Easy Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving the bold, vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine with the comfort of homemade, this Easy Red Enchilada Sauce is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen! Made from scratch with pantry staples and ready in minutes, it packs a punch with just the right balance of chili, spice, and tangy brightness. Whether you’re saucing up enchiladas, drizzling over tacos, or using it as a zesty dip, you’ll love its irresistible depth of flavor and restaurant-quality freshness. Honestly, you’ll be amazed at just how much better homemade can taste—and how truly easy it is!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t you just love recipes where every ingredient shines? Each component of this Easy Red Enchilada Sauce brings something unique—richness, heat, body, or that essential hint of zest. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips for making every spoonful memorable:

• Vegetable oil: Provides a smooth base and helps in building a velvety roux for the sauce’s perfect texture.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce just right, giving it a lovely, pourable consistency that hugs your enchiladas.
• Chili powder: The absolute backbone of flavor—pick the intensity you like for a mild, medium, or fiery sauce.
• Ground cumin: Adds earthy warmth and an unmistakable Mexican flair that ties the spices together.
• Garlic powder: Lends a mellow, savory depth that infuses the sauce without overpowering the chili notes.
• Onion powder: Brings a gentle sweetness and background savoriness, balancing out the other spices effortlessly.
• Dried oregano: A hint of herbal complexity that really takes the sauce from simple to full of character.
• Chicken or vegetable broth: The liquid backbone—use vegetable broth for a vegetarian, lighter base or chicken broth for richness.
• Apple cider vinegar: Just a dash at the end brightens up the sauce and sharpens the flavors beautifully.
• Salt to taste: Lets you adjust and highlight all those gorgeous flavors right at the finish.

How to Make Easy Red Enchilada Sauce

Step 1: Start Your Roux

Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook this mixture for about a minute, stirring constantly—this is where you build the foundation for your Easy Red Enchilada Sauce’s silky texture and subtle, toasty flavor.

Step 2: Bloom the Spices

Sprinkle in your chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano. Give it all a good stir, letting the spices bloom in the hot oil and flour for 30 seconds. This quick step releases their essential oils, giving your sauce a truly deep, aromatic flavor right from the start.

Step 3: Add the Broth

Now, slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. It might splatter a bit, so go steady! This step transforms your roux and spices into a robust, smooth sauce base with all the complex character you want in an Easy Red Enchilada Sauce.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it bubble for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This short simmer thickens the sauce and allows all the spices to meld beautifully. Keep an eye on the consistency—it should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still easy to drizzle.

Step 5: Brighten and Season

Take the pan off the heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar and a pinch of salt, tasting as you go. The vinegar adds a zingy brightness that makes the other flavors pop and takes your Easy Red Enchilada Sauce to the next level. Adjust the salt to your liking, and you’re all set!

How to Serve Easy Red Enchilada Sauce

Garnishes

Give your dishes a stunning finish! Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or a handful of crumbled queso fresco over anything you ladle with Easy Red Enchilada Sauce. A squeeze of lime right before serving can also bring an irresistible fresh burst.

Side Dishes

This sauce pairs beautifully with everything from fluffy Mexican rice to warm refried beans or even simple grilled corn. It’s also amazing drizzled over roasted veggies or used as a dip for crispy tortilla chips—your options are deliciously endless.

Creative Ways to Present

Try using Easy Red Enchilada Sauce as a base for shakshuka-style baked eggs, or toss it with shredded chicken for a quick taco filling. It also makes a flavor-packed poaching liquid for fish or vegetables if you’re in the mood for something fun and unexpected!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Easy Red Enchilada Sauce in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator, where it’ll keep fresh and flavorful for up to one week. The flavors deepen over time, so don’t be surprised if your second-day enchiladas taste even more delicious!

Freezing

This sauce is freezer-friendly—just pour completely cooled sauce into freezer bags or small containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and give it a good stir before using.

Reheating

Warm your Easy Red Enchilada Sauce gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If it gets too thick, whisk in a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring every 30 seconds to keep it perfectly smooth.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Red Enchilada Sauce gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or even a cornstarch slurry. Simply whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a splash of cold broth, then add it in place of flour during the roux step.

How do I make the sauce spicier or milder?

The chili powder controls most of the heat in this recipe, so simply use less for a milder sauce or add an extra spoonful if you love it hot. You can even toss in a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder for extra kick or smoky heat!

Can I use this sauce for dishes other than enchiladas?

Yes! This Easy Red Enchilada Sauce is super versatile—use it as a simmer sauce for meat or veggies, over scrambled eggs, in rice casseroles, or as a dipping sauce for appetizers. It’s a wonderful way to add authentic Mexican flavor to so many favorites.

What if my sauce turns out too thick or too thin?

If your sauce seems too thick after simmering, whisk in a little more broth (a tablespoon at a time) until it’s just right. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a minute or two longer, stirring until it thickens to your liking.

How can I add a smoky or deeper flavor?

For a richer, smoky taste, add a pinch of smoked paprika when you add your spices. You could also mix in a spoonful of tomato paste or a splash of fire-roasted tomatoes for extra depth. Taste as you go and adjust to your liking!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made your own Easy Red Enchilada Sauce before, now’s the time! It’s quick, fun, and incredibly rewarding to whip up a batch from scratch. Give it a try—you’ll taste the love in every bite, and soon it just might become your go-to for everything Mexican-inspired. Happy cooking!

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