Authentic Green Enchilada Sauce

Green Enchilada Sauce adds layers of flavor to classic enchiladas and is so easy to make from scratch! After 20 minutes, you'll have an authentic enchilada sauce that will make you forget about ordering from your favorite Mexican restaurant.

Unlike red enchilada sauce, made with dried chiles, green enchilada sauce has a fresher, tangier flavor thanks to the bright, tart tomatillos. Both sauces are delicious and can be used interchangeably depending on what you're craving—red for a richer, deeper flavor and green for a zesty kick.

To make it, throw the ingredients in a pot, blend it all up, and simmer until you've got a velvety smooth green sauce that's perfect for these Chicken and Black Bean Enchiladas, Easy Chicken Soft Tacos, or even just drizzling over a bowl of rice.

Before You Get Started

Here are a couple of things to note before you start whipping up this delicious green enchilada sauce:

• Tomatillos: I suggest using fresh tomatillos if you can find them. They're usually in the produce section of the grocery store and look like green tomatoes with papery husks on the outside. If your grocery store doesn't carry them, you can use canned instead, but the flavor might not be as fresh.
• Versatile: This is a basic green enchilada sauce recipe, so you can customize it however you want! Toss in extra garlic, spices, or peppers to get your desired flavor.
• Chicken bouillon: I like to use bouillon cubes for flavor, but you can use salt instead if you don't have cubes.

Green Enchilada Sauce Ingredients

• Tomatillos: These are kind of like small green tomatoes with husks. They have a vibrant, acidic flavor that works perfectly for this recipe!
• Jalapeno peppers (or serrano peppers for more heat): We're tossing these right into the blender with the tomatillos for a bit of heat.
• Yellow onion and garlic cloves: These aromatics add a flavorful base to the sauce.
• Fresh cilantro: Adds a bright, herbal flavor. I like to use freshly chopped cilantro for the best flavor.
• Spices: I like to use cumin and Mexican oregano for an earthy depth of flavor, but feel free to use any Mexican spices you like!

How to Make Homemade Green Enchilada Sauce

Don't be intimidated to make homemade Mexican sauces, it couldn't be easier! Follow the steps below and make sure to make extra to freeze for your next enchilada night.

Step One: Cook the Tomatillos and Aromatics

Add the tomatillos, onion, and garlic to a pot of water and bring it to a boil. Cook until the tomatillos soften and turn a lighter green.

Roasting Option

If you're using fresh tomatillos and you'd like to roast them for a deeper flavor, here's how to do it:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray with oil to prevent the tomatillos from sticking.
2. Slice the tomatillos in half and place them on the lightly oiled parchment paper skin-side up.
3. Roast in the oven for 20-30 minutes and let them cool.
4. Remove the skins and make the rest of the recipe as directed.

Step Two: Blend

Drain the cooked tomatillos, garlic, and onion, then toss them into a blender. Add fresh cilantro, jalapenos, seasonings, and a little cooking liquid. Blend until the sauce is smooth.

Step Three: Simmer

Heat oil in a saucepan and pour in the blended sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the color deepens, and the flavors come together. Adjust salt and other seasonings to your taste preferences!

Pro tip: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer until it reaches your desired consistency.

Variations

Switch up the flavors in this green enchilada sauce for a customized result!

• Lime juice: For a punch of zingy flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
• Jalapenos: If you don't have jalapenos, you can swap them for green chiles, hatch chiles, or Anaheim peppers.
• Heat: Want more heat? Toss in an extra jalapeno or serrano pepper. If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds and membrane from the peppers.
• Creamy: If you prefer a creamier sauce, like the one used to Enchiladas Suizas, then add in some Mexican crema, cream cheese, or Greek yogurt. You could even use some cottage cheese for a protein boost,

Serving Ideas for Green Enchilada Sauce

Here are some fun ways to use this green enchilada sauce:

• Enchiladas: Of course, enchiladas are a classic way to use this sauce! Perfect for beef, vegetarian, or chicken enchiladas.
• Tacos: Drizzle some of this sauce over Steak Tacos, Fish Tacos, Portobello Mushroom Tacos, or even Breakfast Tacos!
• Bowls: Jazz up Carnitas Burrito Bowls or Southwest Steak Bowls with this sauce!
• Eggs: Swap the rancheros sauce and use this green enchilada sauce for Huevos Rancheros! You can also drizzle it on top of Huevos a la Mexicana (Mexican Scrambled Eggs) for a tangy kick.