Tacos have sky-rocketed in popularity across the globe over the last 30 years, with some incredible innovations around this food type.
There are now a huge variety of options around tacos that you can choose from.
One of the key components of creating the perfect taco is taco sauce, but what if you don’t like taco sauce, or don’t have the ingredients to make it? What if you want to try something else, are there good alternatives?
If this sounds like you, then you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we will explore six alternatives for taco sauce that you can use to spice up your Taco Tuesday and other Mexican dishes.
6 Alternatives For Taco Sauce
1. Salsa
To start our list, let’s take a look at another Mexican classic. Salsa is a popular alternative for taco sauce that is bound to enhance any dish you’re making.
It is a versatile condiment that can be made from a variety of ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cilantro.
Salsa can be mild or spicy, depending on the type of peppers used. It is best paired with a variety of Mexican dishes, including tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.
One advantage of using salsa as a taco sauce alternative is that it is easy to make at home.
Simply chop up the desired ingredients, mix them together, and season with salt and pepper. You can also add lime juice or vinegar to enhance the flavor.
We would recommend using a subtle amount on your tacos at first, perhaps around the meat or protein filling of your taco. Less is generally more when it comes to salsa unless you’re a big fan!
2. Hot Sauce
Hot sauce is another great alternative for taco sauce. It adds a spicy kick to Mexican dishes and can be used in moderation or generously, depending on your preference.
Hot sauce can be made from a variety of peppers, including jalapeno, habanero, and cayenne. You’ll find a huge variation in the spiciness of hot sauces, the level of which will usually be written on the sauce packaging.
Hot sauce pairs well with tacos, burritos, and other Mexican dishes. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for chips and vegetables.
You can choose from a variety of hot sauce brands or make your own hot sauce at home. We’d suggest that you be careful with how much hot sauce you add to your tacos, as this can ruin the overall flavors and texture of your creations!
Also make sure to consider the hotness of the sauce in question, to make sure it is suitable for your palate.
3. Guacamole
Guacamole is a popular Mexican condiment that is made from mashed avocados, onions, tomatoes, and lime juice.
For many lovers of Mexican food, it is an absolute favorite and some believe that no meal is complete without it! Thankfully, it can also be used as a substitute for taco sauce.
It is a creamy and flavorful alternative to taco sauce that adds a unique texture to Mexican dishes. Guacamole pairs well with tacos, burritos, and nachos.
A point in guacamole’s favor as a taco sauce alternative is that it is a healthy option. Avocados are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins, and are often called a health food for many people.
If you don’t want to go for store-bought versions, you should know that guacamole can be made at home by mashing ripe avocados and mixing them with chopped onions, tomatoes, and lime juice.
4. Pico De Gallo
Pico de gallo is a fresh and flavorful Mexican condiment that is made from chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
It is a good alternative for taco sauce that adds a burst of flavor and texture to Mexican dishes. Pico de gallo pairs well with tacos, burritos, and grilled meats.
Pico de gallo works well as a taco sauce alternative that is easy to make at home. Simply chop up the desired ingredients, mix them together, and season with salt and pepper.
You can also add jalapeno peppers, hot sauce, or chillies to make it spicier, if that is more suited to your palette, or you just want to add some extra kick to your tacos.
5. Queso
If you speak Spanish, there’s a good chance that this will be self-explanatory for you as queso simply means ‘Cheese’ in Spanish.
Since cheese is such a key addition to many regular taco recipes, this offers you a great chance to add a tasty twist to your taco Tuesday.
Queso is a melted cheese sauce that is often served with tortilla chips or drizzled over Mexican dishes.
It adds a creamy and savory flavor to Mexican dishes and can be used as a taco sauce alternative. Queso is often added to tacos, burritos, and nachos.
One big advantage of using queso as a taco sauce alternative is that it adds a unique flavor and texture to Mexican dishes.
Queso can be made at home by melting cheese and adding milk, cream, and seasonings. You can also add diced tomatoes, onions, and peppers to make it more flavorful.
6. Chipotle Mayo
Chipotle mayo is a famous, spicy, and creamy sauce that is made from mayonnaise and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
It adds a smoky and spicy flavor to Mexican dishes and can be used as a taco sauce alternative. Chipotle mayo pairs well with tacos, burritos, and grilled meats, especially with beef or chicken.
A great thing about using chipotle mayo as an alternative to taco sauce is that it offers a slightly different flavor for your tacos and that it’s fairly easy to make.
All you have to do is mix mayonnaise with adobo sauce, as well as some diced chipotle peppers. Some people choose to add additional ingredients such as lime juice or garlic.
You can also choose to buy store-brand chipotle mayo, which is relatively abundant in many parts of the world.
Final Thoughts
Taco sauce is a popular condiment for Mexican dishes, but there are several alternatives that you can use to switch things up.
Salsa, hot sauce, guacamole, pico de gallo, queso, and chipotle mayo are all flavorful and versatile options that pair well with tacos, burritos, and other Mexican dishes.
When choosing a taco sauce alternative, consider the flavors and textures of the dish you pair it with.
Spicier options such as hot sauce or chipotle mayo may be better for heartier dishes, while milder options such as guacamole or pico de gallo may be better for lighter dishes.
In addition, many of these alternatives can be made at home using fresh ingredients, which can be a healthier and more affordable option compared to store-bought taco sauce.
We hope that this article has given you some ideas for your next taco Tuesday and that you now know good alternatives for taco sauce! Happy taco-making!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use These Taco Sauce Alternatives With Other Dishes Besides Tacos?
There’s no reason why you can’t use taco sauce with other dishes. These alternatives can be used with a variety of Mexican dishes such as burritos, enchiladas, tostadas, and more.
Are These Alternatives Healthier Than Store-Bought Taco Sauces?
It depends on the alternative you choose and how it’s made. Some of these alternatives, such as guacamole and pico de gallo, are made with fresh, healthy ingredients.
However, others like queso and chipotle mayo may be higher in fat and calories. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try making your own alternatives at home using fresh ingredients.
Can I Make These Taco Sauce Alternatives Ahead Of Time?
Yes, most of these alternatives can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to use them. Just be sure to store them in airtight containers to keep them fresh.
How Spicy Are The Alternatives On This List?
The level of spiciness will vary depending on the alternative. Hot sauce and chipotle mayo are generally on the spicier side, while guacamole and queso are milder.
If you prefer a milder taste, you can adjust the amount of spice by adding fewer chili peppers or hot sauce.
Hi, I’m Aubrey, and I have been a chef for close to 8 years. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, as long as I can remember. I loved my play kitchen when I was a kid, and would offer my parents my own (albeit gross) cookie recipes to taste!
Here at ButterandSaltGatherings, I want to offer a wide range of ingredients, flavors, meals and recipes so that you can start living each day to the fullest, and enjoy only the best food.
