How To Make Homemade Enchilada Sauce - Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe (2024)

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Making homemade enchilada sauce couldn’t be easier, and I promise that you won’t want to grab that canned stuff again. It’s done in a matter of minutes, right on your stovetop, made with the perfect blend of spices that you can easily adjust the heat to your liking. This from-scratch, red enchilada sauce recipe is a total game changer!

How To Make Homemade Enchilada Sauce - Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe (1)

Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce

Anytime we make a visit to Okoboji, Iowa, we have to pay a visit to the Taco House. We absolutely LOVE their enchiladas. Heck — all of their food is fantastic, but the enchiladas are top-notch! They make them with corn tortillas filled with beef, topped with red enchilada sauce and baked with an ooey-gooey cheese topping.

I set out to find a sauce that could come close. I did a little Pinterest search and started reading. We tried many recipes and this was the one that we decided was the best homemade enchilada sauce recipe and the one that was the closest to what we get to enjoy once a year.

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It is perfect in my Shredded Beef Enchilada Recipe, and always takes my Slow Cooker Smothered Burritos to the next level.

Serve either recipe with a side of Cilantro Lime Rice and some Restaurant Style Refried Beans, and dinner is DONE!

How To Make Homemade Enchilada Sauce - Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe (3)

Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce Ingredients

What it comes down to are spices. The right mixture of herbs and spices will get you well on your way to making the best red sauce you can.

Here are the spices for this enchilada sauce recipe:

  • chili powder
  • garlic powder
  • salt
  • cumin
  • oregano

How to make enchilada sauce less spicy? Well, adjust the spice blend to your liking. This recipe isn’t spicy at all. But if you want to kick it up a notch, add in some cayenne pepper!

In addition to the herbs and spices, you will need chicken stock (or vegetable stock to make it vegetarian/vegan,) vegetable oil and all-purpose flour. (or gluten-free flour to make it GF)

How To Make Homemade Enchilada Sauce - Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe (4)

How to Make Homemade Enchilada Sauce

All you will need is a saucepan, a whisk, and some jars to store it.

Begin by heating oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add flour and stir together over the heat for one minute. You have made a roux. That is what will thicken your enchilada sauce.

Next, whisk in the spice blend. Continue to whisk, gradually adding in the stock, whisking constantly to remove lumps.

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Lastly, reduce heat and simmer 10-15 minutes or until thick.

Use immediately or refrigerate in an air-tight container for up to two weeks.

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Love it? Pin it!

If you can’t wait to make this easy homemade enchilada sauce recipe, don’t forget where you found the recipe! Pin it before you go to save it for safekeeping!

How To Make Homemade Enchilada Sauce - Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe (7)

Authentic Enchilada Sauce Recipe

There is a bit of a debate on whether or not tomatoes are added to enchilada sauce. This recipe doesn’t use tomatoes, and we liked it the best out of all of them. The spices give it the perfect flavor, it has that nice reddish-brown color and is just the right thickness. You don’t want the sauce to run off of your enchiladas!

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Recipes that use Red Enchilada Sauce

So now you have the BEST enchilada sauce recipe, now what? Time to get to switching up that bland menu! 😉 Here are some great recipes to spice things up with your homemade enchilada sauce!

LOVE MEXICAN?? I do, too! Click HERE for all of my Mexican Recipes

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I hope you love this recipe for Homemade Enchilada Sauce as much as we do!! I’d love to hear what you think! How To Make Homemade Enchilada Sauce - Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe (10)

How To Make Homemade Enchilada Sauce - Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe (11)

4.91 from 11 votes

Print Recipe

How To: Make Your Own Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce

Make your own homemade red enchilada sauce, you will never buy the stuff in the can again!

Prep Time2 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Total Time17 minutes mins

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: authentic, best homemade enchilada sauce recipe, easy, enchilada sauce without tomatoes, from scratch, gluten free option, homemade enchilada sauce, how to thicken enchilada sauce, How To: Make Your Own Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce, ingredients in enchilada sauce

Calories: 49kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 Tablespoon all-purpose or gluten-free flour
  • 4 Tablespoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 tespoon oregano
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add flour and stir together over the heat for one minute.

  • Stir in the remaining seasonings (chili powder through oregano).

  • Gradually add in the stock, whisking constantly to remove lumps.

  • Reduce heat and simmer 10-15 minutes or until thick.

  • Use immediately or refrigerate in an air-tight container for up to two weeks.

Nutrition

Serving: 2ounces | Calories: 49kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 142mg | Fiber: 1g

This recipe was originally posted on July 28, 2014. It was updated to improve user experience and reshared on January 21, 2021

How To Make Homemade Enchilada Sauce - Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe (12)

recipe source: Gimme Some Oven

How To Make Homemade Enchilada Sauce - Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is red enchilada sauce made of? ›

Red enchilada sauce may also be called salsa roja, salsa roja para enchiladas or mole rojo. It is a sauce made out of ancho/ pasilla/New Mexico and/or Cascabel chiles, onion, garlic, tomatoes, broth, cumin, oregano, etc. all blended together then simmered until thickened.

