HOW TO MAKE RED CHILE SAUCE FROM CHILE POWDER
If you know me, I’m a bit of a red chile snob—99% of the time, I make my sauce from New Mexico red chile pods. But when time is tight or chile pods aren’t available, this quick and flavorful Red Chile Sauce from Chile Powder is the next best thing. Many of you have asked for an easy version using chile powder, so I’m excited to share this versatile recipe that comes together in just minutes.The key to success is choosing the right heat level for your taste—mild, medium, or hot—and adjusting the amount of chile powder accordingly. You can also cook it down to your preferred thickness or thin it out with a bit of water if needed. This sauce is customizable, fast, and full of rich, bold New Mexican flavor—perfect for enchiladas, burritos, huevos rancheros, and more.
Video
Equipment
- 1 Skillet or saucepan For toasting and cooking sauce
- 1 Wooden spoon/spatula For stirring sauce
- 1 Measuring spoons For dry ingredients
- 1 Measuring cup For water
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. all purpose flour
- 2 tbsp. red chile powder (or adjust to your liking)
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1/2 tsp. ground oregano
- salt to taste (typically between 1/2 to 1 tsp.)
Instructions
- Heat skillet or sauce pan on stove over medium high heat.
- Add in flour and continuously move around with spoon until it turns a light brown.
- Add in chile powder and mix to combine.
- Pour in water and stir until flour and chile and dissolved.
- Add in garlic powder, cumin, and ground oregano.
- Mix well and bring to boil.
- Lower heat and continue cooking another 5 to 10 minutes until sauce thickens to your liking.
- Add in salt to taste, and your red chile sauce is done and ready to use in any of number of dishes.
Notes
This recipe and video were created and produced by Marcy Inspired.
