How To Make Enchilada Sauce Less Spicy: ANSWERED!
So you’ve gone to the effort of making your own enchilada sauce to take Mexican night to the next level. You’ve found a highly rated recipe, carefully gathered the ingredients, and got down to business in the kitchen.
But you’re shocked to discover that your sauce is just WAY too spicy!
You’ll be pleased to know that there are some simple fixes you can try to tone things down a little and still create a meal that everyone will love, even if you’re cooking for those who like their food super mild.
How to make enchilada sauce less spicy
Don’t have time to delve into all the finer details behind the science of spice? No problem! Here’s the quick answer so you can get dinner on the table in a jiffy…
You can make enchilada sauce less spicy by stirring through a dairy product such as soured cream, adding a dash of acid such as lime juice or vinegar, adding a pinch of sugar,
But what if you only discover your mince is too spicy once it’s cooking? Don’t worry, it’s not too late! You can turn the heat down a few notches by adding dairy based toppings (e.g. soured cream), a squeeze of fresh lime juice, fresh tomatoes, or a pinch of sugar.
Read on and learn more about these methods, how to use them, and why they work. You’ll quickly find the right solution for you if your taco mince is too spicy!
1. Choose dairy based toppings
Dairy products contain a protein called casein, and food scientists know that it can be used to break down capsaicin, which is the molecule find in chilli that’s responsible for setting your mouth alight. In short, you can make your tacos cooler by topping with your favourite dairy items.
Just add a generous dollop of soured cream, or natural yoghurt. Alternatively, you could add plenty of your favourite cheese. The most authentic cheese for tacos is cojita, which is savoury and salty, and can be grated or crumbled. Though humble cheddar cheese is arguably not a traditional choice, it works just fine if it’s what you happen to have in your fridge!
As a side note, if you want to learn a little more about what’s really authentic and what isn’t, this guide to real Mexican food makes for great reading and explains the difference between traditional tacos and the Americanised Tex Mex varieties that many of us are familiar with.
2. Add a good squeeze of lime juice
Lime is widely used in Mexican cuisine, so it’s likely that you’ve already picked some up at the store ahead of your next enchilada evening! You’ll be interested to know that adding a squeeze of lime juice isn’t just about making your dish even more delicious.
Yes, it brings vibrancy and balance to the meal, but because it’s an acid, it also works to neutralise the alkaline of the capsicum.
You can add a squeeze directly into your enchilada sauce, or you can serve wedges on the table so everyone can squeeze their own, to suit their personal tastes. If you don’t have limes, you can substitute for a different acid such as lemon juice, white wine, or vinegar.
3. Add chopped fresh tomatoes
Tomatoes are another example of an acid that can bring balance to the plate, and they’re a quick fix for how to make enchilada sauce less spicy. Add them directly into the sauce and stir through, or serve as a topping option at the table.
Adding lots of veggies into your sauce is also a good way to make it stretch further, without using more protein. It’s budget friendly, and it means you can keep some leftovers to enjoy for lunch the next day!
Tinned tomatoes will work too, if you don’t have any fresh tomatoes in your fridge right now.
4. Add a pinch or two of sugar
Adding a little sweetness is another kitchen trick for how to make enchilada sauce less spicy. It absorbs the oil-based capsaicin, providing relief from the heat and making the food more palatable for those who love flavour but like to go easy on the spice.
Sugar is the most obvious choice, though you can also use a little honey or maple syrup instead, depending on what you have in your pantry.
Be mindful to add just a tiny bit at a time, and taste as you go. You don’t want to end up making your enchiladas too sweet!
5. Add plenty of fresh and blander toppings and side dishes to the table
A really easy option for making enchiladas less spicy is to just use a little less of the sauce. You can still create a satisfying meal by adding plenty of other toppings to balance things out, or add some side dishes to the table.
Some ideas here include finely sliced lettuce, soured cream, chopped bell peppers, guacamole or sliced avocado, refried beans, rice, and more of your favourite fresh and crunchy veggies.
Final thoughts on how to cool down spicy enchiladas
It can be disappointing if you spend time making your own enchilada sauce only to discover it’s a little OTT for your tastebuds, but it doesn’t mean that you have to start again from scratch.
Using one or two of these tips can really help to cool things down, and create the exact level of spiciness that you enjoy.
