Five minutes is all I needed to realize that “shovel-ready” might as well be ancient Greek when talking to my kids. But who am I kidding? I’m starting to feel like a millennial mom struggling to decipher alien codes when it comes to today’s slang. My kids might not grasp the concept, but surely they can appreciate how, just like their bedroom, our lovely abode and garden need regular visits from the tidying fairy.

Fun fact: crumbling brickwork doesn’t mean your house is disintegrating! (Though, admittedly, my mini-meltdown might’ve suggested otherwise).

Offbeat musings aside, I’m tickled pink (or shall we say, red?) to share with you my not-so-secret weapon to send those drab, lifeless dinners into oblivion: Red Enchilada Sauce. This sauce is here to give your taste buds a first-class ticket to Flavor Town. It’ll have them dancing around your backyard like a mariachi band at a fiesta.

By the time you reach the end of this post, your inner saucier (yes, that’s a word) will be begging for a spotlight, captivating everyone around you—even your grumpy, lawn-obsessed neighbor. Can you picture their bewildered delight as you drench a pan of enchiladas in this tantalizing rouge delight? So let’s break out of our culinary shackles and launch a saucy uprising in your kitchen, sending your dinner game skyrocketing to levels worthy of legends. And who knows? With a mouthful of sumptuous enchiladas, even tackling those pesky seasonal errands might feel like a piece of cake… or, well, enchiladas.

Ingredients

Mayonnaise – Adds richness and body to the sauce.

Ketchup – A sweet and tangy classic addition to the sauce.

Spicy brown mustard – Adds depth of flavor and a bit of kick to the sauce.

Minced hamburger pickles – Adds a unique flavor to the sauce.

Pickle juice – Brings a vinegary flavor that makes the mouth water.

Paprika – A sprinkle of this adds a smoky, earthy flavor to tie all the flavors together.

Instructions

First things first, grab a bowl and throw in 4 tablespoons of mayo. It’s the base of our sauce, so make sure it’s a good quality one. Can’t find mayo or want a vegan alternative? No worries, you can use mashed avocado or vegan mayo.
Add 2 tablespoons of ketchup to the bowl, because let’s be real, what’s a burger without ketchup?
Next up, 2 teaspoons of spicy brown mustard. It’s going to give our sauce some kick. If you’re not a fan of spicy, you can use Dijon mustard instead.
1 teaspoon of minced hamburger pickles and 2 teaspoons of pickle juice. Trust me, it’s going to be a game changer. If you don’t have hamburger pickles, you can use dill pickles.
Finally, add a sprinkle of paprika. It’s going to give our sauce some color and flavor.
Mix everything together until fully combined. Taste it, and adjust it to your liking. Want a little extra spice? Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Like it a little sweeter? Mix in a tiny pinch of sugar.

Serving Suggestions for Best Burger Sauce Recipe

Get ready to upgrade your burger game with this Best Burger Sauce Recipe! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a sauce that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Here are some fun ways to use this burger sauce:

Dribble it over your favorite burger patty! This sauce is perfect for topping juicy burgers and adding a tangy kick.
Use it as a dip for fries or onion rings. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.
Slather it on a hot dog for an American classic with a twist.
Make a delicious sandwich with it! Spread the sauce on your favorite bread, add some meat, cheese, and veggies, and enjoy a delicious lunch.
Add a dollop to your potato salad. This sauce will add a tangy flavor to your potato salad that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.

FAQ’s

Can I use a different type of mustard in this recipe?

Absolutely! Spicy brown mustard is a great option to add some heat and flavor to the sauce, but you can use any type of mustard you prefer. You can use yellow mustard for a milder flavor, or dijon mustard for a more pungent taste. It’s all up to you!

I’m trying to cut down on calories, what can I use instead of mayonnaise?

If you’re looking to cut down on calories, you can try using Greek yogurt or sour cream as a substitute for the mayonnaise. You could also try using avocado or mashed up silken tofu as alternatives. They’ll give you the same creamy texture without all the calories.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir or shake before serving, and it will be ready to go.

Is there a vegan alternative for this recipe?

Yes, there is! You can use vegan mayo and vegan ketchup in place of the mayonnaise and ketchup. Vegan mayo can be found in most health food stores, and there are a lot of delicious vegan ketchup options out there as well.

I don’t have hamburger pickles, what can I use instead?

If you don’t have hamburger pickles, you can substitute with dill pickles, or even sweet pickles. It’s all based on your preference. And if you don’t have any pickles, you can add some chopped onions or relish instead.

Can I adjust the spiciness of this recipe?

Yes, you can! If you want to add a little extra spice, you can try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you want it a little sweeter, you can add a tiny pinch of sugar. The recipe is very versatile, you can adjust to your taste.

Red Enchilada Sauce

A bold and savory enchilada sauce with a deep, rich flavor that is perfect for any Mexican-inspired dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Total Time 10

Course Sauce

Cuisine Mexican

Servings cups

Calories 204 kcal

Equipment

1 saucepan
1 Whisk
Measuring Spoons

Ingredients

2 tablespoons high-quality olive oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon maple syrup (optional)

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the flour and whisk continuously until the mixture is well blended and smooth, about 2 minutes.
Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Whisk until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
Stir in the tomato paste and bring the sauce to a simmer.
Allow the sauce to simmer until slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce, add a 1/2 teaspoon of maple syrup.
Remove the sauce from heat and serve immediately or allow it to cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

For a vegan version of this recipe, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
To make the sauce spicier, add additional chili powder or cayenne pepper to taste.
This sauce can also be used as a base for other Mexican-inspired dishes such as tacos, burritos, or as a dip for chips.

Nutrition

Calories: 204kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 5gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 1068mgPotassium: 575mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1875IUVitamin C: 10.6mgCalcium: 66mgIron: 2.5mg

Keyword Enchilada sauce

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