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Homemade Taco Time Hot Sauce Recipe
Summer Rose

Taco Time Hot Sauce Recipe

Make Taco Time hot sauce at home with tomato sauce, arbol peppers, and vinegar — ready in 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 1.5 Cups
Course: Sauce/Condimen
Cuisine: American
Calories: 8
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups plain tomato sauce
  • 1 cup water divided
  • 3 dried arbol peppers stems removed
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Blender or food processor
  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Clean glass jar or squeeze bottle

Method
 

  1. Heat oven to 350°F. Remove stems from arbol peppers and roast for 8–10 minutes, until fragrant and lightly toasted.
  2. Cool peppers briefly, then blend them with ½ cup water until a smooth paste forms.
  3. Add the pepper paste, tomato sauce, remaining water, vinegar, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper to a saucepan.
  4. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low.
  5. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
  6. Taste after cooling slightly. Adjust heat, salt, or vinegar as needed.
  7. Cool completely and transfer to a clean airtight container.
  8. Refrigerate and use within 5–7 days for best quality.

Notes

  • Make ahead: Refrigerate overnight for a more blended, rounded flavor.
  • Heat adjustment: Reduce cayenne to ¼ teaspoon for a milder sauce or increase it gradually after simmering.
  • Texture fix: If the chilled sauce is too thick, stir in water 1 tablespoon at a time.
  • Storage: Keep refrigerated and freeze extra sauce for up to 3 months in small portions.