Smoky Guajillo Sauce

 

A Must-Try Mexican Delight!

Guajillo sauce is a versatile and flavorful sauce that can be used as a marinade or a condiment. This sauce is made with dried guajillo chilis, which are mild to medium spicy. When combined with roasted tomatoes, shallots, and garlic, they create a rich and smoky flavor that is perfect for any dish. In this blog post, we will be sharing a recipe for guajillo sauce that is easy to make and has just the right amount of heat. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make! Also, we'll share ways you can use this sauce to add a touch of Mexican-inspired delight to your favorite meals.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 60-70 minutes.

Total time: 70-80 minutes

Servings: About 2 cups

Ingredients

• 10 dried guajillo chilis
• 4 plum tomatoes
• 2 shallots
• 4 garlic cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika 
• 1 teaspoon of dried Mexican oregano (crushed with fingertips)
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat)
• 1 tsp Kosher salt
• 2 cups unsalted chicken stock or broth (use vegetable stock for a vegan version)
• 1 teaspoon of honey or agave syrup (optional)
• 2 tbsp avocado or olive oil (plus more to roast vegetables)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut the tomatoes in half and place them on a baking sheet (cut side up), along with the shallots and garlic cloves (still in their skins). Drizzle with avocado oil. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and slightly charred.

2. While the vegetables are roasting, remove the stems and seeds from the guajillo chilis. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chilis and toast on both sides until they become fragrant, about 30 seconds. Do not allow to burn, or they become bitter. Remove from heat and place the guajillo chilis in a bowl and pour very hot water over them. Let them soak for 15-30 minutes until they become soft.

3. Once the vegetables are done roasting, remove the shallots and garlic cloves from their skins and place everything (including the guajillo chilis) in a blender jar. Be sure to add the pan juices.

4. Add 2 cups of stock, cumin, smoked paprika, Mexican oregano, honey, and salt, and blend until smooth.

5. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl, using a ladle or the back of a spoon to press the sauce through. Discard any solids that remain in the strainer.

6. Pour the sauce into a large hot saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and reduced slightly.

7. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you'd like it spicier, add cayenne pepper a little at a time (up to a teaspoon), to taste.

8. The sauce is now ready to use! You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for later use.

    

   

   Creative ways to use Guajillo Sauce:

   1. Marinade for Grilled Meats: Use Guajillo sauce as a marinade for meats like chicken, beef, or pork before grilling. The smoky and slightly sweet flavor will add a delicious kick to your BBQ.

   2. Enchilada Sauce: Incorporate Guajillo sauce into your enchilada recipe for a rich and flavorful sauce. Layer it between tortillas and your favorite fillings, then bake for a tasty Mexican dish.

   3. Tacos Topping: Drizzle Guajillo sauce over tacos for an extra burst of flavor. It pairs well with various taco fillings, from grilled vegetables to fish or shrimp.

   4. Dipping Sauce: Serve Guajillo sauce as a dipping sauce for appetizers like chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, or spring rolls. It adds a unique and spicy twist to your favorite snacks.

   5. Soup Base: Add Guajillo sauce to soups and stews for depth of flavor. It works particularly well in tomato-based or broth-based soups, enhancing the overall taste.

   6. Pizza Sauce: Use Guajillo sauce as an alternative pizza sauce. Spread it on the pizza crust and top with your favorite ingredients for a Mexican-inspired pizza.

   7. Marinated Vegetables: Toss roasted or grilled vegetables in Guajillo sauce before serving. The sauce will add a bold flavor to the veggies, making them a standout side dish.

   8. Salsa Fresca: Combine Guajillo sauce with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice to create a unique salsa fresca. This can be served with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled meats.

   9. Glaze for Seafood: Brush Guajillo sauce onto seafood such as shrimp or fish during the last few minutes of grilling or baking. It adds a spicy and smoky glaze to the seafood.

   10. Stir-Fry Sauce: Use Guajillo sauce as a base for a stir-fry sauce. Combine it with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for a flavorful sauce to toss with your favorite stir-fried ingredients.

Substitutions:

 

If you can't find guajillo chilis, you can substitute California chilis or New Mexico chilis. These chilis have a similar flavor profile and are often easier to find in grocery stores.

Where to buy guajillo chilis:

 

You can find guajillo chilis in most Mexican grocery stores, as well as some well-stocked supermarkets. If you can't find them locally, you can also purchase them online from specialty food stores.

 

As always, reach out to The Small Town Chef with any questions or comments. We look forward to hearing from you.

 

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