south-of-the-border essentials: amazing taco sauce
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
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Step 1PREP/PREPARE
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Step 2By 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.
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Step 3If 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
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Step 4You 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.
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Step 5Use 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.
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Step 6Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
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Step 7Grind up the dehydrated onions.
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Step 8Add the ground onions and other spices to a bowl and mix to combine.
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Step 9If you are using the arrowroot or cornstarch, add it now, with the other dry spices.
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Step 10Add the wet ingredients to a saucepan, over medium heat.
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Step 11Bring up to a slow simmer.
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Step 12Add the dry ingredients and whisk to combine.
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Step 13Simmer for 10 – 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, then remove from the heat and allow to cool.
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Step 14While it is simmering, taste for “proper” seasoning.
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Step 15When cool, store in the refrigerator in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
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Step 16It will last about 4 – 6 weeks.
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Step 17PLATE/PRESENT
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Step 18Use as you would any other yummy taco sauce. Enjoy.
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Step 19Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
Discover More
Culture:
Mexican
Category:
Other Sauces
Tag:
#Quick & Easy
Diet:
Vegetarian
Diet:
Gluten-Free
Diet:
Low Fat
Diet:
Dairy Free
Diet:
Wheat Free
Method:
Stove Top
Ingredient:
Spice/Herb/Seasoning
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