Tuesday is street taco night for us, and one of my favorite things about the place we go is the spicy red sauce. A little drizzle brings just enough heat to cut through the richness of carnitas, and it’s just as good with carne asada or al pastor. I wanted to see if I could make something close at home, and this tomato-based version gets its kick from a pantry staple I already had on hand: crushed red pepper flakes.
Tomato sauce gives you a smooth, pourable salsa, while crushed tomatoes make it a little heartier. A spoonful of sugar rounds out the tomato flavor, and a splash of vinegar at the end gives it a tangy finish if that’s what you like. The full amount of pepper flakes makes a fiery batch, so start with less if you want a sauce you can drizzle generously.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 can (29 ounces) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- ½ ounce crushed red pepper flakes by weight, or less to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, optional
DIRECTIONS
- Warm the pepper flakes. Turn on your kitchen vent and heat the oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the crushed red pepper flakes and stir for about 15 to 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Have the tomatoes open and ready to add so the flakes don’t scorch.
- Simmer the sauce. Carefully stir in the tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, sugar, and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Adjust the flavor. Remove the pan from the heat. Taste a cooled spoonful and stir in the optional vinegar a little at a time until the sauce has the tang you want.
- Serve or refrigerate. Spoon the sauce over warm tacos, or refrigerate it in an airtight container. If you’re using a squeeze bottle, choose tomato sauce for a smoother pour.
For a milder batch: Start with 1 teaspoon of pepper flakes. Taste after simmering, then add more if you want a stronger kick. The first taco will tell you how generous to be with the second.
