Enchilada sauce is absolutely one of my all-time favorite things. There’s something so satisfying about how it seeps into tortillas while they bake, creating a tangy, spicy, and incredibly delicious combination. Mmmmm, it’s just irresistible. 🤤 However, when I discovered that my local grocery store had a lackluster selection of enchilada sauce, I knew it was time to take matters into my own hands and whip up some homemade red enchilada sauce. Let me tell you, this Easy Red Enchilada Sauce has completely changed the game for me. I can never go back to store-bought now. It’s bursting with ten times more flavor than anything I’ve ever tasted from a can, and the best part is that it only takes a few minutes to make. It’s an absolute winner in every sense of the word.
Quick Method, Big Flavor
Although this enchilada sauce recipe is not the traditional kind made with dried chile peppers found in Texas or Mexico, it offers a speedy and straightforward alternative using common pantry ingredients. Despite the shortcuts, you won’t be disappointed once you taste the flavorful outcome. In fact, it’s so delicious that you’ll want to pour it over anything. However, if you prefer an authentic enchilada sauce made from scratch with dried chiles, be sure to check out Isabel Eats’ recipe for Authentic Enchilada Sauce.
How Spicy is Red Enchilada Sauce?
The listed “chili powder” in the recipe is a pre-made blend of spices commonly used to flavor chili. It is different from pure ground chile peppers, which can be very hot. The brand I prefer is not spicy at all, but other brands might have some heat. If you happen to use a spicy chili powder, you can adjust the level of spiciness by reducing or omitting the cayenne powder. With McCormick’s chili powder, the heat level of the recipe below is similar to a medium salsa.
How to Use Enchilada Sauce
Red enchilada sauce can be used in various delicious ways beyond just enchiladas. Explore these fantastic ideas to maximize its versatility:
However, if you are interested in using it for enchiladas, be sure to explore these amazing enchilada recipes: Chorizo and Sweet Potato Enchiladas, Black Bean and Avocado Enchiladas, and Weeknight Enchiladas.
How to Make Enchilada Sauce – Step By Step Photos
To begin, incorporate 2 tablespoons of flour, 2 tablespoons of chili powder, and 2 tablespoons of oil into a pot. I personally prefer McCormick’s chili powder, which adds great flavor without being overly spicy, so don’t be alarmed by the generous amount listed in the recipe. The spiciness solely stems from the cayenne pepper.
Combine these ingredients and heat them over medium heat until they start to bubble, while whisking continuously. Continue whisking and cooking for one minute. This process will enhance the flavor by toasting the flour and chili powder, preventing the flour from having a pasty taste.
Whisk in 3oz tomato paste, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne, and 2 cups water (or broth) after one minute.
Allow the sauce to reach a simmer, which will cause it to thicken. Take a moment to taste the sauce and add salt according to your preference. Begin with approximately 1/2 teaspoon and increase as desired. The addition of salt will enhance the flavors significantly. If you are substituting water with broth, you may not need to add any salt at all.
You’re all set! Simply pour this rich and tasty enchilada sauce over any of your preferred dishes and savor the flavors!
