Are you a fan of Mexican cuisine but find yourself short on time to make homemade enchilada sauce?
Fear not, as canned enchilada sauce can be a great shortcut to achieving that authentic flavor. However, sometimes the canned sauce can lack depth and richness.
That’s where we come in – we’ve gathered some tips and tricks to help you elevate your canned enchilada sauce game.
With just a few simple pantry ingredients and techniques, you can turn a bland and bitter sauce into the best enchilada sauce you’ve ever tasted.
So, let’s dive in and learn how to make canned enchilada sauce better!
How To Make Canned Enchilada Sauce Better?
1. Simmer and Add Sweeteners
One way to improve the flavor of canned enchilada sauce is to simmer it on the stove for 10 minutes. This helps to remove any bitterness from the sauce. After simmering, add a tablespoon of sugar and a tablespoon of flour, stir, and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This will help to balance out the flavors and give your sauce a richer taste.
2. Saute Onions and Garlic
Another way to add more flavor to your canned enchilada sauce is to saute some onions and garlic in a bit of olive oil before adding the sauce. This will give your sauce a more complex flavor profile and make it taste more homemade.
3. Add Spices
If you want to add some extra spice to your canned enchilada sauce, try adding some chopped green chiles or jalapenos. This will give your sauce a bit of heat and make it more flavorful.
4. Use Cream
For a creamier sauce, stir in some sour cream or Greek yogurt. This will give your sauce a rich and creamy texture that pairs well with the spicy flavors of Mexican cuisine.
5. Thin It Out
If your canned enchilada sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a few tablespoons of chicken broth or water. This will make it easier to spread over your enchiladas and give them a more even coating of sauce.
Why Canned Enchilada Sauce Needs Improvement
While canned enchilada sauce is a convenient option for those who want to make enchiladas quickly, it often lacks the depth of flavor found in homemade sauces. Canned sauces can be watery and bland, which can detract from the overall taste of the dish. Additionally, many canned sauces contain preservatives and additives that can affect the taste and quality of the sauce.
One of the biggest issues with canned enchilada sauce is its lack of complexity. The sauce often lacks the depth of flavor found in homemade sauces, which can make it taste one-dimensional. This is due in part to the fact that canned sauces are often made with fewer ingredients than homemade sauces, which can lead to a less complex flavor profile.
Another issue with canned enchilada sauce is its consistency. Many canned sauces are thin and watery, which can make them difficult to work with when making enchiladas. This can result in unevenly coated enchiladas that lack flavor.
Finally, many canned enchilada sauces contain preservatives and additives that can affect the taste and quality of the sauce. These additives can give the sauce an artificial taste and detract from its overall quality.
In order to improve the flavor of canned enchilada sauce, it is important to take steps to add more depth and complexity to the sauce. By simmering the sauce with sweeteners like sugar and flour, sauteing onions and garlic, adding spices like chopped green chiles or jalapenos, using cream, or thinning it out with chicken broth or water, you can add more flavor and texture to your canned enchilada sauce.
The Secret Ingredient To Add Depth And Richness
One secret ingredient that can add depth and richness to your canned enchilada sauce is roasted chili peppers. Roasting your own chili peppers and adding them to the sauce will give it a smokier flavor and a bit more of a kick. Simply roast the peppers over an open flame or under the broiler until the skin is charred, then let them cool before peeling off the skin and chopping them up. Add the chopped peppers to your enchilada sauce and simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together. This simple addition can take your canned enchilada sauce from basic to restaurant-quality in no time.
How To Balance The Flavors Of Canned Enchilada Sauce
Canned enchilada sauce can often be bitter due to the added preservatives. To balance out the flavors and make it more palatable, there are a few things you can do. First, try simmering the sauce with a tablespoon of sugar and flour for 10 minutes, then an additional 5 minutes. This will help to remove the bitterness and add some sweetness to the sauce.
Next, consider sauteing some onions and garlic in a bit of olive oil before adding the sauce. This will give your sauce a more complex flavor profile and make it taste more homemade. Additionally, adding spices such as chopped green chiles or jalapenos can add some extra heat and flavor to your sauce.
