Taco Bell Hot Sauce
Skip the drive-thru and make your own Taco Bell–style hot sauce at home! This recipe is quick, budget-friendly, and perfect for drizzling over tacos, burritos, nachos, or anything that needs a fiery kick.
$3 – $4
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan: – For simmering the sauce.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula – For stirring.
- Knife & Cutting Board: – For chopping jalapeños.
- Food Processor (optional) – For finely chopping jalapeños.
- Glass Jar or Airtight Container – For storing the sauce.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accuracy.
Ingredients
- 1 can 6-oz tomato paste
- 3 cups water
- 2 tsps cayenne pepper
- 1½ tbsps chili powder
- 2½ tsps salt
- 2 tsps cornstarch
- 2 tsps distilled white vinegar
- 1 tbsp minced dried onion
- 2 tbsps canned jalapeno slices
Instructions
- Combine the tomato paste with the water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until smooth.
- Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, salt, cornstarch, vinegar, and dried onion; stir.
- Chop the jalapeno slices very finely. You can use a food processor but don’t puree.
- Heat the mixture to boiling. Continue to stir about 3 minutes and remove from the heat.
- Let the sauce stand until cool, then put in a tightly sealed container and refrigerate.
Notes
Customizations:
- Spicier: Add an extra ½ tsp cayenne or 1–2 fresh chopped jalapeños.
- Smoky: Stir in ½ tsp smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke.
- Milder: Reduce cayenne and substitute with mild chili powder.
Storage Tips:
- Store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Shake before use, as slight separation is natural.
Serving Tips:
- Drizzle over tacos, burritos, nachos, or quesadillas.
- Stir into sour cream for a spicy dip.
- Use as a marinade base for chicken or shrimp.
Nutrition
Calories: 32kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.3gSodium: 3024mgPotassium: 158mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 2611IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
