17 Sauces for Burrito Bowls That Will Change Your Life

I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.

Are you ready to take your burrito bowls to the next level? With a variety of tasty sauces, you can make each bite burst with flavor. Whether you love spicy, creamy, or tangy sauces, there’s something here for every taste bud.

Sauces are the secret weapon to transforming your burrito bowls into a culinary masterpiece. From spicy green sauce made with jalapeños and cilantro, to creamy guacamole loaded with avocado and lime juice, the right sauce can elevate your meal. Imagine a dollop of chipotle cream sauce that marries heat and zest perfectly with the other ingredients in your bowl.

Don’t settle for a plain burrito bowl when you can explore a world of flavors with just a few additional ingredients. Excited to find the perfect sauces for your next meal? Dive into these exciting recipes and give your burrito bowls the delicious twist they deserve.

Chipotle Cream Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons chipotle paste
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lime
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together the sour cream and chipotle paste until well combined.
2. Add the minced garlic, lime juice, and a pinch of salt to the mixture.
3. Stir everything together until smooth.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
5. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to a few days.

Avocado Crema

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
• 1 small jalapeño, deseeded (optional for extra spice)

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Pit and peel the avocado.

   
   
2. 
   

   Place the avocado in a blender or food processor.

   
   
3. 
   

   Add the sour cream, lime juice, garlic, and salt.

   
   
4. 
   

   For extra flavor, add the chopped cilantro and jalapeño.

   
   
5. 
   

   Pulse the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

   
   
6. 
   

   Taste and adjust the seasoning, if needed.

   
   
7. 
   

   Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.

   
   

Cilantro Lime Sauce

Ingredients:

• ½ cup tightly packed cilantro
• ¾ cup sour cream
• 1 lime
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 clove garlic
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions:

1. Juice the lime.
2. Add all ingredients to a blender.
3. Blend until smooth and fully combined.
4. Taste test and adjust salt if needed.
5. Serve over your favorite burrito bowl.

Pico de Gallo

Ingredients:

• Fresh tomatoes
• Onions
• Jalapenos
• Cilantro
• Lime juice
• Salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tomatoes: Dice the fresh tomatoes into small cubes.
2. Chop the Onions: Finely chop the onions.
3. Handle the Jalapenos: Remove the seeds and finely chop the jalapenos.
4. Chop the Cilantro: Roughly chop the cilantro leaves.
5. Mix Ingredients: Combine tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, and cilantro in a bowl.
6. Add Lime Juice: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture.
7. Season with Salt: Add salt to taste and mix well.
8. Let It Rest: Allow it to sit for a few minutes for the flavors to blend.

Salsa Verde

Ingredients

• 1/2 small onion, diced
• 1 peeled garlic clove
• 10-12 sprigs cilantro (upper stems are fine)
• 1/4 serrano pepper (adjust to taste)
• 4-5 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.
2. Place the tomatillos on a baking sheet and roast them for 15 minutes or until they are blistered.
3. Let the tomatillos cool slightly.
4. Add the tomatillos, onion, garlic, cilantro, and serrano pepper to a blender.
5. Blend until smooth.
6. Add lime juice and salt, blending again briefly.
7. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Mango Salsa

Mango salsa is a delicious and colorful addition to your burrito bowls. It brings a mix of sweet and spicy flavors that can brighten up any dish. Here’s what you’ll need and how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe mangoes, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 2 limes
• Salt to taste
• Optional: 1 jalapeño, minced

Instructions:

1. Combine the diced mangoes, red bell pepper, red onion, and chopped cilantro in a mixing bowl.
2. Squeeze the juice of 2 limes over the mixture.
3. Add salt to taste.
4. If you like it spicy, add the minced jalapeño.
5. Mix everything well and taste. Adjust lime juice or salt if needed.

Enjoy your fresh, homemade mango salsa on your burrito bowls!

Jalapeño Lime Crema

Make your burrito bowls pop with a zesty Jalapeño Lime Crema. This sauce is smooth and packs a punch with fresh ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 jalapeño, seeded
• 1 clove garlic
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 cup cilantro
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Prep: Add your sour cream, jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, honey, and cilantro into a food processor.
2. Blend: Pulse the mixture until it’s smooth. You may need to scrape down the sides with a spatula between pulses to ensure everything blends well.
3. Season: Taste the crema, then add salt as needed. Pulse one last time.
4. Serve: Transfer to a bowl and serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to use.