For a creamier texture, stir in some sour cream or Greek yogurt. This will add richness to your sauce and complement the spicy flavors of Mexican cuisine. Lastly, if your sauce is too thick, thin it out by adding a few tablespoons of chicken broth or water. This will make it easier to spread over your enchiladas and give them a more even coating of sauce. By following these tips, you can balance out the flavors of canned enchilada sauce and make it taste better.
Techniques To Enhance The Texture Of Canned Enchilada Sauce
1. Simmer for a Longer Time
One technique to enhance the texture of canned enchilada sauce is to simmer it for a longer period of time. This will help to thicken the sauce and give it a richer, more concentrated flavor. To do this, simply heat the sauce on low heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Add Cornstarch
Another way to improve the texture of canned enchilada sauce is to add cornstarch. Cornstarch is a natural thickening agent that can help to give your sauce a smoother, creamier texture. To do this, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water until it forms a paste. Then, stir the paste into the sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.
3. Blend It
If you prefer a smoother texture for your enchilada sauce, try blending it in a blender or food processor. This will help to break down any lumps or chunks in the sauce and give it a smoother consistency. Simply pour the sauce into the blender or food processor and blend on high speed until smooth.
4. Strain It
If you want to remove any seeds or chunks from your canned enchilada sauce, try straining it through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. This will help to remove any unwanted textures and give your sauce a smoother consistency.
5. Use as a Marinade
Another way to enhance the texture of canned enchilada sauce is to use it as a marinade for meats or vegetables. Simply pour the sauce over your desired protein or veggies and let them marinate in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. This will help to infuse the flavors of the sauce into your dish and give it a more complex texture.
Creative Ways To Customize Canned Enchilada Sauce To Your Liking
If you’re looking to customize your canned enchilada sauce to your liking, there are a few creative ways to do so. Here are some ideas:
1. Make It Spicier
If you love spicy food, try adding some minced chipotle chilies, cayenne pepper, chipotle chile powder, or hot sauce to your canned enchilada sauce. This will give it a nice kick and make it more flavorful.
2. Add Sweetness
If you prefer a sweeter sauce, try adding some additional sugar to your canned enchilada sauce. You can also balance out the sweetness with some cayenne pepper or chipotle chile powder for a sweet and spicy flavor combination.
3. Mellow the Acidity
If you find that your canned enchilada sauce is too tangy, try mellowing out the acidity with some additional sugar to taste.
4. Thicken or Thin It Out
Depending on your preference, you can either thicken or thin out your canned enchilada sauce. To thicken it up, simmer the sauce longer until it reaches your desired consistency. To thin it out, simply don’t simmer the sauce as long or add some chicken broth or water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Experiment with Different Ingredients
There are endless possibilities when it comes to customizing your canned enchilada sauce. Try adding different spices like smoked paprika or oregano, or experiment with different types of cheese like queso fresco or cotija. You can also add in some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
By using these creative ways to customize your canned enchilada sauce, you can take your Mexican cuisine to the next level and create unique and delicious dishes that are sure to impress your family and friends.
Tips For Storing And Reheating Enchilada Sauce
Enchilada sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days if properly stored. It is best to store homemade enchilada sauce in the refrigerator to ensure its freshness. If you have leftover canned enchilada sauce, it can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat enchilada sauce, transfer it to a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until warmed through, stirring often. Alternatively, you can transfer the mixture to a glass bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals in the microwave. If the sauce is too thick after reheating, you can thin it out by adding a few tablespoons of chicken broth or water.
If you want to make enchilada sauce ahead of time, it is best to assemble the enchiladas on the day that you want to eat them. Cheese and sauces do not tend to freeze or thaw well. However, if you do want to fully prepare these enchiladas before freezing, we highly recommend using corn tortillas. Flour tortillas tend to get soggy after freezing and thawing.
To freeze enchilada sauce, pour it into an airtight container and leave at least an inch of space at the top of the container for expansion. Freeze for up to 30 days. To thaw, remove from freezer and place in the fridge overnight. For a quicker defrost, place the sealed container inside a large bowl filled with hot water.
When reheating frozen enchilada sauce, transfer it to a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until warmed through, stirring often. Alternatively, you can transfer the mixture to a glass bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals in the microwave. Be sure to remove any plastic wrap before reheating or baking.
