Guajillo Sauce [step-by-step pictures]

Guajillo Sauce is one of those things I love to keep in the freezer. When I don’t know that to make for dinner, I know this sauce has my back.

You’re never at a loss ‘cuz this sauce is boss. Just add protein and BOOM! Dinner is ready!

Another one of my favorites and always in my fridge: Adobo Sauce

Guajillo Pronunciation: “Goo-wah-HEE-oh.”

You might also see it called “Guajillo Chile” or “Guajillo Chili.”

Where to Buy them

This is a very common and popular Mexican chile. Look for them in the Hispanic section in your local grocery store. Or, Buy Them Online

Don’t confuse them with Ancho Peppers

• Guajillo Pepper is a dried mirasol.
• Ancho Pepper is a dried poblano pepper.

There are many recipes that use a combination of both guajillo and ancho peppers such as Red Pork Tamales or Chile Colorado.

Substitutes:

If a recipe calls for Guajillo Chile and you have none in the cupboard, you more than likely can substitute for one of these chiles.

• Ancho Pepper
• Pasilla Pepper
• Cascabel
• New Mexico Chile

It will change the flavor because not all chiles are alike. However, in a pinch, go for it.

Making the Sauce

• With a damp paper towel, gently wipe off any dust.
• Cut off the stem.

The guajillo peppers seeds are inside. You do not want to add these in your Guajillo Sauce.

Depending on the chile, you might not be able to get all the seeds out. That’s why straining is important.

More Mexican Recipes using Guajillo Peppers: Camarones a la Diabla, Birria de Res, Pambazo Sandwiches

• With your scissors, cut the chile lengthwise.
• Do this over the kitchen sink, or a trash can.

There are people who don’t do this step. They will take the stems off and leave the seeds inside. Then strain to remove the seeds.

You can very easily do that, but it will make your sauce spicier.

For a less spicy sauce, remove the seeds and add 1 tomato to the blender.

Be sure to discard as many of the seeds as you can. If there are any veins, remove those too.

Some people will toast the chile before doing this.

Toasting the chiles will enhance the flavor, making your sauce richer and fuller. It’s up to you. Regardless, the Guajillo Sauce will still be tasty.

• Put all the chile dried chile in a stock pot with water.
• Use enough water to cover the chiles. About 4 cups.
• Bring the water to a boil. Then turn off the heat, leaving the chiles inside the stockpot.

They will only be in the hot water for about 5 minutes, or until pliable.

Cold Water Rehydration Method: Leave the chiles in cold water for 1 hour. No boiling necessary.

• Discard the water.

There are a lot of Mexican recipes that use the water from the rehydration process.

Dried chiles collect dust and perfect place for bugs to hide. That’s why you must throw out the water and use fresh water to make the sauce.

• Add the chiles, water, onion, garlic to the blender.
• Blend until smooth.

How hot is that pepper?

If you can handle a jalapeño, you can handle the heat of a guajillo chile.
A guajillo pepper is not as hot as a jalapeño.

The spiciest guajillo can reach 5,000 Scoville heat units.

If the sauce is too thick, add some water. Don’t add too much. About 1/2 cup water. Just enough to be able to strain the sauce.

Then… add some more water to the blender. Just to get any remaining sauce that might be lingering at the bottom of the blender.

Pro Tip: If you are going to be cooking the sauce with chicken, you can use chicken broth instead of water. Or beef broth if you are cooking with beef.

• Strain the sauce.
• With the back of your cooking spoon, push out as much of the sauce.
• Discard any bit and pieces left in the strainer.

Guajillo Sauce freezes extremely well. Put it into a freezable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible. It lasts up to 5 months in the freezer or up to 5 days in the fridge.

Word to the Wise: Make two batches. One to use now, and another to freezer for later.

The strained sauce goes back in the pot and gets boiled. To freeze, you need the sauce to cool.

How to use the sauce:

• Sear any protein – chicken, beef, pork, fish.
• Add the sauce.
• Simmer until the protein is fully cooked.

You can also add vegetables for a more complete meal. Serve with corn tortillas, refried beans, or Mexican rice.

Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!

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