Print

Authentic Guajillo Chile Sauce

Print Recipe

This bold and smoky guajillo chile sauce is a Mexican staple made with dried guajillo peppers, garlic, onion, and spices. Perfect for enchiladas, tamales, tacos, or grilled meats, it adds rich depth and mild heat to any dish. Simple, earthy, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 onion
  • 1 1/2 cups water (plus more for soaking)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (Mexican preferred)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, for richness)

Instructions

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, toast the dried guajillo chiles for 30 seconds per side until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
  2. Place the toasted chiles in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let soak for 15 minutes until softened.
  3. Drain the chiles and transfer to a blender. Add garlic, onion, 1 1/2 cups fresh water, vinegar, cumin, oregano, and salt.
  4. Blend until very smooth. If needed, strain for a silkier texture.
  5. (Optional) Heat oil in a saucepan and simmer the sauce for 5–7 minutes to deepen the flavor and thicken slightly.
  6. Cool and store in a glass jar. Keeps refrigerated for up to 1 week or frozen for 3 months.

Notes

  • Wear gloves when handling dried chiles to avoid skin irritation.
  • Adjust salt and vinegar to taste depending on dish usage.
  • For more heat, add a dried arbol chile during soaking.

Nutrition

Keywords: guajillo chile sauce, Mexican red sauce, enchilada sauce, taco sauce, smoky chile salsa

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/authentic-guajillo-chile-sauce/