Fitness / September 16, 2024

Taco Sauce recipe

Simple to make and even easier to enjoy.

Table of Contents

I love Tuesdays for one reason and one reason only, tacos. I know I have talked time and time again about my love of tacos, their crunch, their versatility, and their simplicity. I’m aware that I have talked about the different protein options for tacos and I have talked about the perfect toppings for tacos. But the one thing I do not think I have ever really talked about is what I would consider an integral part of Taco Tuesday – the taco sauce.

Let’s face it, taco sauce adds a level of moisture and spice, while really bringing the whole taco together. I used to buy taco sauce at the grocery store or take extra packets from Taco Bell, I’m not proud of it, but I did it. When I found this recipe, I realized it was so easy to make my own taco sauce at home and, because it was fresh, it tasted so much better, too.

Some say that taco sauce can be traced back to the Aztecs, Incas, and Mayans. However, what we do know for sure is that commercially-made taco sauces began appearing in the US around the middle of the 20th century. In 1941, Henry Tanklage created La Victoria Sales Company, which would introduce the nation to red and green taco sauces, while Old El Paso (launched a few years earlier, in 1938) would later become known for its own version of a fiery taco sauce.

This recipe is a replica version of those classic taco sauces, with a bold and full flavor that is both zesty and spicy. Full of the rich flavors of tomato, onion, garlic, cumin, and chili peppers, it is a flavor that adds a kick to your tacos in the most inviting way. This taco sauce recipe is so delicious that you will want to put it on more than just tacos.

Is This Taco Sauce Recipe Healthy?

With this taco sauce recipe, I think it is important to note right off the bat that it is fully vegan, containing only plant-based ingredients, making it the perfect condiment for any taco. This recipe is also reasonably spicy and spicy food has been proven to help with digestion and speed up metabolism. It also contains tomatoes which are high in vitamin C, which aids your immune system, and lutein, which supports healthy vision.

Can I substitute ketchup for tomato sauce?

When I was searching for the perfect taco sauce recipe, I found that the biggest difference between a lot of them was the use of ketchup in place of tomato sauce. I know some people may think the two are similar enough that it does not matter which one is used. That is not the case. Ketchup is sweet and tangy, it often adds sugar to the tomato blend to sweeten it. Tomato sauce, however, is more acidic and has a more natural tomato flavor.

There is also a difference in consistency, too. Ketchup is generally thicker than tomato sauce and will not make as fluid a taco sauce if you use it. I have found that some recipes are not hurt by substituting ingredients, but for this recipe, I recommend sticking to the ingredient list as written.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Salt to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine

Mix sauce ingredients in a saucepan.

Simmer

Cook mixture until thickened.

Cool

Allow to cool before storing.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

To store your taco sauce, make sure it has cooled to room temperature and transfer it to airtight sealed containers. It will last in your refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Is this an authentic Mexican taco sauce?

In flavor, this is a replica recipe of the traditional Ortega taco sauce.

Can I use fresh onions, chilies, and garlic?

You can substitute fresh ingredients but if you do be sure to dice them incredibly fine or put them in a food processor to make them fine enough for the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

As I said from the start taco sauce is, of course, meant to be served on tacos. Try it with these Avocado Tacos, these Shrimp Tacos or even these Tasty Tofu Tacos.

But that is not the only dish heightened by this taco sauce. I recommend putting it on all your favorite Mexican cuisine – burritos, nachos, chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, or anything you would like to add a little kick to. This taco sauce also mixes well into a Bloody Mary for a spicy adult beverage.

Taco Sauce recipe

Simple to make and even easier to enjoy.

Course Sauce

Cuisine Mexican

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Total Time 25

Calories 104kcal

Author Weatherly Becker-Gottlieb

Ingredients

1 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat
Salt to taste

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine tomato sauce, water, white vinegar, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, sugar, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt to taste.
Remove the sauce from heat and allow it to cool before transferring to a jar or container for storage.