas, tacos, burritos, and more!
• Homemade Goodness: No preservatives or additives—just pure flavor.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with common pantry staples that won’t break the bank.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious red enchilada sauce, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Medium pot
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Medium bowl: Essential for mixing dry ingredients thoroughly before cooking.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth consistency by combining ingredients without lumps.
• Medium pot: Provides the right size for cooking the sauce evenly without overflow.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring and checking the sauce’s thickness without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

This easy red enchilada sauce is simple to make homemade in only 15 minutes with pantry ingredients. It tastes so much better than anything store-bought!

For the Sauce

• 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons chili powder (plus more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt (to taste)
• 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups chicken broth

How to Make Red Enchilada Sauce

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, and salt until well combined.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

In a medium pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat for about 1 minute.

Step 3: Combine Flour Mixture

Sprinkle the flour mixture over the heated oil while whisking constantly until it’s fully combined.

Step 4: Add Tomato Paste

Whisk in the tomato paste and continue to cook while whisking for an additional minute.

Step 5: Incorporate Chicken Broth

Slowly add the chicken broth to the pot while whisking continuously until you achieve a smooth consistency.

Step 6: Simmer

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes or until it thickens enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon.

Now your delicious homemade red enchilada sauce is ready to be used! Enjoy it in your favorite Mexican recipes or as a zesty dip!

How to Serve Red Enchilada Sauce

Red enchilada sauce is versatile and can elevate a variety of dishes. Whether you’re preparing enchiladas, tacos, or even nachos, this sauce adds a delightful kick. Here are some creative ways to serve it.

Enchiladas

• Stuff tortillas with your choice of chicken, beef, or veggies, then roll them up and smother them in red enchilada sauce before baking.

Tacos

• Drizzle the sauce over tacos filled with grilled chicken, turkey, or beans for an extra layer of flavor.

Nachos

• Layer tortilla chips with cheese, jalapeños, and your favorite toppings, then pour red enchilada sauce over the top before baking until crispy.

Burritos

• Use the sauce as a dipping option for burritos filled with rice, beans, and your choice of protein for added zest.

Quesadillas

• Spread red enchilada sauce inside quesadillas before grilling for a flavorful twist on this classic dish.

Rice Dishes

• Mix some red enchilada sauce into cooked rice or quinoa to infuse your grains with delicious flavors.

How to Perfect Red Enchilada Sauce

Perfecting your red enchilada sauce doesn’t take much effort. Follow these tips to enhance its flavor and texture.

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices provide a more vibrant taste compared to pre-packaged versions.
• Adjust thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Balance flavors: Taste the sauce as you go; add more chili powder or cumin to suit your preference for heat and depth.
• Add sweetness: A touch of sugar or honey can balance out the acidity of the tomato paste if desired.
• Experiment with broth: Try using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a different flavor profile while keeping it rich.

Best Side Dishes for Red Enchilada Sauce

Pairing side dishes with red enchilada sauce can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement its flavor beautifully.

1. Mexican Rice
   Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices that pairs perfectly as a base for saucy entrees.
2. Refried Beans
   Creamy refried beans make a satisfying side that balances the spice of the enchiladas nicely.
3. Guacamole
   The creamy avocado dip offers a cooling contrast to the heat of the red enchilada sauce.
4. Chips and Salsa
   Crispy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa provide a crunchy appetizer that complements the main dish well.
5. Corn Salad
   A refreshing salad made with corn, bell peppers, and cilantro brightens up any plate alongside enchiladas.
6. Grilled Vegetables
   A medley of grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and onions adds color and healthiness to your meal when served alongside.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making red enchilada sauce at home is straightforward, but a few common mistakes can affect the final flavor and texture.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough spices can lead to a bland sauce. Make sure to taste your sauce and adjust seasonings accordingly.
• Using cold broth: Adding cold chicken broth can cause clumps. Always use room temperature or warm broth for a smooth texture.
• Not whisking enough: If you don’t whisk continuously, lumps may form. Keep whisking while adding ingredients to ensure a creamy consistency.
• Overcooking the sauce: Cooking too long can make your sauce too thick or burnt. Monitor it closely, especially as it simmers.
• Ignoring storage methods: Improper storage can affect freshness. Use airtight containers and follow proper guidelines for refrigeration or freezing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Allow the sauce to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Red Enchilada Sauce

• Freeze in portion-sized containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Red Enchilada Sauce

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making red enchilada sauce.

How do I make my Red Enchilada Sauce spicier?

You can add more chili powder or include fresh jalapeños for extra heat. Adjust according to your taste preferences.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, using vegetable broth is a great option for a vegetarian version of red enchilada sauce without sacrificing flavor.

What dishes can I use Red Enchilada Sauce with?

This versatile sauce pairs well with enchiladas, tacos, burritos, and even as a topping for nachos.

How long does homemade Red Enchilada Sauce last?

When refrigerated, it lasts about 5 days; if frozen, it can stay good for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

This easy red enchilada sauce is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor. You can customize it by adjusting spices or adding ingredients like roasted peppers. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and elevate your meals with homemade goodness!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Red Enchilada Sauce

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 2 cups (8 servings) 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Elevate your Mexican culinary creations with this quick and flavorful Red Enchilada Sauce! In just 15 minutes, you can transform simple ingredients into a rich, zesty sauce that will enhance enchiladas, tacos, burritos, and more. This homemade sauce is not only free from preservatives and additives but also incredibly budget-friendly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or dinner parties alike.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups chicken broth

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, and salt until well combined.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a medium pot over medium heat for about 1 minute.
3. Sprinkle the flour mixture over the hot oil while whisking constantly until fully combined.
4. Whisk in tomato paste and cook while stirring for an additional minute.
5. Gradually add chicken broth while whisking continuously until smooth.
6. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes or until thickened.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 cup (60g)
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg