Taco Bell’s Diablo Sauce is a fiery favorite, especially for those of us who love a bit of heat in our meals.
And you can easily make this same sauce yourself!
You’ll mix tomato paste, vinegar, and a medley of bold spices for a sauce that’s remarkably close to the original.
Make sure to let the mixture simmer well to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
How to Make Taco Bell Diablo Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Aji Panca Paste
- 3 Chipotle Peppers
- 2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Jalapeno Powder
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 4 Dried Chilies
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 1/4 cup Water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Combine the sugar, Aji Panca paste, chipotle peppers, garlic powder, onion powder, jalapeno powder, red pepper flakes, and dried chilies in a medium saucepan.
Mix everything well to ensure an even blend of flavors.
Step 2:
Heat the mixture over medium heat.
Stir continuously until it comes to a boil.
This helps to dissolve the sugar and integrate all the spices.
Step 3:
Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Simmering allows the ingredients to meld into a rich, spicy sauce.
Step 4:
Once cooked, remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool completely.
Cooling ensures that the sauce reaches the perfect consistency before the next step.
Step 5:
Strain the cooled sauce through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove seeds and lumps.
This step creates a smoother sauce, suitable for drizzling.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Adjusting the Heat:
If you want a milder version, consider reducing the chilies or chipotle peppers.
You can add a splash of honey to balance the spiciness with a hint of sweetness.
Storing the Sauce:
Store any unused sauce in a mason jar in the fridge.
Keeping it airtight maintains the sauce’s freshness and flavor for up to a week.
Experimenting with Ingredients:
Feel free to experiment with ingredients based on what you have available.
Try different pepper varieties to bring a unique twist to your own creation!
What to Serve with Taco Bell Diablo Sauce Recipe
Perfect for Tacos
The obvious choice is tacos.
You can layer some grilled chicken or carne asada on a tortilla, drizzling the sauce on top.
Add fresh cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime for a burst of flavor!
Great with Nachos
Imagine a plate of nachos!
Smother them with cheese, beans, jalapeños, and a generous splash of Diablo Sauce.
It adds a fiery kick that’s irresistible.
Amazing with Grilled Veggies
Grilled vegetables make a fantastic pairing.
Zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms become even more delightful with a drizzle of the sauce.
The smokiness of grilled veggies pairs beautifully with the heat!
Creative Breakfast Burrito
Why not try it for breakfast?
A breakfast burrito stuffed with scrambled eggs, cheese, and avocado gets a bold makeover with the sauce.
It’s a thrilling way to start the day!
Unusual Yet Delicious on Pizza
Think outside the box with pizza.
Drizzle some sauce over a cheesy pepperoni or veggie pizza slice.
It adds a spicy punch that makes pizza nights exciting!
Surprising with Popcorn
Here’s a surprise: drizzle it on popcorn!
A few drops mixed with melted butter provide a spicy, flavorful kick.
Movie nights will never be the same!
Variations and Substitutions
When making Taco Bell Diablo Sauce at home, feel free to customize the heat level to suit your palate!
If chipotle peppers are too smoky for you, try using cayenne pepper instead.
It’s all about finding what works best for your taste.
Adjusting Spice Level
To reduce the heat, you can lessen the amount of jalapeno powder or red pepper flakes.
Adding a bit of honey or more sugar can also balance the spice with a hint of sweetness.
On the other hand, if you’re a spice enthusiast, add more dried chilies!
Vinegar Swaps
If distilled vinegar isn’t available, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used.
These options provide a different tang, adding a unique twist to your sauce.
Peppers and Pastes
Aji Panca paste can be substituted with red bell pepper paste for a milder flavor.
If you’re seeking a more intense smokiness, ancho chili paste is a great alternative.
Experiment with these variations to make the sauce truly yours!
How to Store Leftover Taco Bell Diablo Sauce
Make sure your delicious sauce has completely cooled down before you start to store it. The last thing you want is unexpected condensation causing unwanted water in your sauce!
Once cooled, pour the sauce into an airtight container. Mason jars or reusable condiment bottles work great for this!
Always label your container with the date! It’s easy to forget how long something has been in the fridge.
Keep It Cool
Taco Bell Diablo Sauce should be stored in the refrigerator. This will keep it safe and ready to spice up your next meal!
Place your container towards the back of the fridge where the temperature is more consistent.
Freeze for Long-Term Use
If you’ve made a larger batch and want to keep it for longer, freezing the sauce is a great option.
Pour it into ice cube trays to make it easy to thaw just what you need.
Once frozen, transfer sauce cubes to a freezer bag.
Shelf Life Matters
Stored in the fridge, your homemade Diablo Sauce should last about a month.
Remember, if you ever see any mold or smell an off odor, it’s better to discard and make a fresh batch.
Enjoy your spicy creation whenever you need to kick up the heat!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the Vinegar
One common mistake is forgetting to add the white wine vinegar during the cooking process.
This ingredient is essential because it helps to balance the flavors by adding a touch of acidity that elevates the sauce.
Without the vinegar, the sauce might lack a tangy contrast, and the overall taste can become too one-dimensional.
Overcooking the Chilies
When you’re cooking this sauce, it’s easy to overcook the chilies and other ingredients.
Be careful not to let them become too soft, as this can affect the texture and overall flavor of the sauce.
You want to keep a bit of that fiery texture intact to achieve just the right consistency.
Not Straining the Sauce
Another common mistake is skipping the step of straining the sauce after cooking.
If you don’t strain it through a mesh sieve to remove lumps and seeds, the sauce can become gritty.
A smooth consistency is key for the perfect sauce, making it more enjoyable and visually appealing.
Taco Bell Diablo Sauce taco bell diablo sauce recipe
- 2 tbsp Aji Panca Paste
- 3 Chipotle Peppers
- 2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Jalapeno Powder
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 4 Dried Chilies
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 1/4 cup Water
- Combine the sugar, Aji Panca paste, chipotle peppers, garlic powder, onion powder, jalapeno powder, red pepper flakes, and dried chilies in a medium saucepan.
- Mix everything well to ensure an even blend of flavors.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat.
- Stir continuously until it comes to a boil.
- This helps to dissolve the sugar and integrate all the spices.
- Step 3:
- Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Simmering allows the ingredients to meld into a rich, spicy sauce.
- Once cooked, remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool completely.
- Cooling ensures that the sauce reaches the perfect consistency before the next step.
- Strain the cooled sauce through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove seeds and lumps.
- This step creates a smoother sauce, suitable for drizzling.
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