How to make can enchilada sauce better? ›

- Add cumin, chili powder, and oregano: These spices will give the sauce a deep and rich flavor. - Add canned green chilies: This will give the sauce a bit of heat. - Add chocolate: This will give the sauce a smooth and rich flavor.

What is the difference between enchilada sauce and red sauce? ›

The main difference is that red sauce is made from dried red chile peppers instead of green peppers, and the spices used are sometimes slightly different. This sauce has vinegar, garlic, onions, and other spices like oregano, chili powder, and basil.

What can I use instead of enchilada sauce? ›

Tomato sauce is a good way to replace enchilada sauce if you're looking for a milder alternative. It's easy to take a pre-made tomato sauce and spice it and add other ingredients to get closer to a real enchilada sauce.

What is red sauce made of Mexican? ›

Red Chile Sauce is made from New Mexican Red Chiles, and it's earthy, pungent flavor is so unique - it's really hard to explain to people who have never visited the Southwest.

What is normal enchilada sauce called? ›

The most common “red” enchilada sauce may also be called salsa roja, salsa roja para enchiladas, or mole rojo. This is a sauce made out of ancho/pasilla/New Mexico and/or Cascabel chiles, onion, garlic, tomatoes, broth, cumin, oregano, etc.

Why is my homemade enchilada sauce bitter? ›

If you taste your enchilada sauce and find it has a bitter or sour aftertaste, this could be simply due to the acidity of the peppers or tomato, if added. Not to worry. Mix in agave syrup or brown sugar, starting with 1/2 teaspoon and adding more until the taste is evened out to your liking.

What is the secret to non soggy enchiladas? ›

To prevent your tortillas from tearing or becoming soggy, quickly fry each corn tortilla in any oil you like for about 10 seconds on each side, until it starts to get crispy but is still pliable. This will add a barrier that will keep the tortilla from absorbing too much sauce, and also adds a little extra flavor.

Why won't my enchilada sauce thicken? ›

Or alternately, you can thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cold water and cornstarch whisked together, then added to the sauce once it has reached a simmer). Storage instructions: Let the sauce cool to room temperature.

What do Mexicans call red sauce? ›

by Mike Hultquist · Jul 17, 2020 · 132 Comments · Jump to Recipe. This easy homemade salsa roja recipe is the ultimate Mexican salsa, perfect for tortillas, tacos and burritos, with tomatoes, jalapeno, lime juice and more. Serve as a salsa or sauce!

Which tastes better red or green enchilada sauce? ›

Red Sauce vs.

green enchilada sauce often comes down to personal taste preferences. Some people prefer the robust, spicy kick of red enchilada sauce, while others lean toward the milder, tangy allure of green enchilada sauce.

Should I cover enchiladas while baking? ›

Arrange enchiladas, seam-side down, in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with taco sauce and remaining 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese. Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, until cheese has melted, about 20 minutes. Let cool briefly before serving.

What is another name for enchilada sauce? ›

Also known as salsa roja, salsa roja para enchiladas, or mole rojo, red enchilada sauce also contains vinegar, onions, and garlic, including spices like cumin. Some red enchilada sauces may use crushed tomato or tomato paste as a base.

What can I use instead of tomato paste in enchilada sauce? ›

You don't have to dash out to the store if you're out of tomato paste; tomato sauce and tomato puree are both an excellent substitute. For every 1 tablespoon of tomato paste needed, use 3 tablespoons of tomato puree or sauce.

What is an authentic enchilada made of? ›

An enchilada (/ˌɛntʃɪˈlɑːdə/, Spanish: [entʃiˈlaða]) is a Mexican dish consisting of a corn tortilla rolled around a filling and covered with a savory sauce. Enchiladas can be filled with various ingredients, including meats, cheese, beans, potatoes, vegetables, or combinations.

Why is red enchilada sauce so bitter? ›

If you taste your enchilada sauce and find it has a bitter or sour aftertaste, this could be simply due to the acidity of the peppers or tomato, if added. Not to worry. Mix in agave syrup or brown sugar, starting with 1/2 teaspoon and adding more until the taste is evened out to your liking.

Is red enchilada sauce the same as Ranchero sauce? ›

Enchilada sauce is usually milder than ranchero sauce. Some recipes simply call for regular chile powder, which has a lot of flavor, but not much heat. Dried New Mexico chiles are also popular for enchilada sauce, and they are usually seeded before being used.

Can I use green enchilada sauce instead of red enchilada sauce? ›

It's a pretty ideal alternative. Try this green enchilada sauce in place of red enchilada sauce the next time you make your favorite enchilada recipe. To make this recipe, I experimented with combinations of readily available chili peppers, tomatillos, broth, and flour with disappointing results.

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