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Jar of red enchilada sauce with a spoon scooping some out.

Red Enchilada Sauce

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  • Author: Erin Jensen
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: Approx. 2 cups
  • Category: Sauces
  • Method: Stove Top
  • Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Description

Red Enchilada Sauce – learn how to make red enchilada sauce with this easy, step-by-step tutorial! So easy and so delicious!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons flour (gluten-free works)
  • 24 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano leaves
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon lime juice

Instructions

  1. Gather all your ingredients and measure them out ahead of time + have your broth in a container with a little spout – this will help this recipe go much smoother and very quickly!
  2. Add olive oil to medium sauce pan. Bring to medium-high heat.
  3. Add flour and whisk immediately until fully combined.
  4. Add in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano leaves, salt, ground black pepper and tomato paste into the pan. Whisk to combine. 
  5. While you continue to whisk slowly pour in the broth, adding about 1/4 cup or so at a time, then stop and whisk until it is combined and thick. Continue whisking and adding 1/4 cup at a time until fully combined. The sauce should be fairly thick at this point. 
  6. Turn up the heat a bit and bring sauce to a low simmer (this will help to continue thickening your sauce).  
  7. Add the apple cider vinegar and lime juice. Whisk to combine. 
  8. Taste and add additional salt, pepper or other herbs as needed.
  9. After sauce has a simmered 5-10 minutes, remove from heat and let cool. 
  10. Use immediately in your favorite recipe, store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze (see notes below.

Notes

  • Prep Ahead: as directed above, I highly recommend measuring out all your ingredients ahead of time so you can add them in quickly – this recipe moves fast and it really helps to have it all next to you ready to go. 
  • Spice: If you don’t like things spicy I wouldn’t add more than the recommended 2 tablespoons of chili powder, but if you like things with more heat I would increase the chili powder and the cumin – you could also add a little cayenne if you wanted to!
  • Storage: store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. 
  • Freezer: place in a freezer-safe container leaving extra room to allow for expansion during the freezing process. Use within 6 months. 
  • Serving: We love these Healthy Chicken Enchiladas or this Chicken Enchilada Casserole!