Tacos are one of America’s favorite dishes and they just wouldn’t be complete without a delicious taco sauce.
Whether you like your tacos with a kick or something milder, there is a perfect taco sauce out there for everyone.
From classic Mexican flavors to more contemporary tastes, the options are endless when it comes to finding the right sauce for your tacos.
In this article, I will go over 17 of the best taco sauces on the market today so that you can find the one that suits your taste buds perfectly!
Read Also:
Why Use A Sauce for Tacos?
Tacos are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
One of the most important elements to making tacos is the sauce, as it adds flavor, texture, and moisture to the taco filling.
There are many types of sauces that can be used for tacos, from mild salsas to spicy hot sauces.
Here are three reasons why using a sauce for tacos is beneficial:
- Flavor – Sauces add an extra layer of flavor to your tacos by providing a balance between sweet and savory notes. The acidity in some sauces helps cut through the richness of meats or cheese while adding complexity to each bite.
- Texture – Sauces also provide an interesting texture contrast with crunchy vegetables or soft fillings like beans or fish. This makes every bite more enjoyable and satisfying.
- Moisture – Lastly, sauces help keep your tacos moist by preventing them from drying out during cooking or reheating. This ensures that you get juicy bites every time!
The 17 BEST Taco Sauces
Taco sauce is a must-have condiment for any taco night.
But with so many varieties of taco sauces to choose from, it can be hard to know which one will best enhance the flavor of your tacos.
Fear not – here are 17 of the best taco sauces that you can use to make your tacos even more delicious:
1. Chipotle Crema
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/96123773288856159/Chipotle Crema is a Mexican condiment made from sour cream, mayonnaise, and chipotle peppers.
It has a creamy texture and smoky flavor that pairs well with tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and other Mexican dishes.
- To Make It: To make Chipotle Crema at home, combine 1 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt with 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise in a bowl. Add 1-2 finely chopped chipotle peppers (depending on how spicy you want it) along with the adobo sauce they come in. Mix everything together until combined and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Common Uses: Chipotle Crema can be used as a dip for chips or vegetables or as a topping for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, nachos, salads and more. It’s also great as an ingredient in sauces for fish or chicken dishes.
2. Cilantro Lime Crema
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/177962622767290959/Cilantro Lime Crema is a creamy sauce made from cilantro, lime juice, and sour cream.
It has a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs perfectly with tacos and other Mexican dishes.
- To Make It: To make Cilantro Lime Crema, combine 1/2 cup of sour cream with 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro leaves, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and salt to taste in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
- Common Uses: Cilantro Lime Crema is commonly used as a topping for tacos or burritos but can also be used as a dip for chips or vegetables. It’s also great on grilled meats like chicken or fish and can be used as an ingredient in salads or sandwiches for added flavor.
3. Chipotle Salsa
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/768567492673831393/Chipotle salsa is a type of Mexican-style salsa made with chipotle peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and cilantro.
It has a smoky flavor and can range from mild to spicy depending on the amount of chipotle peppers used.
- To Make It: To make chipotle salsa at home, start by roasting or grilling the vegetables until they are lightly charred. Then blend them together in a food processor or blender until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste and adjust the heat level by adding more or less chipotle peppers as desired.
- Common Uses: Chipotle salsa is commonly served as an accompaniment to tacos but it can also be used as a dip for chips or added to burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, and other Mexican dishes for extra flavor.
4. Mango Salsa
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/83387030594722491/Mango salsa is a type of salsa made with fresh mangoes, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro, lime juice and salt.
It is a sweet and spicy condiment that can be used as a dip or topping for tacos and other Mexican dishes.
- To Make It: To make mango salsa, start by peeling and dicing two ripe mangoes into small cubes. Then dice one tomato, one onion, one jalapeno pepper (seeds removed), and half a cup of fresh cilantro leaves. In a medium bowl combine the diced ingredients along with the juice from one lime and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir until everything is evenly combined. Taste the mixture to adjust seasoning if desired.
- Common Uses: Mango salsa is commonly served as an accompaniment to tacos or burritos but it can also be used as a topping for grilled fish or chicken dishes. It’s also great served over nachos or simply eaten with chips as an appetizer!
5. Avocado Crema
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/5629568275698755/Avocado Crema is a Mexican condiment made from avocados, sour cream, and lime juice.
It has a creamy texture and a slightly tangy flavor that pairs well with tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and other Mexican dishes.
- To Make It: To make avocado crema, you’ll need one ripe avocado, 1/2 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt (or vegan alternative), 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice, 1/4 teaspoon of salt (optional), and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro (optional). Peel the avocado and mash it in a bowl until smooth. Add the sour cream or yogurt to the mashed avocado along with the lime juice and salt (if using). Mix everything together until combined. If desired, stir in some chopped cilantro for extra flavor.
- Common Uses: Avocado crema is commonly used as a topping for tacos or burritos but can also be served as an accompaniment to grilled meats or fish. It’s also great as a dip for chips or vegetables such as carrots and celery sticks.
6. Salsa Taquera
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/498281146285440858/Salsa Taquera is a Mexican condiment made from roasted tomatoes, onions, garlic, and chiles.
It is typically served as an accompaniment to tacos or other Mexican dishes.
The name “Taquera” comes from the Spanish word for taco (taco).
- To Make It: To make salsa taquera, start by roasting tomatoes, onions, garlic and chiles over an open flame until they are charred and softened. Then blend them together with salt and lime juice in a blender or food processor until smooth. You can also add cilantro or other herbs if desired.
- Common Uses: Salsa taquera is most commonly used as a topping for tacos but it can also be used as a dip for chips or vegetables. It can also be added to soups and stews to give them extra flavor.
7. Spicy Jalapeno sesame salsa
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/353603008254841756/Spicy jalapeno sesame salsa is a Mexican-style condiment made with jalapenos, sesame seeds, and other spices.
It has a spicy kick from the jalapenos and a nutty flavor from the sesame seeds.
- To Make It: To make this salsa, you’ll need to gather some ingredients including fresh jalapenos, garlic cloves, cilantro leaves, lime juice, olive oil, honey or agave syrup (optional), salt and pepper to taste. Start by roasting the jalapenos in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10 minutes until they are lightly charred. Remove them from the oven and let cool before removing their stems and chopping them into small pieces. In a food processor or blender combine all of the ingredients except for the sesame seeds and blend until smooth. Finally add in the sesame seeds and pulse just enough to mix them in but not too much so that they remain crunchy.
- Common Uses: This spicy salsa can be used as a dip for chips or vegetables or as a topping on tacos or burritos. It can also be used as an ingredient in sauces such as enchilada sauce or mole sauce.
8. Pineapple Salsa
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/55802482874519570/Pineapple salsa is a sweet and spicy condiment made with fresh pineapple, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro, lime juice and salt.
It’s a popular accompaniment to tacos and other Mexican dishes.
- To Make It: To make pineapple salsa, start by dicing the pineapple into small cubes. Then dice the tomatoes and onions into similar-sized pieces. Mince the jalapeno pepper and finely chop the cilantro leaves. Combine all of these ingredients in a bowl along with some freshly squeezed lime juice and salt to taste. Mix everything together until it is well combined.
- Common Uses: Pineapple salsa can be used as a topping for tacos or burritos or served as an appetizer with chips or crackers. It also makes a great addition to salads or sandwiches for added flavor and texture.
9. Guacamole
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/38351034319704558/Guacamole is a Mexican dip or spread made from mashed avocados, lime juice, and seasonings.
It is usually served as an accompaniment to tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and other Mexican dishes.
- To Make It: To make guacamole at home you will need ripe avocados (the skin should be dark green), fresh lime juice, chopped onion, chopped cilantro leaves (optional), minced garlic (optional), salt and pepper to taste. Start by mashing the avocado with a fork until it reaches your desired consistency. Then add the remaining ingredients and mix well. Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary.
