By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on March 2, 2023 | Last Updated on March 19, 2024
Taco time hot sauce is a spicy and flavorful condiment that originated in the Taco Time fast-food restaurant chain in the United States. It has become popular due to its unique flavour profile, including a blend of roasted peppers, vegetables, herbs, spices, and vinegar.
The sauce can be used as a topping on tacos or burritos, as a dip for chips and vegetables, or as an ingredient in sauces and marinades. If you’ve never tried taco time hot sauce, now is the time to give it a try!
This article will explain what taco time hot sauce is, how to make it, nutrition facts, what to serve with it and how to store it. So, let’s get started!
What is taco time hot sauce?
Mexican-American food is the focus of the American fast-food chain Taco Time. The chain has approximately 226 locations in the United States and 74 in Western Canada.
Burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, and other dishes are available at Taco Time Restaurant. They also offer a hot sauce as a side dish, which is highly popular in the US.
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What does it taste like?
Taco time hot sauce has a combination of smoky, sweet and spicy flavors. The main ingredients are roasted arbol peppers, vegetables, cilantro, cumin powder, chilli powder and vinegar. This combination gives the sauce an earthy flavor with some heat that builds gradually on your tongue.
How did I first get introduced to This sauce?
I first got exposed to taco time hot sauce when I visited a Taco Time restaurant in my hometown. They had it served as a side dish with the tacos and burritos, which I loved. It was a great addition to the meals that I ordered and instantly became one of my favourite sauces!
Also Read: Outback blue cheese vinaigrette salad dressing recipe
How to make taco time hot sauce?
The taco time sauce recipe is easy and requires only a few ingredients to make. It can be prepared in just a few steps and tastes much better when made fresh! Here are the detailed instructions on how to make this delicious sauce.
Follow the step by step instructions below:
ingredients
- Carrot: This is the main vegetable ingredient in the hot sauce. Carrots provide a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Chili Powder: A blend of spices that typically includes chili peppers, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder. It adds heat and complexity to the sauce.
- Cumin Powder: This spice adds a warm, earthy flavor to the hot sauce.
- Salt: A key ingredient in bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients in the hot sauce.
- Black Pepper: Another spice that adds a bit of heat and depth to the sauce.
- White Onion: This mild onion adds a slightly sweet and savory flavor to the hot sauce.
- Distilled White Vinegar: This type of vinegar is often used in hot sauces for its neutral flavor and high acidity, which helps preserve the sauce.
- Fresh Cilantro: This herb adds a fresh, citrusy note to the hot sauce.
- Celery: Adds a subtle hint of vegetal flavor and helps balance out the heat in the sauce.
- Red Bell Pepper: This sweet pepper adds a bright, fruity flavor and vibrant color to the hot sauce.
- Dried Arbol Peppers: A type of chili pepper commonly used in Mexican cuisine, known for its spicy, smoky flavor.
- Water: Used to thin out the consistency of the hot sauce.
Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Step 2:
Arrange arbol peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes, until peppers are lightly charred. Remove from heat and let cool before handling.
Step 3:
Place roasted arbol peppers in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
Step 4:
Heat a pan over medium heat. Add bell pepper, celery, carrot and onion to the pan and cook for 5 minutes until vegetables are soft.
Step 5:
Add the pureed arbol peppers to the pan with cooked vegetables and stir to combine.
Step 6:
Add cilantro, cumin powder, chilli powder and salt & pepper to the pan and stir to combine.
Step 7:
Add water and vinegar to the pan and bring to a gentle simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 8:
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and let cool before serving or storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Tips
• Try adding some other spices like garlic or oregano to the mix for an extra punch of flavor.
• Use chipotle peppers instead of arbol peppers if you want a smokier flavor.
• You can also add a tablespoon of sugar or honey to balance out the heat.
• Keep in mind that the flavor of tacos time hot sauce will intensify as it sits, so if you want a milder flavor, use fewer peppers.
Taco Time Hot Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups.
