south-of-the-border essentials: amazing taco sauce

35 Pinches 16 Photos
Wichita, KS
Updated on May 5, 2020

This sauce starts out mild, and you can increase the heat by the addition of some cayenne pepper, red-pepper flakes, or more white pepper… mild, medium, hot, thick, thin… up to you. It is great on tacos and is a killer when used as a sauce for Mexican pizzas. So, you ready… Let’s get into the kitchen.

prep time 10 Min
cook time 20 Min
method Stove Top
yield Several

Ingredients

  • PLAN/PURCHASE
  • DRY INGREDIENTS
  • 1 tablespoon dehydrated minced onions, ground to a powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, kosher variety, fine grind
  • 1/8 teaspoon white pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/8 teaspoon mustard powder, i prefer coleman’s
  • WET INGREDIENTS
  • 6 ounces tomato sauce
  • 4 ounces filtered water
  • 2 tablespoons apple-cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon tamari sauce, or liquid aminos
  • 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • OPTIONAL ITEMS
  • 1 - 2 dashes liquid smoke, for depth
  • 1 - 2 pinches cayenne pepper, or red-pepper flakes, for more heat
  • 1 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch, or arrowroot powder, to thicken

How To Make south-of-the-border essentials: amazing taco sauce

  • Step 1
    PREP/PREPARE
  • Step 2
    By nature, this is a thin sauce, but if you want it a bit thicker, add the optional arrowroot or cornstarch with the other dry ingredients, and add when directed by the recipe. I would with just 1 tablespoon, and add the other, if needed.
  • Step 3
    If you like Worcestershire, but do like the fact that it has anchovies in it, then check out my anchovy-free version: https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/sauce-spread/other-sauce-spread/diy-essentials-homemade-worcestershire-sauce.html?r=1
  • Step 4
    You will be using 6 ounces of tomato sauce, and the smallest can of tomato sauce is 8 ounces. I you do not have an immediate use for it, do not forget that you can freeze it. I use an old plastic ice tray, freeze the sauce in one or two-ounce portions, then put the cubes in a Ziploc freezer bag. It will last five-to-seven days in the fridge, and three-to-months, if frozen. Easy/Peasy.
  • Step 5
    Use restraint with the liquid smoke (if using). One, maybe two drops is all you are going to need. I would add it in at the end, while it is simmering… one drop then taste.
  • Step 6
    Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
  • Step 7
    Grind up the dehydrated onions.
  • Step 8
    Add the ground onions and other spices to a bowl and mix to combine.
  • Step 9
    If you are using the arrowroot or cornstarch, add it now, with the other dry spices.
  • Step 10
    Add the wet ingredients to a saucepan, over medium heat.
  • Step 11
    Bring up to a slow simmer.
  • Step 12
    Add the dry ingredients and whisk to combine.
  • Step 13
    Simmer for 10 – 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, then remove from the heat and allow to cool.
  • Step 14
    While it is simmering, taste for “proper” seasoning.
  • So yummy
    Step 15
    When cool, store in the refrigerator in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
  • Step 16
    It will last about 4 – 6 weeks.
  • Step 17
    PLATE/PRESENT
  • So yummy
    Step 18
    Use as you would any other yummy taco sauce. Enjoy.
  • Stud Muffin
    Step 19
    Keep the faith, and keep cooking.

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