Enjoy the rich, tangy flavor of your homemade Jalapeño Lime Crema!

Queso Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
• 1 cup of milk
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix the shredded cheeses with cornstarch in a bowl.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped jalapeño (if using) and cook for 1-2 minutes until soft.
4. Pour in the milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Gradually stir in the cheese mixture until it’s melted and smooth.
6. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir well.
7. Keep the sauce warm until ready to serve.

Tomatillo Salsa

Ingredients:

• 6 tomatillos
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 jalapeño pepper
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Remove the husks from the tomatillos and rinse them with warm water.
2. Quarter the tomatillos and place them in a food processor or blender.
3. Add the chopped onion, cilantro, garlic, and jalapeño pepper to the processor.
4. Pour in the lime juice and add a pinch of salt.
5. Blend the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency.
6. Taste and adjust the salt if needed.
7. Transfer the salsa to a bowl and serve with your burrito bowl.

Enjoy your fresh and zesty tomatillo salsa!

Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 large roasted red peppers
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients: Chop the roasted red peppers roughly.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add chopped peppers, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper into a high-powered blender.
3. Blend: Blend on high for about 30-60 seconds until smooth.
4. Adjust Seasoning: Taste, and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
5. Serve: Transfer the sauce to a bowl and use it immediately or store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Garlic Lime Yogurt Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and fresh lime juice.
2. Add the chopped cilantro and mix well.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Spicy Sriracha Mayo

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (or lime juice)
• 1 tsp chili powder

Instructions:

1. Mix the mayonnaise and sriracha sauce in a small bowl.
2. Add the lemon juice and chili powder to the bowl.
3. Whisk until everything is well combined.
4. Taste the sauce and adjust the ingredients as needed.
5. If you prefer a thinner sauce, stir in a bit of water or more lemon juice.

This spicy sriracha mayo adds a kick to your burrito bowls and can also be used as a dipping sauce or spread.

Chimichurri Sauce

Chimichurri sauce adds a burst of fresh flavor to your burrito bowl. It’s a traditional Argentinian sauce that’s great on meats, but also works wonders with vegetables and rice. This zesty, herb-packed sauce is easy to make and can liven up your dish effortlessly.

Ingredients:

• 1 red onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red chili, minced
• 1 cup cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 cup parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (optional)
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, mix the red onion, garlic, and red chili together.
2. Add the chopped cilantro, parsley, and oregano.
3. Pour in the lime juice and red wine vinegar.
4. Stir in the olive oil until well combined.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Adjust the oil if you prefer a thinner consistency.

Corn and Black Bean Salsa

Ingredients:

• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 jalapeno, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the corn and black beans.
2. Add the diced tomato and red onion to the bowl.
3. Stir in the chopped cilantro and jalapeno, if using.
4. Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture and add the olive oil.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Mix everything together until well combined.

This salsa is perfect for adding a refreshing and crunchy element to your burrito bowls!

Guacamole

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 lime
• 1-2 cloves garlic
• 1 small onion
• 1 tomato
• Fresh cilantro
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions:

1. Cut the avocados in half. Remove the pits and scoop the flesh into a bowl.
2. Squeeze the lime juice over the avocados. This helps keep them from turning brown.
3. Mince the garlic and add it to the bowl.
4. Finely chop the onion and tomato. Add them to the bowl.
5. Chop a small handful of cilantro and mix it in.
6. Add salt and pepper to taste.
7. Use a fork to mash the ingredients together until you reach your desired consistency.
8. Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use. Enjoy your creamy, rich guacamole on your burrito bowl!

Lime Crema

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, and lime juice in a medium bowl.
2. Add chopped cilantro, minced garlic, and salt to the mixture.
3. Stir well until everything is smooth and well-blended.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Enchilada Sauce

Ingredients

• 6 dried chiles (such as ancho or guajillo)
• 1 cup chile-soaked water
• ¼ cup fresh water
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 small piece of Mexican chocolate (optional)
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional)

Instructions

1. Remove stems and seeds from the dried chiles.
2. Boil chiles in a pot of water for 10 minutes until softened.
3. Transfer softened chiles to a blender using a slotted spoon.
4. Add 1 cup chile-soaked water, ¼ cup fresh water, tomato, and garlic to the blender.
5. Blend until smooth.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
7. Pour blended mixture into the pan.
8. Add salt and stir well.
9. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
10. Add Mexican chocolate and brown sugar if desired to enhance flavor. Stir until melted.