Chile Colorado Marinade Recipe

2022-11-05

By Miguel Lopez

Mexican Cuisine

Marinade

Add a bold and smoky flavor to your meats with this traditional Mexican chile colorado marinade recipe.

 Ancho, Guajillo, Pasilla Peppers and Dried Red Chile Pepper

The marinade is made using dried red chile peppers, such as ancho, guajillo, or pasilla, which are toasted, rehydrated, and blended with other ingredients to create a thick and flavorful sauce. 

Intersection of Southwestern and Northern Mexican Cuisine

While it is difficult to pinpoint the exact region where Chile Colorado Marinade originated, it is most commonly associated with the cuisine of the northern Mexican states of Chihuahua, Sonora, and Nuevo León. Also known as red chili sauce is a classic Mexican marinade that has its roots in the cuisine of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

Slightly Spicy, Tangy and Full-bodied

In these regions, the marinade is used to add flavor and richness to a variety of meat dishes, including beef, pork, and chicken. Chile Colorado Marinade is made by soaking dried chiles in hot water to soften them, then pureeing them with garlic, onion, and other spices and ingredients to create a thick sauce. The sauce is often cooked or simmered to deepen and enhance the flavors before being used to marinate meats.

Pitfalls on Chile Colorado Marinade

 Finding the right chili peppers: Chile Colorado Marinade typically uses dried Guajillo chili peppers. These can be difficult to find in regular grocery stores. Look for them at a Latin market or order them online.

 Softening the chili peppers: Dried chili peppers need to be softened before blending them into the marinade. Make sure to remove the stems and seeds and soak them in hot water for at least 20 minutes or until they become soft.

 Blending the ingredients: The ingredients in the Chile Colorado Marinade need to be blended well to create a smooth consistency. A high-quality blender or food processor is necessary to ensure that the marinade is well mixed.

 Adjusting the spiciness: Chile Colorado Marinade can be quite spicy, so adjust the number of chili peppers to your liking. If your marinade is too hot, you can add a bit of sugar or honey to balance out the heat.

 Marinade time: Marinate the meat in the Chile Colorado Marinade for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate properly. For a stronger flavor, marinate for up to 24 hours.

 Consistency: Chile Colorado Marinade should have a thick consistency to cling to the meat properly. If your marinade is too thin, you can thicken it up by reducing it over low heat.

Ingredients

• 4 ancho chiles

• 2 guajillo chiles

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

• 3 garlic cloves

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup white vinegar

• 1/4 cup water

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Instructions

1. Remove the seeds and stems of the ancho and guajillo chiles. Soak them in boiling water for 10 minutes, until they are soft.

2. Drain the chiles and add them to a blender or food processor. Add the cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, garlic cloves, salt, black pepper, olive oil, white vinegar, water, and tomato paste to the blender. Blend until everything is well combined.

3. Use the chile colorado marinade to marinate chicken, pork, beef, or shrimp for at least 2 hours or even overnight, before grilling or roasting. This marinade is also great as a dipping sauce for chips or as a topping for tacos and burritos.

4. Store any leftover marinade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Preparation Time 10 min

Cook Time 15 min

Total time 25 min

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 145

Fat: 12 g

Saturated Fat: 2 g

Carbohydrates: 9 g

Fiber: 4 g

Sugar: 3 g

Protein: 2 g

Try this bold and smoky traditional Mexican chile colorado marinade recipe and elevate your meats for grilling and roasting. Share your flavorful dishes on your socials with the following hashtags #hivercipes #chilecoloradomarinade #Mexicancuisine #grilling #roasting #flavorfulmeats #boldflavors