Tacos are incomplete without the right sauce, but nothing beats a homemade taco sauce recipe. Making your own sauce lets you control the tastes, therefore guaranteeing that every taco is alive with flavor. This recipe will elevate your dinner, whether you’re making street tacos or hosting a taco night for family.

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What Is This Sauce?

Taco sauce is made from tomato, vinegar, and spices mixed in a tasty way. It goes well with tacos because it has a balance of sour, spicy, and rich flavors. Store-bought taco sauce is convenient, but making your own lets you make it exactly how you like it and doesn’t need any extra chemicals.

Why this taco sauce recipe is great

Versatile: You can practically use it on everything! Drizzle it over burritos, street tacos, nachos, even chips.
Simple enough for novices, this is a taco sauce recipe.
Customize the spice level, sweetness, or even include cream for a creamy taco sauce.
Healthy: Just fresh, whole foods; no preservatives.

Creative Ways to Use Taco Sauce

You could create tacos with this homemade salsa anyway you choose. Here are some original concepts outside traditional tacos:

Taco Mayo Sauce: Mix a spoonful of taco sauce with mayonnaise for a creamy and tangy spread.
Drizzle Over Eggs: Try this sauce over scrambled eggs or an omelet for a Mexican-inspired breakfast.
As a Dip: Serve it as a dip for tortilla chips or nachos, or mix with sour cream for a milder option.
Tacos Crevette (Shrimp Tacos): Use the sauce to dress grilled shrimp tacos for a delicious seafood twist.

What Supplies Do You Need to Make Homemade Taco Sauce?

Taco sauce ingredients

Based on what this homemade taco sauce recipe calls for, most likely already in your cupboard materials are used.

1 (16 oz) can tomato sauce – This forms the base of your sauce.
½ cup water – To adjust the consistency.
2 tbsp white vinegar – Adds tanginess.
1 tbsp cumin powder – Gives the sauce a warm, earthy flavor.
1 tsp chili powder – For the heat.
1 tsp garlic powder – Notes of salt to smooth out the spice.
1 tsp of onion powder—This gives the food more taste
½ tsp paprika – A subtle sweetness with smokiness.
½ tsp sugar – Balances acidity with a hint of sweetness.
Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust to your preference.
Optional: Add cayenne pepper for extra heat or lime juice for a citrus kick.

Equipment and Tools

Simple kitchen utensils are required to make this dish:

Saucepan: For cooking the sauce.
Whisk or spoon: To mix the components
Airtight container: To store the sauce in the fridge or freezer.
Measuring spoons and cups: For precise measurements.

How to Make Homemade Taco Sauce

In a medium-sized saucepan toss the tomato sauce, water, vinegar, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and sugar. Stir until everything is mixed together.
Simmer: Put the mixture on medium-high heat and stir it around a few times. Turn the heat down to medium-low then let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring now and again. The sauce will get a little thicker.
Taste the sauce and make any necessary changes to the spices. Add hot sauce or chili pepper for more heat. Add a little more vinegar or lime juice for more tang.
Cool and Store: Let the sauce cool before packing it in a jar sealed tightly to prevent air access. Store it three months frozen or five days in the refrigerator.

Nutrition and Richness

There are very few calories in each serving of this healthy taco sauce. Usually, each tablespoon comprises roughly:

Calories: 20
Fat: 0g
Carbs: 3g
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 200mg (varies according on your salt intake)

Quick Tips & Variations

Cook Tips

Consistency Control: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit more water. Let it boil for a few further minutes if it seems too thin.
Taste as You Go: Adjust spices based on your preference.
Thicker Sauce for Canning: For a taco sauce recipe for canning, you may want a thicker consistency. Simmer the sauce longer to reduce it.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: The sauce can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days in a jar that doesn’t let air in.

Freezing: You can freeze the sauce in small portions for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge and reheat in a saucepan.

Reheating: Warm the sauce on low heat before serving. Add a little water if it thickens too much in storage.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Too Watery: Simmer longer until the sauce thickens.
Too Thick: Add little bits of water until the density you want is reached.
Too Spicy: Mix in more tomato sauce or sugar to balance the heat.
Too Tangy: Reduce the vinegar or add a pinch of sugar.

Quick & Easy Street Taco Idea:

Start with warming little corn tortillas for real street tacos. Stuff them with soft, seasoned grilled meat—carne asada, chicken, pig carnitas. Top with lime, fresh cilantro, and chopped onions. To improve the taste, toss one spoonful of your own taco sauce recipe. Present with a side of pickled jalapeños and radishes for a real touch.

With the homemade taco sauce adding a wonderful touch, these basic but savory street tacos really reflect the classic street food scene.

Conclusion

Making your own homemade sauce for tacos not only enhances the flavor of your meals, but it also gives you the flexibility to tweak the sauce to suit your tastes. Whether you’re preparing a quick taco dinner or planning to use the sauce for other Mexican-inspired dishes, this versatile and easy recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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FAQ recipe

What Sauce to Use on Tacos?

Taco sauce is the classic choice, but you can also experiment with taco mayo sauce, salsa, or guacamole for a unique flavor twist.

What is the Difference Between Taco Sauce and Salsa?
Taco sauce is a smooth, mixed sauce that is mostly made of tomato, vinegar, and spices. What about salsa? Salsa is thick and made with fresh ingredients like chopped tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.

What Is Taco Mayo Sauce Made Of?
Taco mayo sauce is typically a mixture of mayonnaise and taco sauce, creating a creamy and tangy condiment perfect for spreading on tortillas or dipping.

Explore further sauce recipes.

Get Homemade Taco Sauce Recipe

Making your own homemade sauce for tacos not only enhances the flavor of your meals, but it also gives you the flexibility to tweak the sauce to suit your tastes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 20 kcal

Equipment

Saucepan: For cooking the sauce.
Whisk or spoon: To stir and combine the ingredients.
Airtight container: To store the sauce in the fridge or freezer.
Measuring spoons and cups For precise measurements.

Ingredients

1 16 oz can tomato sauce – This forms the base of your sauce.
½ cup water – To adjust the consistency.
2 tbsp white vinegar – Adds tanginess.
1 tbsp cumin powder – Gives the sauce a warm earthy flavor.
1 tsp chili powder – For the heat.
1 tsp garlic powder – Notes of salt to smooth out the spice.
1 tsp onion powder – This gives the food more taste
½ tsp paprika – A subtle sweetness with smokiness.
½ tsp sugar – Balances acidity with a hint of sweetness.
Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust to your preference.
Optional: Add cayenne pepper for extra heat or lime juice for a citrus kick.

Instructions

Put the tomato sauce, water, vinegar, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and sugar in a medium-sized pot. Stir until everything is mixed together.
Simmer: Put the mixture on medium-high heat and stir it around a few times. Then, turn the heat down to medium-low and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring every now and then. The sauce will get a little thicker.
Taste the sauce and make any necessary changes to the spices. Add hot sauce or chili pepper for more heat. Add a little more vinegar or lime juice for more tang.
Cool and Store: Allow the sauce to cool down before putting it in a jar that won’t let air in. Store it in the fridge for five days or freeze it for three months.