Guajillo Chile Sauce

Guajillo Chile Sauce Recipe

Hello! Today you'll discover how to prepare a flavorful sauce, with a smoky touch and moderate heat that everyone loves. It's guajillo chile sauce perfect for accompanying tacos, meats, and even eggs. Its versatility and rich flavor make it an indispensable ally in home cooking.

Preparation time

This sauce doesn't require much time, and its process is simple.

• Preparation: 10 minutes
• Cooking: 15 minutes
• Total: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

For the sauce

• 12 dried guajillo chilies
• 2 medium tomatoes
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1/2 cup of water or broth
• 2 teaspoons of salt

Guajillo chili is a dried chili with a smoky flavor and fruity notes. If you can't find it, you can try with chile de árbol, although the flavor will change. The broth can be chicken or vegetable to enrich the sauce.

Utensils we will use

• Comal or frying pan for toasting
• Medium pot
• Bowl for soaking the chilies
• Blender or food processor
• Knife and cutting board
• Strainer

Preparation

1. Prepare the ingredients

• Wash and roast the tomatoes: Wash the tomatoes well and place them on a griddle or pan over medium heat. Turn the tomatoes every 5 minutes until the skin darkens and they become soft.
• Clean the guajillo chilies: With a damp cloth, wipe the dust off the chilies. Then remove the stems, seeds, and veins. Use gloves or wash your hands very well afterward because the chili can irritate the skin.

2. Toast the chilies

• Over medium heat and without oil, place the chilies in a pan. Toast for approximately 30 seconds, turning them and making sure they don't burn. They should look puffed up and have a more intense red color, which enhances their smoky flavor.

3. Prepare the sauce

• Place the toasted and cleaned chilies in a bowl with 4 cups of hot water. Let them soak for 10 minutes until they are flexible but without over-soaking to avoid losing flavor.
• In the blender, put the roasted tomatoes, hydrated chilies, garlic, water or broth, and salt. Blend until you get a smooth mixture.
• Strain the sauce to remove any remaining seeds or skin and return it to a pot.

4. Final cooking

• Heat the sauce in the pot and let it simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes so that all the flavors integrate well.
• Taste and adjust the salt if necessary. You can add a touch of broth if it's too thick.

To finish and serve

Once ready, remove from heat and surprise with this smoky sauce in your favorite dishes. It pairs spectacularly with tacos al pastor, quesadillas, or even to give a special touch to simple potatoes. Serve with warm tortillas and a little cream to balance the spiciness.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 40 kcal
• Proteins: 1 g
• Fats: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 2 g

Values are approximate per serving and may vary depending on the ingredients used.

5 keys to make your guajillo chile sauce perfect

• Select fresh, blemish-free chilies: Dried chilies should be whole and without a rancid smell to avoid bitterness.
• Do not over-toast the chilies: A light toasting enhances the flavor, but do not let them burn to avoid making the sauce bitter.
• Control hydration: Let the chilies rest just long enough to soften them, without soaking them too much and losing their character.
• Strain the texture: Straining the sauce helps avoid small pieces that could alter the presentation and final flavor.
• Adjust spiciness and seasoning to taste: Salt is essential to highlight all flavors; if you like it more acidic, add a few drops of vinegar or lemon juice.

When is it ideal to enjoy guajillo chile sauce?

It is perfect for any time of day, but especially at family gatherings where authentic Mexican flavor is the star. This sauce also shines as a snack with tortilla chips or as an accompaniment to meals like the taco al pastor or the Querétaro enchiladas. Its smoky and balanced flavor complements grilled meats and cheese dishes. At celebrations or outdoor meals, this sauce provides that special touch that everyone will remember.

Comparison table: Guajillo Chile Sauce and other Mexican sauces

Want to improve your guajillo chile sauce? Here are 3 tricks that will help you

• Use broth instead of water: This will give your sauce a more robust body and deep flavor.
• Integrate spices to taste: Adding cumin or a little dried oregano can give it a special touch without losing authenticity.
• Let the salsa rest: Store the prepared sauce in the refrigerator one day before serving so that the flavors integrate better.

The best dishes to accompany with guajillo chile sauce

• Tacos al pastor and other traditional tacos: The smoky flavor perfectly complements the marinated meat.
• Swiss Enchiladas or mineras: The sauce can be used as a base for enchiladas, providing that unique touch.
• Egg dishes: Scrambled or fried eggs combine very well with this sauce for a special breakfast.
• Quesadillas and picaditas: Using the sauce as a dip or spread enhances its flavor.
• Accompaniment for grilled or baked meats: The sauce helps enhance dishes like the short rib in tamarind sauce or a baked cochito.

Inclusion of some popular sauces to diversify your cooking

Mexican cuisine is rich in sauces that enhance any dish. Some of the favorites that complement guajillo chili sauce and that you can try are:

• Tamarind and chipotle sauce for a different sweet and smoky touch.
• Oaxacan black mole, for complex and spicy flavors.
• Red pozole, which features a chili with a distinct but also delicious profile with deeper flavors.
• Chilorio, a stew that can benefit from the freshness this sauce brings.