- Common Uses: Guacamole can be used as a dip for chips or vegetables; as a topping for tacos or burritos; mixed into scrambled eggs; added to salads; spread on sandwiches or toast; stirred into soups or stews; used as a condiment in place of mayonnaise or butter; blended with yogurt for a creamy dressing; mixed with cream cheese for an easy appetizer spread.
10. Tex-Mex Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/38351034320667841/Tex-Mex sauce is a type of condiment that combines the flavors of Mexican and American cuisine.
It is typically made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, jalapeños, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and other spices.
The sauce has a thick consistency and can be used as a dip or spread on tacos or burritos.
- To Make It: To make Tex-Mex sauce at home you will need to gather the following ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 jalapeño pepper (seeded and diced); 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon chili powder; ¼ teaspoon dried oregano; 2 cups tomato puree; Salt and pepper to taste. Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and jalapeño pepper and cook for an additional minute. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, oregano, tomato puree salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10 minutes stirring occasionally until thickened slightly then remove from heat. Allow to cool before using or storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Common Uses: Tex-Mex sauce can be used in a variety of ways. It can be served as a dip for chips, vegetables, or crackers, as a topping for tacos, burritos, or nachos, or as a condiment for fajitas. It can also be used to make a variety of Tex-Mex dishes, such as enchiladas, tamales, chilaquiles, and quesadillas.
11. Chipotle Mayo (Mexican Secret Sauce)
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/124693483415391825/Chipotle mayo, also known as Mexican Secret Sauce, is a creamy condiment made with mayonnaise, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and other seasonings.
It has a smoky flavor with a hint of sweetness and heat.
- To Make It: To make chipotle mayo at home, you’ll need the following ingredients: 1/2 cup of mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons of adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers; 1 teaspoon of honey; 1 teaspoon of lime juice; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; and salt to taste. Simply mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined.
- Common Uses: Chipotle mayo is often used as a condiment for tacos or burritos but can be used on any dish that needs an extra kick of flavor. It’s also great for sandwiches, burgers, salads, wraps, quesadillas and more!
12. Aji Verde (Spicy Peruvian Green Sauce)
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/48202658503475428/Aji Verde is a spicy Peruvian green sauce made from jalapeño peppers, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and oil.
It is a popular condiment in Peru and can be used to add flavor to many dishes.
- To Make It: To make Aji Verde, start by blending together jalapeños (seeds removed), cilantro leaves and stems, garlic cloves, lime juice, olive oil or vegetable oil, salt and pepper until smooth. The amount of each ingredient can be adjusted according to taste.
- Common Uses: Aji Verde is commonly served with tacos as a dipping sauce or topping. It can also be used as a marinade for meats or fish before grilling or baking them. Additionally it makes an excellent accompaniment for grilled vegetables such as corn on the cob or roasted potatoes.
13. Hot Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/646688827762143065/Hot sauce is a condiment made from chili peppers, vinegar, and other ingredients.
It is used to add flavor and spice to dishes.
The heat level of hot sauces can vary greatly depending on the type of pepper used and the amount added.
- To Make It: To make hot sauce, you will need chili peppers (such as jalapenos or habaneros), garlic, onion, vinegar, salt, sugar (optional), and water. Start by roasting the peppers in an oven until they are lightly charred. Then blend them with the other ingredients until smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids before bottling it up for storage in your refrigerator.
- Common Uses: Hot sauce is commonly used as a condiment for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, nachos, eggs dishes such as huevos rancheros or scrambled eggs; soups such as chili con carne; sandwiches such as pulled pork; pizza; grilled meats; fish dishes like ceviche; and many more!
14. Cheese Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/272397477453502819/Cheese sauce is a creamy, cheesy condiment made from melted cheese and other ingredients such as butter, milk, cream, and seasonings.
It can be used to top tacos or any other dish that could benefit from the addition of a creamy cheese flavor.