- glass jar or bottle
- electric blender
- strainer
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Water: Achieve the perfect consistency by incorporating precisely measured water ensuring that your dish strikes the ideal balance between the vibrant crunch of vegetables and the flavorful seasonings.
- 1 tbsp Fresh Cilantro Chopped: Infuse a burst of herbal freshness with a tablespoon of freshly chopped cilantro, creating a vibrant and aromatic note that lifts the flavors of your dish.
- 1/2 cup Distilled White Vinegar: Introduce a tangy punch with the measured addition of half a cup of distilled white vinegar creating a lively acidity that brightens the overall flavor profile and preserves the freshness of the vegetables.
- 1/4 tsp Chili Powder: Ignite the taste buds with a measured dose of chili powder imparting a controlled heat that adds a spicy kick without overwhelming the delicate balance of flavors.
- Salt to Taste: Fine-tune the seasoning with a personalized touch of salt, ensuring every element in your dish is perfectly seasoned and harmonizing with the other ingredients.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper to Taste: Add a touch of freshly ground black pepper to your liking, infusing a subtle warmth that enhances the overall savoriness of the dish without overpowering the palate.
- 1/2 cup Dried Arbol Peppers: Introduce a fiery flair with precisely measured dried arbol peppers each one adding a bold and intense heat that elevates the spice level and brings a touch of smokiness to your creation.
- 1/2 Stalk Medium Celery: Incorporate the crisp and refreshing crunch of half a stalk of medium celery adding a layer of texture that complements the shredded carrots and balances the overall mouthfeel.
- 1/4 tsp Freshly Ground Cumin Powder: Elevate the aromatic profile with a hint of freshly ground cumin powder adding a warm and earthy undertone that complements the sweetness of the carrots and the savory notes of the onion.
- 1/2 cup Shredded Carrots: Begin your culinary journey with the vibrant addition of half a cup of shredded carrots contributing a burst of natural sweetness and a delightful crunch that adds texture and color to your dish.
- 3/4 Diced Red Bell Pepper: Introduce a pop of color and a sweet juicy crunch with three-quarters of a diced red bell pepper, enhancing both the visual appeal and the overall flavor complexity.
- 1/2 cup Minced White Onion: Establish a savory foundation with precisely measured minced white onion infusing a mellow, aromatic base that forms the backbone of your flavorful creation.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and arrange your arbol peppers on a baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes then remove from heat and allow to cool before handling.
- In a food processor or blender, blend the roasted arbol peppers until smooth.
- In a pan over medium heat, sauté bell pepper, celery, carrot and onion for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the arbol pepper puree to the cooked vegetables and stir to combine.
- Incorporate cilantro, cumin powder, chilli powder, salt & pepper into the pan and blend together.
- Pour over water and vinegar to the pan then bring to a gentle simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring intermittently.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary before taking off heat and allowing to cool.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Nutrition Information
What to serve with taco time hot sauce?
Taco time hot sauce can be served with tacos, burritos, nachos, enchiladas, quesadillas or any other Mexican dish. It is also great on eggs, grilled meats, salads and more!
How to store leftover sauce?
Leftover taco time hot sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Taco time hot sauce is generally considered safe for pregnant women, however, it does contain a moderate amount of heat which can be uncomfortable for some. It’s best to consult with your doctor before consuming any foods that may cause discomfort.
FAQs
What kind of pepper is used in taco time hot sauce?
Taco time hot sauce uses dried arbol peppers, which are small and fiery chilies with a bright red colour.
How spicy is This hot sauce?
The amount of spiciness will depend on how many peppers you use and your own personal preference, but generally, it is considered a moderately spicy sauce.
Wrapping Up
Thanks for reading this guide on how to make Taco Time hot sauce. This easy and delicious recipe only uses a few ingredients and can be prepared in just a few steps. It’s perfect for adding some extra heat and flavor to tacos, burritos, nachos, enchiladas or any other Mexican dish.
I hope you’ve found this guide useful and now feel confident in making your own taco time hot sauce. If you make it, let us know how it turns out!
And please share this guide with your friends and family so that they can also learn to make their own homemade taco time hot sauce.
Sharing is Caring!
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
