Description
This copycat recipe replicates the distinct, smoky flavor and velvety texture of Taco Bell’s mild sauce using smoked piquillo peppers and ancho chilis. It offers a family-friendly mild heat level, making it perfect for quick burritos, tacos, or quesadillas.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 dried ancho chili, deseeded and rehydrated
- 0.5 cup canned smoked piquillo peppers, drained
- 0.25 cup tomato paste
- 0.25 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water, divided
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.25 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Rehydrate Ancho Chili: Place the dried ancho chili in hot water for 15-20 minutes until soft and pliable. Drain and remove the stem, seeds, and veins for a mild flavor profile.
- Blend Ingredients: Combine the rehydrated chili, drained piquillo peppers, tomato paste, white vinegar, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and 0.5 cup of water in a blender. Blend for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour the blended mixture into a saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow flavors to develop.
- Prepare Thickener Slurry: While simmering, whisk the remaining 0.5 cup water with the xanthan gum in a separate small bowl until a smooth, lump-free slurry forms.
- Thicken and Finish: Stir sugar and salt into the simmering sauce. Gradually whisk in the xanthan gum slurry and olive oil, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and develops a glossy sheen.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from heat and let the sauce cool completely at room temperature. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
To avoid clumps, ensure the xanthan gum slurry is completely smooth before adding to the sauce. The final consistency will thicken significantly as it cools; do not judge the texture while hot. Adjust salt and sugar at the end to match your taste. For best results, use fresh spices.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Blending, Simmering
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 20 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: copycat, taco bell, mild sauce, ancho chili, piquillo pepper, smoky sauce, dipping sauce, condiment, vegan, gluten-free, meal prep