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    Home » Mexican Recipes » Enchilada Recipes » Quick Enchilada Sauce

    Quick Enchilada Sauce

    Date: December 16, 2022 by Christian Guzman • This post may contain affiliate links. See Privacy Policy below.

    This is my Quick Enchilada Sauce for when you don’t have enough time to make a traditional enchilada sauce. 10 minutes and done!

    When you get a craving for delicious Mexican food, what do you do when you have no sauce ready? This happened to me just last week, when I wanted some Chilaquiles Rojos for breakfast. Never fear, you can now use this 10-Minute Enchilada Sauce.

    • How to Customize the Heat
    • Using Enchilada Sauce
    • How Do You Make Traditional Enchilada Sauce?
    • Storage
    • Recipe
    24Bite: Quick Enchilada Sauce Recipe by Christian Guzman
    Jump to Recipe

    Ingredients

    ingredients for 10 Minute Enchilada Sauce on a countertop

    This may look like a lot of ingredients, but it’s mostly spices, when it comes down to it. A good sauce is a complex mix and lots of spices will give it the best flavor.

    Just like a mix of several varieties of apples make a better applesauce, a mix of chiles will give a better sauce.

    I’ve used Dark Red Chile Powder and Ancho Powder. These chile powders will give the Enchilada Sauce its color. They’re mild-ish, so the sauce will be suitable for everyone.

    Be aware that the product marked “chile powder” in the US is a mild variety. The one called “dark chile powder”, which I’ve used here, is a little more spicy. If you’re in the UK, it’s my understanding that the bottles of red chile powder are actually very spicy, so you’ll need to make some changes. Be sure to watch for that, if you’re in the UK.

    closeup of a spoonful of enchilada sauce from a glass jar

    How to Customize

    It’s easy to customize with different chiles. I recommend that you add them after the sauce is finished so you can taste it as you go. Try one or more of these, but a little bit at a time, just in case:

    • Arbol Chile Powder
    • Chipotle Pepper Powder
    • Guajillo Powder
    • Tabasco
    • Rooster Sauce (Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce)

    Have a browse at all
    24Bite recipes
    to customize your own search.

    How to Use Enchilada Sauce

    You can use this Quick Enchilada Sauce right away. It’s the reason I made it.

    It can stay right in the same saucepan. Fry your tortillas in a little bit of oil then dip them in the hot sauce with tongs. You’ll be able to fill them and roll them easily.

    These Shredded Beef Enchiladas will need about 28 ounces of the sauce. Chilaquiles Rojos will need about 2 cups. Use about 1 ½ cups in this Mexican-inspired pasta, Mexican Stuffed Shells.

    plate of birria tacos with link to recipe

    How Do You Make Traditional Enchilada Sauce?

    My Traditional Enchilada Sauce is just as tasty as this easy recipe but it uses dried chiles instead of chile powders.

    If you have the time and the dried chiles, try it instead. It’s only a matter of reconstituting the chiles and using a blender to make the sauce. You can strain it, or not, whichever you prefer.

    Yes, it takes a little longer, but it’s definitely something to consider, especially if you want to go as authentic as you can.

    Storage

    Store your sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I prefer to use a glass jar since sauces like this one can discolor plastic.

    If you make a double batch, you can store it in the freezer too. It will keep for 5-8 months.

    closeup of spooning enchilada sauce over rolled tortillas

    Recipe

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    Quick Enchilada Sauce

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    5 from 25 votes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 13 servings
    Calories: 17kcal
    Author: Christian Guzman
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    This is my Quick Enchilada Sauce for when you don't have enough time to make traditional Enchilada Sauce. 10 minutes and done!

    For more information, be sure to check the recipe details in the attached 24Bite® post.

    Ingredients

    • 4 tablespoons All Purpose Flour
    • 2 tablespoons Red Chile Powder, mild
    • 2 teaspoons Ancho Powder
    • 2 teaspoons Onion Powder
    • 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
    • 1 teaspoon Chicken Bouillon Powder
    • ½ teaspoon Cumin Powder
    • ½ teaspoon Salt
    • ½ teaspoon Pepper
    • 3 cups Water
    • 8 ounces Tomato Sauce

    Instructions

    • In a small bowl, measure and mix together all dry ingredients. Set aside.
    • Add 3 cups water to medium saucepan. Whisk in tomato sauce until completely mixed. Whisk dry ingredients into water mixture.
    • Heat on medium high, whisking frequently, until desired consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
    • Taste and add more salt or pepper, as desired.
    • If the sauce thickens too much as it cools, slowly whisk in about ¼ cup water. It's easy to add too much water so be careful not to add too much too fast.



    Note: If there is a video, it will not display while there is an adblocker.

    Notes

    This recipe makes about 28 ounces of sauce. Nutritional information is based on 13 ¼-cup servings.
    Typically, Enchiladas will need up to 28 ounces sauce. Chilaquiles will need about 2 cups sauce. Mexican Stuffed Shells will need about 1 ½ cups.
    Nutrition Facts
    Quick Enchilada Sauce
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 17 Calories from Fat 2
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 0.2g0%
    Saturated Fat 0.03g0%
    Sodium 217mg9%
    Carbohydrates 4g1%
    Fiber 1g4%
    Sugar 1g1%
    Protein 1g2%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Course Condiment
    Cuisine Mexican
    Keyword 10 Minute Enchilada Sauce, Easiest Enchilada Sauce, Homemade Enchilada Sauce, Quickest Enchilada Sauce
    ______________________



    Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. All amounts are estimates and 24Bite® takes no responsibility for actual figures since calculations vary by packaging and supplier. Please calculate the amounts yourself based on package labeling if you have specific dietary requirements. 24Bite®, Kim Guzman or Christian Guzman shall not be liable for adverse reactions or any other outcome resulting from the use of recipes or recommendations on this website or actions you take as a result.

    © 2019-2023 Kim Guzman and Christian Guzman. All rights reserved. Subscribe to 24Bite email newsletters.



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    Welcome to 24Bite®! My name is Christian Guzman and I love to cook! I hope you will join me in the kitchen, where I teach you to make your favorite craves!

         

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