Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce (Easy Make from Scratch)

5 from 6 votes

This Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce that is made from simple pantry ingredients. Elevate your Mexican cuisine to a whole new level with this red sauce.

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Total Time15

Course: Basics

Cuisine: Mexican

Servings: cups

Calories: 199kcal

Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
Gradually add flour, whisking continuously until the mixture turns slightly golden or chocolate-brown if preferred.
¼ cup Flour
Stir in Mexican seasoning until well combined.
2-3 Tablespoons Mexican Seasoning
Slowly add chicken broth while whisking continuously to ensure smooth integration into the roux.
2 cups Chicken Broth
Increase heat to medium-high, bringing the sauce to a boil.
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens to desired consistency.
Turn off the heat and remove the saucepan from the stove. Allow the sauce to cool and thicken further.

Whisk Constantly: Continuously whisking the flour and oil mixture as it cooks prevents lumps from forming. This ensures a smooth, uniform texture in your enchilada sauce.
Adjust Spice Levels: The beauty of homemade sauce is the ability to customize the flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount of Mexican seasoning to suit your desired spice level. Start with less and add more as needed.
Simmer Slowly: Simmer the sauce on medium-low heat once all ingredients are combined. This slow simmer allows flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a richer taste.
Use Quality Broth: For a rich flavor, opt for high-quality chicken broth. The broth significantly influences the sauce's taste, so choose a brand with a flavor profile you like.
Cool Before Storing: If you have leftovers, allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container for refrigeration. This helps to maintain its freshness and flavor.
Fresh vs. Dried Spices: If you have access to fresh spices, they can add an incredible depth of flavor to your sauce. However, dried spices work wonderfully and offer convenience.