Restaurant Style Enchilada Sauce Recipe

There’s something truly magical about crafting enchilada sauce from scratch—maybe it’s the fragrant spices that fill the kitchen or the satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into your delicious meal. Ready to level up your enchilada game? Let’s dive in!

I love making a Restaurant Style Enchilada Sauce at home. I start with a base of vegetable oil and all-purpose flour.

Then, I blend in chili powder for the perfect kick, and use chicken broth for a base that adds more depth. After that, I sprinkle in copious amounts of garlic powder, onion powder, and ground cumin for that warm, aromatic essence.

I control the salt and add just a hint of oregano to taste, and then enjoy the sauce in every melt-in-your-mouth enchilada.

Restaurant Style Enchilada Sauce Recipe Ingredients

• Chili Powder: Adds deep, smoky, spicy flavor; rich in antioxidants.
• Chicken Broth: Provides savory base; adds protein and depth.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances aroma; offers antibacterial properties.
• Onion Powder: Brings umami richness; contains vitamins C and B.
• Ground Cumin: Adds earthy flavor; contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Dried Oregano: Offers aromatic depth; known for antioxidants.

Restaurant Style Enchilada Sauce Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup chili powder
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make this Restaurant Style Enchilada Sauce Recipe

1. In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil.

2. Whisk the flour into the oil so that it forms a roux. Do this nonstop for about a minute.

3. Whisk in the chili powder and keep whisking for another 30 seconds until fully combined and fragrant.

4. Slowly add the chicken broth, whisking nonstop to keep lumps from forming.

5. When the mixture is smooth, add the following ingredients: garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, and dried oregano.

6. Add salt and black pepper, mixing until all elements are integrated.

7. Raise the temperature to medium-high and get the sauce simmering.

8. Lower the heat to allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring from time to time, until it becomes thick.

9. If the sauce needs it, taste and adjust the seasoning. You may need to add a little more salt or pepper to suit your taste.

10. Take the sauce off the heat and allow it to cool a bit before you use it to make your enchiladas. Or, if you want to save it for later, put it in an airtight container—like all good sauces should be stored—and stow it in your refrigerator.

Restaurant Style Enchilada Sauce Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Medium saucepan
2. Whisk
3. Measuring spoons
4. Measuring cups
5. Stirring spoon
6. Airtight container for storage (optional)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use this sauce for other dishes besides enchiladas?A: Yes, this sauce is versatile and can be used for filling assemblies of tacos, for burritos, or as a covering for grilled chicken or vegetables. It’s a great go-to sauce.
• Q: How can I make this sauce vegetarian or vegan?A: To make the sauce suitable for vegetarians or vegans, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Q: How do I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?A: To make the sauce more spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or more chili powder. To make it less spicy, use a mild chili powder or add a bit of sugar.
• Q: How long can I store this enchilada sauce?The sauce can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Alternatively, it can be frozen in a suitable container for up to three months.
• Q: Can I use fresh garlic or onion instead of powder?A: Yes, you can use fresh minced garlic or onion, but you should sauté them first in the oil before adding the flour, for a few minutes until they have softened.
• Q: Is it possible to thicken the sauce?A: Yes, to help thicken the sauce, you can add more flour or let it simmer for a longer period.

Restaurant Style Enchilada Sauce Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substitute with canola oil or olive oil, as a replacement for vegetable oil.
All-purpose flour: For a gluten-free option, substitute with cornstarch or gluten-free flour.
Substitute vegetable broth, beef broth, or a bouillon cube dissolved in water for chicken broth when you want to taste something other than chicken.
Chili powder: Replace with an equivalent blend of paprika and cayenne pepper, adjusting the cayenne to your taste if you want it to be less hot.
Cumin powder: Use ground coriander or a mix of coriander and extra chili powder.

Pro Tips

1. Toast the Chili Powder Before adding the chili powder, you can lightly toast it in a dry pan for about 30 seconds to a minute over medium heat. This can enhance its flavor and add depth to the sauce.

2. Use Fresh Spices Ensure your garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, and dried oregano are fresh. Spices lose their potency over time, so using fresh spices will give the sauce a more vibrant flavor.

3. Homemade Chicken Broth For an even richer sauce, consider using homemade chicken broth. It typically has a more robust flavor compared to store-bought versions.

4. Blending for Smoothness After simmering the sauce, you can use an immersion blender to make sure the sauce is perfectly smooth and free from any lumps, giving it a silky texture.

5. Adjust Consistency If the sauce is too thick for your liking, add a bit more chicken broth or water to reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, continue simmering until it thickens to your liking.