- To Make It: To make cheese sauce, start by melting butter in a pan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add flour and whisk until it forms a paste. Then slowly add milk while stirring continuously until the mixture thickens. Add grated cheese and stir until it melts completely into the sauce. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Common Uses: Cheese sauce is most commonly used as an accompaniment for tacos but can also be used on nachos, burritos, enchiladas or any other Mexican-inspired dish that could benefit from its creamy texture and cheesy flavor. It can also be served over vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower for an extra boost of flavor.
15. Sour Cream Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/5066618322238665/Sour cream sauce is a creamy, tangy condiment made from sour cream, mayonnaise, and other ingredients.
It’s often used as a topping for tacos or burritos but can also be used as a dip for chips or vegetables.
- To Make It: To make sour cream sauce, combine equal parts of sour cream and mayonnaise in a bowl. Add garlic powder, onion powder, cumin powder, chili powder, salt and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients together until they are well blended.
- Common Uses: Sour cream sauce is most commonly served with tacos or burritos but it can also be used as a dip for chips or vegetables. It can also be used to top nachos or enchiladas and makes an excellent accompaniment to grilled meats such as steak or chicken.
16. Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/490681321911298517/Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce is a creamy, flavorful sauce made with cilantro, garlic, and other ingredients.
It has a bright green color and a slightly spicy flavor that pairs well with tacos and other Mexican dishes.
- To Make It: To make Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce, you’ll need to blend together fresh cilantro leaves, garlic cloves, olive oil, lime juice, salt and pepper in a food processor or blender until smooth. You can also add some sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess if desired.
- Common Uses: Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce is commonly used as a topping for tacos or burritos but it can also be used as a dip for chips or vegetables. It’s also great on grilled meats like chicken or steak and makes an excellent addition to salads or sandwiches.
17. Spicy Lime Tahini Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/3518505951079972/Spicy Lime Tahini Sauce is a creamy, flavorful sauce made with tahini, lime juice, garlic, and spices.
It’s vegan-friendly and gluten-free.
- To Make It: To make the sauce, combine 1/2 cup of tahini with 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice in a bowl. Add 1 minced garlic clove and 1 teaspoon of ground cumin to the mixture. Whisk together until smooth. Finally, add salt and pepper to taste as well as any other desired spices such as chili powder or smoked paprika for an extra kick of heat.
- Common Uses: This spicy lime tahini sauce is perfect for tacos but can also be used on salads, sandwiches, wraps or even as a dip for vegetables or chips! It adds a delicious flavor to any dish and can easily be adjusted to your own personal tastes by adding more or less spice depending on your preference.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tacos are one of the most popular types of Mexican cuisine, and the perfect taco is all about the sauce.
From creamy cremas to spicy salsas, there are many different types of sauces that can be used to enhance the flavor of your tacos.
The best taco sauces are Chipotle Crema, Cilantro Lime Crema, Chipotle Salsa, Mango Salsa, Avocado Crema, Salsa Taquera, Spicy Jalapeno Sesame Salsa, Pineapple Salsa, Guacamole, and Tex-Mex Sauce.
Each of these sauces has its own unique flavor and texture, allowing you to customize your tacos to your own taste.
So the next time you’re making tacos, don’t forget to add one of these delicious sauces for a truly unforgettable experience.
The 17 BEST Taco Sauces
Ingredients
- Chipotle Crema
- Cilantro Lime Crema
- Chipotle Salsa
- Mango Salsa
- Avocado Crema
- Salsa Taquera
- Spicy Jalapeno sesame salsa
- Pineapple Salsa
- Guacamole
- Tex-Mex Sauce
- Chipotle Mayo (Mexican Secret Sauce)
- Aji Verde (Spicy Peruvian Green Sauce)
- Hot Sauce
- Cheese Sauce
- Sour Cream Sauce
- Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce
- Spicy Lime Tahini Sauce
Instructions
- Select your favorite recipe.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep a sauce recipe in 30 minutes or less!
Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.