While we love ourselves some good old fashioned Taco Bell hot sauce, have you ever considered making your own version? Homemade taco sauce is great since you can control the spice level and the flavor profile will really make you reconsider that last-minute hot sauce packet robbery.
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Homemade Taco Sauce Is Way “Fire” Than You'll Know
Copycat Taco Bell Mild Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 8-ounce can of tomato sauce
- 1/3 cup of water
- 1 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoon of dry minced onions
- 1 tablespoon of white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon each of paprika, sugar, cayenne pepper, and chili powder
Step 1: Mix Tomato Sauce and Water in Saucepan
First, grab a medium saucepan and put it on low heat. Next, add in your tomato sauce and water. Keep your heat on low to medium-low, the key here is to slowly let all the ingredients meld together and not over reduce or burn your sauce.
Step 2: Add the Seasoning
Next, throw in all your seasonings into the saucepan and give everything a good stir with a whisk to break everything down. Cook down your hot sauce for 15-20 minutes or until your desired consistency is achieved.
See, that wasn't so bad now was it? Since this homemade taco sauce has no vinegar or preservatives, make sure to store it immediately in the refrigerator and use it up within a week.
Now, for those who like their taco sauce on the hotter side, let's make a copycat Taco Bell Fire Sauce. Be mindful while preparing this sauce to not rub your eyes and to thoroughly wash your hands afterward.
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Copycat Taco Bell Fire Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 6-ounce can of tomato paste
- 3 cups of water
- 3 tablespoons of white vinegar
- 1/2 cup of pickled sliced jalepeños
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1 tablespoon of dried minced onion
- 2 tablespoons of salt
- 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- A dash of onion and garlic powder
Step 1: Place Ingredients in a Blender
Place all your ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until the sauce is fully pureed and smooth.
Step 2: Pour the Sauce in a Saucepan
Next, pour your sauce mixture into a medium saucepan and bring it up to a boil. Once at a boil, reduce the heat to low and keep simmering for about 15-20 minutes or until sauce has reduced to your desired consistency.
Step 3: Allow to Cool and Store
Once your sauce has reached your desired consistency, check for seasoning, and adjust accordingly. Afterward, allow the sauce to fully cool before storing it.
We love storing our sauces in plastic squeeze bottles for easy use but you can also store them in an airtight glass jar. This recipe can be stored in the refrigerator for about 2-3 months and also freezes well.
You've Got Homemade Taco Sauce, Now What?
While these sauces easily go with Mexican classics such as tacos and burritos, don't be afraid to drizzle some over pizza, in a sandwich, and any other foods that can use a little spice upgrade.
We've got 3 recipes to share with you that we think would be perfect with your newly found homemade taco sauce recipes!
1. Tajín Cauliflower Bites
We're huge fans of Tajín as we love the unique flavor combination of lime, chili, and salt it gives to food. If you're not using it, you're missing out. Use it on avocado toast, to flavor shrimp or fish, or to give a boost of flavor to your taco seasoning.
In this recipe, the Tajín pairs well with the roasted cauliflower and is a perfect partner for your homemade taco sauce.
2. 30-Minute Chicken Fajitas
There's something about the aroma of fresh sizzling fajitas passing you by in a restaurant that can make you instantly rethink what you're going to order. Luckily for you, these fajitas can be whipped up in just 30 minutes.
One key here is to cut your chicken into thin strips which helps them soak up the marinade quickly and also speed up the cooking process. If you're feeling extra and got more than 30 minutes, make some homemade tortillas to really up the value of this simple recipe!
3. One Pan Mexican Chicken And Rice
Another quick and flavorful recipe that you can have prepped and on the table in just 30 minutes! This recipe saves time by taking advantage of canned enchilada sauce, tomatoes, and green chiles.
A complete meal and only uses one pan, what more can you ask for? Feel free to add extra toppings such as chopped tomatoes, cilantro, sour cream, avocado, and of course, your homemade taco sauce.
As mentioned above, you're in control of your sauce when you go the homemade route. If you want to cut back on the spice or maybe you want to create an “ultra fire” version, feel free to do so!
Watch this video from Popsugar to learn how to make your own version of Taco Bell's Crunchwrap Supreme to go with your hot sauce:
I'm sure a lot of us have been in this scenario before, you're at a Taco Bell restaurant and on the way out you grab way too many sauce packets you'll never, ever use. Not only that, as we know from experience, they'll be stashed away in your refrigerator until the end of time.
With this recipe in mind, it's time to do it yourself and make multiple versions of it — and even add your own twist to this special taco sauce. No need to be a hot sauce thief anymore!
But seriously, we hope once you try this homemade taco sauce, you'll be a believer that you can make something a million times better than those sauce packets in your very own kitchen. Not only that, think of all the refrigerator space you'll save once you get rid of those countless sauce packets.
What are some of your favorite dishes to drizzle hot sauce over? Try one of the recipes up above? Tell us in the comment section below!
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