Homemade Zesty Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe – The Real Deal!

Homemade red enchilada sauce brings a burst of flavor that store-bought versions can never match.

This authentic red enchilada sauce recipe delivers a rich, robust taste straight from traditional Mexican kitchens.

Crafted with simple ingredients, the sauce blends deep chile warmth with subtle spices that dance across your palate.

Each carefully selected ingredient contributes layers of complexity to this classic recipe.

Dried chiles create a foundation of earthy depth, while aromatic spices weave intricate notes throughout the sauce.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike treasure this straightforward method for creating a deeply satisfying enchilada sauce.

Prepare to elevate your Mexican cuisine with this exceptional homemade condiment that will transform any dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Flavor Tips for Red Enchilada Sauce You’ll Love

• Whisk flour and oil continuously to prevent burning and achieve a golden, nutty base for rich flavor development.
• Prepare sauce in advance and freeze in portion-sized containers for quick weeknight Mexican meal preparation.
• Adjust chili powder quantity to create mild, medium, or spicy sauce according to personal heat preference or family tolerance.
• Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for vegetarian version, or use gluten-free flour blend to create a celiac-friendly sauce alternative.
• Experiment with adding roasted green chiles, chipotle peppers in adobo, or a splash of tequila for unexpected depth and complexity in your enchilada sauce.

How to Use and Serve Red Enchilada Sauce

• Flavor Explosion Plating: Drizzle the vibrant red enchilada sauce over tacos, burritos, or grilled meats for an instant flavor boost that transforms ordinary meals into restaurant-quality dishes.
• Dipping Delight Station: Create a fun condiment experience by serving the sauce in small bowls alongside chips, quesadillas, or roasted vegetables, allowing guests to customize their own dipping adventure.
• Meal Prep: Store the sauce in portion-sized containers for quick weeknight meals, using it as a base for quick enchiladas, as a simmer sauce for chicken, or as a zesty marinade for proteins.
• Spice Level Customization: Keep a batch of this versatile sauce in the refrigerator, adding extra chili powder or hot sauce for those who love heat, or keeping it mild for sensitive palates.

Store This Red Sauce for Future Meals

• Store the enchilada sauce in a sealed glass container to maintain optimal flavor and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors. Glass containers help preserve the sauce's authentic taste better than plastic alternatives.
• Pour cooled sauce into ice cube trays for convenient portioning. Once frozen, transfer cubes to a freezer-safe bag, allowing quick access for future recipe needs without thawing entire batches.
• Transfer frozen sauce cubes directly into simmering dishes or let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Gently reheat on low heat, stirring occasionally to restore original smooth consistency.
• Before storing, always taste and adjust seasonings. Sauces can slightly change flavor during refrigeration, so a quick taste test ensures your enchilada sauce remains deliciously vibrant when reheated.

FAQs

• What does a roux do in this enchilada sauce?

A roux helps thicken the sauce and creates a rich, smooth base by combining flour and oil, which also provides a subtle nutty flavor to the final sauce.

• Can I make this sauce spicier?

Yes, you can easily increase the heat by adding more chili powder, incorporating cayenne pepper, or using hot smoked paprika to give the sauce a spicier kick.

• Why is blooming spices important in this recipe?

Blooming spices in hot oil helps release their essential oils and intensifies their flavors, allowing the spices to become more aromatic and develop a deeper, more complex taste profile in the sauce.

• Is this sauce authentically Mexican?

While inspired by Mexican cuisine, this recipe is an Americanized version of a traditional enchilada sauce, adapted for home cooks to create a quick and flavorful red sauce with readily available ingredients.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 145 kcal

Servings: 2

Easy Red Enchilada Sauce Ingredient Rundown

• Oil: Provides the foundation for creating a smooth, golden roux that develops rich flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Flour: Acts as a thickening agent and creates a silky texture while adding depth to the enchilada sauce.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika: Deliver bold, warming Southwestern flavor with a perfect balance of heat and smokiness.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Contribute aromatic depth and savory undertones without adding extra moisture.
• Oregano: Introduces a subtle herbal note that complements the robust spice profile.

• Broth: Provides a flavorful liquid base that helps create a smooth, well-integrated sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall taste of the sauce.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy finish that cuts through the richness and brings complexity to the sauce.

Must-Have Tools for Red Enchilada Sauce

• Medium Saucepan: Essential for cooking the roux and developing deep flavor layers.
• Whisk: Perfect for smoothly blending flour, spices, and broth without creating lumps.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise tool for adding exact amounts of spices and seasonings.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately pour broth and measure ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Great for stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan while cooking.

Simmer Up Red Enchilada Sauce in Minutes

• Create the Roux

Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium flame. Whisk flour into the warm oil, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a golden, fragrant blend with a nutty aroma, about 1-2 minutes.

• Awaken the Spices

Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and smoked paprika. Stir quickly to release their intense flavors, cooking for just 30 seconds.

• Build the Liquid Base

Slowly pour broth into the spice mixture, whisking vigorously to prevent any clumps from forming. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.

• Develop the Sauce

Lower the heat and let the sauce bubble softly, stirring occasionally. Watch as it thickens and develops a rich, complex flavor profile over 5-7 minutes.

• Final Seasoning Touch

Enhance the sauce with salt, pepper, and a splash of apple cider vinegar if desired. Taste and adjust seasonings to perfect the flavor balance.

• Ready to Use

The sauce is now prepared to star in your favorite enchilada recipe. Can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator for a week, or frozen for up to three months.

Authentic Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Mexican red enchilada sauce delivers rich, spicy flavors that elevate countless dishes. Home cooks can quickly master this authentic recipe with simple ingredients and minimal preparation time.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 3 tbsps chili powder
• 2 tbsps vegetable oil or olive oil
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for added tang)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare Base: Heat oil in a saucepan over medium flame, creating a smooth cooking foundation.
2. Create Roux: Whisk flour into hot oil, stirring continuously until mixture turns golden and releases a nutty aroma, approximately 1-2 minutes.
3. Bloom Spices: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and smoked paprika into the roux, allowing flavors to intensify for 30 seconds.
4. Develop Consistency: Gradually pour broth into spiced mixture, whisking constantly to eliminate potential lumps and create a smooth sauce.
5. Simmer and Refine: Reduce heat to low, allowing sauce to gently thicken while stirring periodically, developing rich flavor and ideal texture over 5-7 minutes.
6. Season and Finish: Enhance sauce with salt, freshly ground pepper, and a splash of apple cider vinegar, adjusting seasonings to taste for a perfectly balanced enchilada sauce.
7. Store and Preserve: Cool sauce completely, then transfer to an airtight container; refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for three months, ready to elevate future Mexican-inspired dishes.

Notes

• Bloom Spices Carefully: Heat releases essential oils and deepens flavor complexity, so toast spices briefly without burning for maximum aromatic impact.
• Whisk Consistently: Smooth sauce requires constant stirring to prevent flour clumping and ensure uniform texture, using gentle circular motions.
• Control Heat Precisely: Medium-low flame prevents scorching and allows gradual thickening, creating silky sauce without bitter undertones.
• Adjust Seasoning Strategically: Taste repeatedly during cooking, adding vinegar or salt incrementally to balance spice intensity and develop layered flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg