This authentic red enchilada sauce recipe is made with a mixture of Mexican chili peppers that are lightly toasted then rehydrated and processed to form a deeply rich and flavorful sauce. It is one of my very favorites for homemade enchiladas.

I have to admit that I'm kind of a red enchilada maniac. I'll take them any way I can get them - with chicken, vegetarian style, stuffed with cheese, pulled pork, ground beef, however you want to serve them to me. Just gimmee, OK?
It's really about the sauce. Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce, when made from dried Mexican chile peppers, is one of those sauces that can't be beat. It is deeply rich and earthy, authentic, and so massive with flavor, it is difficult to describe how satisfying it truly is. And SO MUCH BETTER than anything you'll find in grocery stores.
I think mankind must have been doing something right in its early days, and the Gods smiled down and said, "Yo, let's reward you with something for good behavior. Boom! Here is some red enchilada sauce." Thank you, ancestors.
I have enjoyed numerous red enchilada sauces in restaurants all over and from friendly kitchens, and you can buy canned sauce, but homemade is vastly superior. I've made them several different ways, and this particular recipe is my own preferred method. There isn't anything difficult about it, no wild ingredients or steps to follow, just simple ingredients and tried-and-true cooking.
Why mess with perfection? Still, you can easily customize this recipe, and I've included some ways you can adjust it to your own preferences, because, honestly, playing with recipes is fun.
So let's talk about how to make enchilada sauce, shall we?
Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce Ingredients
- Chili Peppers. I use a combination of 4 dried ancho peppers (stemmed and seeded), 4 dried guajillo peppers (stemmed and seeded), and 4 dried chiles de arbol (stemmed and seeded). You can use other peppers for this recipe. See the notes section below on Chili Peppers.
- Oil. Use 1 teaspoon olive oil or vegetable oil.
- Onion and Garlic. I use 1 small onion and 4 cloves garlic. You can easily use more or less to your preferred taste. They are great flavor builders and add body to the final enchilada sauce. Onion powder and garlic powder are fine to use for flavoring as well.
- Salt. Use 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt, or to your own personal tastes.
- Water or Broth. For thinning the sauce. Use water as needed, or you can use chicken stock or chicken broth. Start with a half cup or so, then work from there to your own preferred consistency.
How to Make Red Enchilada Sauce - The Recipe Method
Toast the Peppers. First, heat a large pan to medium heat and dry toast the dried chili peppers a few minutes per side, until the skins begin to puff up a bit. Be sure to remove the stems and seeds from the peppers first.
Toasting is an important step, as it helps to release the oils in the skins, which is HUGE for flavor. You can skip this step if you'd like and you will still get a delicious sauce, but I usually dry toast them. Some people use a toaster to toast their dried peppers.
Soak the Peppers. Set the peppers into a large bowl and pour hot water over them, just enough to cover them. Let them soak for 15 minutes to 20 minutes, or until they become very soft.
Food Processor or Blender. Remove the softened red chilies and set them into a food processor or blender.
Next, pour in some of the soaking liquid. You'll notice that it has become quite dark from the peppers. This water has plenty of nutrients leached from the peppers, so I like to use it. You can also use clean water if you'd like, as the steeping water can be somewhat bitter. Add about 1/2 to 1 cup to start.
Cook the Onion and Peppers. Next, cook down some onion and garlic in a pan with oil, then add them to the food processor along with the rehydrated peppers. Add sea salt to your preference.
Process the mixture until the sauce becomes very smooth. It will be very thick at this point. Add in more water, a half cup at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency.
Strain the Sauce. You can strain the sauce, if desired, for a smoother sauce, though it isn't necessary. The choice is yours.
Gorgeous, isn't it? So rich and vibrantly red. And super easy to make. Quick and easy is great for a slow cook like me.
Should I Strain My Enchilada Sauce?
You can strain the sauce at this point if you'd like. I usually strain mine for a smoother sauce, though it isn't 100% necessary. The red enchilada sauce is good as it is, but there there are some slightly bitter notes from the skins that can be somewhat tempered from straining.
I usually strain it to remove some of the bitterness and for a much smoother sauce.
About the Chili Peppers
For my preferred recipe, I use ancho chili peppers, guajillos and chiles de arbol. All are readily available from nearby grocers, or you can find them in Mexican grocers.
If you're unable to find them, purchase them online. You can get large bags of them and use them all the time like I do.
Ancho peppers are dried ripe poblano peppers, and I'd have to say they are very easily one of my very favorite chili peppers to cook with. They add a complex richness you can't find anywhere else.
Guajillo peppers are one of the most common and popular chiles grown and used in Mexico. They add a slightly berry-like flavor to the dish, along with a gorgeous deep red color.
Chiles de Arbol are small and thin Mexican peppers, growing to 2-3 inches long and less than a ½ inch wide. They are a bit hotter for that touch of heat we're looking for.
Other pepper options include dried New Mexican peppers, pasilla peppers, multato peppers, chilaca peppers, California chiles. Try it also with dried chipotle peppers or chile moritas for more of a smoky flavor. So good!
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Add Tomatoes or Tomato Sauce. Adding tomatoes, tomato sauce or tomato paste is a popular variation. Tomato adds a nice touch of sweetness. Traditional, authentic red enchilada sauce does not use tomato, but it really does add an interesting flavor dimension. Give it a try for sure. It's more like my Ranchero Sauce Recipe this way.
- Thin it Out. You can further thin out your enchilada sauce with chicken stock or vegetable broth. Just add a 1/2 cup to 1 cup, bring to a boil, and simmer to your preferred consistency.
- Bitterness. If you use the soaking water from rehydrating the dried peppers to make your sauce, you may end up with some bitter flavor. If you find this unappealing, next time skip the soaking water and use fresh water instead, or use a stock or broth. Or, you can sweeten it up a bit to counteract the bitterness. See below.
- Sweeten the Sauce. If you feel the final sauce is too bitter, you can sweeten it up with a bit of honey, agave nectar, sugar, or even chocolate. I've tried recipes with dark chocolate and they are very good. You don't need much, just a little.
- Fry the Sauce. Some cooks like to cook the sauce in a bit of oil in a pan, essentially frying it, to further develop the flavors and more. I've tried this and like the results, so it's worth a try.
- Seasonings. You'll get LOADS of FLAVOR from this recipe the way it is, but you can easily adjust with other ingredients, like cumin and other chili powders, and particularly herbs like Mexican oregano, marjoram or basil.
- Make it with Chile Powder. You can also make this recipe using chili powders instead of starting with whole dried peppers. Check out my Quick and Easy Enchilada Sauce Recipe for how to make it. Very tasty!
The flavor of this red enchilada sauce is slightly smoky and the color is deep, deep red. I hope you enjoy it.
Uses for Red Enchilada Sauce
You can, of course, use your delicious homemade enchilada sauce to make enchiladas, but this is a highly versatile sauce that can be used for many different Mexican recipes, as well as to flavor your every day meals. It will give all of your soups and stews an authentic Mexican or Tex-Mex flair.
Try this sauce as a topping for tacos, burritos, tortas, swirl them into black beans for a flavor pop, or drizzle it over your favorite grilled meats. Use it to make this Mexican Lasagna Recipe.
I often like to toss a pork shoulder into a slow cooker with a healthy portion of this awesome enchilada sauce for some of the best pulled pork I've ever had. Seriously, so good! I've loved this sauce a long time.
That's it, my friends! I hope you enjoy my homemade enchilada sauce recipe. So good! I really love this recipe, such wonderful flavor. Better than any canned sauce or store bought sauce. Homemade is best!
Patty's Perspective
I’m the biggest fan of tomatillos so I’ve always gone for the Green Enchilada sauce. But since the Red Enchilada sauce is predominantly made from chili peppers, it was a no-brainer for Mike to make this sauce as well. And I realized that there actually is something out there as good as the Green Enchilada sauce. I may be won over to the other side.
Try My Other Popular Mexican Recipes
- Beef Enchiladas
- Chicken Enchiladas Rojas
- Green Enchilada Sauce Recipe
- Chicken Enchiladas Verde with Cheese
- Mexican Picadillo
- Mexican Chicken Tortas
- Salsa Verde
- Salsa Roja
- Adobo Sauce
- Guajillo Sauce
- Pipian Rojo (Mexican Red Pipian Sauce)
If you try this recipe, please let us know! Leave a comment, rate it and tag a photo #ChiliPepperMadness on Instagram so we can take a look. I always love to see all of your spicy inspirations. Thanks! -- Mike H.

Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 dried ancho peppers (stemmed and seeded)
- 4 dried guajillo peppers (stemmed and seeded)
- 4 dried chiles de arbol (stemmed and seeded)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 small onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic chopped
- 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt (or to taste)
- Water as needed
Instructions
- Dry toast the dried chili peppers (stemmed and seeds removed) in a heated pan over medium heat. Toast them a couple minutes per side, until they start to puff up slightly.
- Cool, then set them into a heavy bowl with enough hot water to cover them.
- Let them soak for 20 minutes, or until they become very soft. Remove them and place them in a blender or food processor.
- Reserve 1 cup of the dark soaking water.
- In the same heated pan, add the olive oil. Cook the onion about 3 minutes, or until they become translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook another minute, until they become fragrant.
- Add them to the food processor along with the sea salt.
- Pour in the reserved soaking liquid and process to form a sauce. It will be very thick at this point.
- Add in more water, a half cup at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Strain, if desired, and serve as needed.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Information

Al says
I have the chillis in powder form. Do you know how to convert whole pepper quantities to their powder equivalents please
Mike Hultquist says
Al, I have a post you can refer to here on Chili Pepper Measurement Conversions: https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/frequently-asked-questions/conversions/
John D. Buffington says
yes very thorough receipt has a very rich flavor. cant wait to use it on other dishes!
Mike Hultquist says
Excellent! Enjoy!
Teresa Nable says
This recipe is delicious and easy to make. I will never purchase store bought again.
Mike Hultquist says
Thanks for sharing, Teresa! I know, SO MUCH BETTER than store bought enchilada sauce. Glad you enjoyed it!
Sandy says
Did not care for this. Every time I added a tad bit of salt you still had the thick taste of only peppers. No bursting of different flavors. I followed the directions exactly and tried to dilute the thick taste out some by adding water and tomatoe sauce but it was still chalky.
Mike Hultquist says
Sorry to hear, Sandy. Could potentially be the quality of the peppers you started with. Try my other enchilada sauce recipe with powder, a bit different.
Jody says
This was so good! I added a jar of roasted red peppers for a sweeter charred flavor. Big hit with my family.
Mike Hultquist says
Awesome!! Glad you all enjoyed it, Jody!
Lynn says
If you fry the sauce, should you do it before or after straining? Frying before straining could bring more flavor out of the bits of skin, but overcooking the skins could make it bitter. Which has worked better for you?
Mike Hultquist says
Lynn, I strain it before frying. Works best for me!
Karen says
I just love this recipe. I've made it several times, and freeze little pods of it in silicone mini cupcake pans. When I need it for soups, beans or carnitas, it's very handy to have! Last night I used my last two pods in Chicken Enchilada Soup (along with 2 tsp. Sazon seasoning) and the depth of flavor is out of this world. It's also great in Tortilla Soup; I omit the canned enchilada sauce, add two pods and tomato sauce.
Mike Hultquist says
Great idea, Karen!
Darlene says
Hi! When I tried to use my food processor I ended up with tons of little pieces of the skin in the sauce. Any ideas?
Mike Hultquist says
Darlene, you can strain it out with a strainer. You can also try to process those strained bits with a bit of the sauce to break it down more.
Rem says
Any idea of the SHU level of this sauce?
Mike Hultquist says
Rem, I don't have an exact measurement on this. The real heat come from the chiles de arbol, which can hit 65K SHU, but are diluted by the lower ancho and guajillos. You can easily adjust up or down with more or fewer chiles de arbol.
ema39 says
Love your enchilada sauce. Similar to what I learned to cook while living in Mexico for a while.
I always add 1/4 tablet of Mexican chocolate because it mellows the sauce a bit and gives it a creamer texture.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks. Yes, nice. Chocolate is a nice addition. I sometimes add a bit of chocolate to my chili for the same reason.
joyce m corcoran says
Absolutely wonderful enchilada sauce. I love spicy as does my family. My next step is to can it. Any suggestions. My sons say it shouldn't be a problem and they will help me jar up 8 pints in the pressure cooker. That way your wonderful sauce will be ready in a pint size jar anytime I want. It is used in so many dishes in our house. Thank you again for the recipe.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Joyce. I've never canned this. You'll probably need to add an acid if using a water bath, otherwise you can pressure can.
Chris Hall says
My first round of making this I burned the peppers toasting them. Round two I was more careful and the sauce was amazing, so unique and flavorful. This was a big hit for my wife and I. Thanks.
Any tips on how to remove the seeds quickly from the dried peppers? That step takes me the longest.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Chris. Yes, I like to cut the peppers open with kitchen scissors and sort of knock them out. Works nicely for me. Sometimes You'll need to dig in a little, but slicing up the side makes them easy to get to.
Margie Blanks says
I have used this same recipe, I add cumin, mexican oregano and a few Bay leaves. I also use the sauce in pork pozole.. Great recipe!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Great! Thanks, Margie! Sounds fantastic.
Jodi says
I want to use this for pork posole too! Do you have a recipe for the posole you can share?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Jodi, check out my Chicken Pozole Recipe. You very easily use pork in place of the chicken: https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/chili-pepper-recipes/soups-salads-stews/classic-mexican-chicken-posole
Bill Lieske says
Just a general chili pepper question. I can understand removing the stems but why the seeds? I never do and my sauces turn out pretty good. I don't mind a bit of the bitter taste and I am a hot, hot pepper freak.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Bill, it's mostly for the overall texture. The seeds can float around in the sauce. You don't have to remove them if you don't want to.
John Shotsky says
Mike, how much powdered chile de arbol would this take? I have a list of dried peppers to spoons, but don't have this one. I have all my peppers in powdered form in jars in a dark cupboard. I plan to make this soon.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
John, I didn't make this particular recipe with powders, so don't have an exact measurement, but you can refer to this recipe, which is very similar with powder: https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/chili-pepper-recipes/sauces/quick-and-easy-enchilada-sauce/
Scott Lambton says
Hi, I just made this recipe and also added Morita peppers. The taste is great but it's a little too spicy for my Girlfriend's taste, any tips as to what I can do to take it down a notch?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Hey, Scott. You can add in some tomato sauce to help dilute the overall heat. It will change the flavor a bit, but it's still very tasty. Otherwise, serve it with a side of dairy, like sour cream, which will help combat the spiciness. I hope this helps!
Patty says
Hi Mike,
I am a red enchilada sauce snob, having lived in New Mexico for several years. I was taught to make red sauce this way also. There is nothing better than stacked red enchiladas with a fried egg on top! Thanks for sharing!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Patty. I know there are several ways to make it, but this is my favorite way. So delicious!
Robin Eaton-Novak says
Whoaaaa....way too bitter. Besides adding sugar, what can I do to ease this besides adding sugar? Maybe I soaked mine too long (I got distracted)? Otherwise a great authentic sauce! I used the leftovers in a bbq beans concoction.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Robin, you might try something like tomato sauce, which will balance that out. Honey is good, too, as a sweetener, or Stevia for something more natural.
Rita Ladany says
Hi Mike, I upped the recipe just to use in other recipes besides the bean and cheese enchiladas I made. I did add honey, cocoa, oregano, cumin.
Why do so many recipes for this sauce call for flour?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Rita! I love this version. There are a couple different ways to make this sauce, this way and another with a roux (which calls for flour and oil), tomato paste and chili powder. I have a page on that here (Easy Enchilada Sauce Recipe - https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/chili-pepper-recipes/sauces/quick-and-easy-enchilada-sauce/). It's just a different way to make it.
Joel A. Deynzer says
This was awesome. I added a fresh poblano, an avacado and a little orange juice. I didn't strain it but I did simmer it for about 25 minutes on low. Bazinga, this was good.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Nice! Thanks, Joel I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Tom Williams says
I recommend a couple of tweaks:
Seed the dried Chile's and discard the seeds.
Add some fresh bell peppers which, along with some fresh tomatoes and quartered onions, you have charred on a comal or even a gas grill
I made this the other day. It was outstanding
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Tom. Yes, the recipe does call for removing the seeds from the dried peppers first, and I discuss the addition of tomatoes in the notes section. I love your updates! Very nice! I can smell the sauce from here! Nice.
Lydia says
Why is the sodium 777mg?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Lydia, there are 2 teaspoons of salt in the recipe, but you can just use salt to taste, or use your favorite salt substitute.
Debra says
This is the closest recipe I have found next to my mom's. I am 66 years old have looked on the web for enchilada sauce and I laugh at the recipes that they have this one is so close it's amazing thank you
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Debra. I appreciate it. This one is definitely authentic, and one of my favorites for sure.
Bora says
Hello. How long can you keep this in a fridge?
Thanks.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Bora, this will last a good week in the fridge. You can freeze it if you'd like to keep it longer. Enjoy!
Sommer says
Can you preserve it in jars?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Sommer, yes, you can either jar this and use a water bath to preserve it, or a pressure canner. Be sure to check the ph, though. It should be 4.0 or below (preferably 3.5) for home preservation with the water bath. If it's higher, use a pressure canner. You can always lower the pH (up the acidity) with a bit of citrus or vinegar. Let me know how it goes for you.
John says
Thanks Michael, love your website and your recipes.
Could you please explain to us a bit about acidity? The reason I'm asking, as per your comment above I would have thought by adding citrus or vinegar, that would add to the acidity ( as they are both acidic ) and not lower it, right? What am I missing?
Thanks again,
John
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Hi, John. Thanks. You are correct - adding citrus or vinegar would UP the acidity, or LOWER the pH. That is what I meant, and amended the comment to make it more clear. Thanks for letting me know!
Peter Stocker says
Can you use fresh picked chili peppers?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Peter, you can, though I think it would be better with fresh peppers. If you use the pickled, let me know how it turns out for you. Enjoy!
Billy says
Such a great looking recipe! Loving how this looks. The family is going to love this!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Billy! It is super delicious for sure.
Nora Dye says
We are living in Playa del Carmen Mexico. There are tons of dried peppers down here, but no chili powder! I finally got it, you have to make your own! And what a better product when you make it yourself. And only pennies (pesos) to make. I do like to use the chili paste too. I have only recently discovered that. Canned tomatoes are very rare here too. I have found romas for 2 lbs. for $.75, so we make our own. Love your blog. Thanks for writing it.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Awesome, Nora. Yes, homemade chili powders are SO GOOD! Truly. I love that. Surprised you can't find a local source for it in Playa del Carmen.
Charles Pappas says
This is probably the best version of this sauce I've ever tasted. It's the only way I make it now. Thank you dearly!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Charles! It's my favorite, too!