Elevate your empanada game with these 17 exceptional sauces! A perfectly cooked empanada is already a treat, but add the right accompaniment, and you’ll unlock a world of flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just discovering the magic of empanadas, this guide has something for everyone. From bold and spicy to rich and indulgent, each sauce presents a unique twist that’s sure to delight even the most discerning palate.
Prepare to transform a humble meal into an unforgettable culinary experience.
Chipotle Mayo
Elevate your empanada game by introducing a bold and zesty chipotle mayo that adds a smoky kick. This creamy concoction not only pairs perfectly with empanadas, but also transforms burgers, sandwiches, and fries into a flavor explosion. The best part? Preparing this sauce takes mere minutes, and you can store any leftovers in the fridge for later use.
Peruvian Green Sauce
Peruvian cuisine’s signature flavor gets a vibrant twist in this bold and spicy green sauce. While traditionally paired with roasted chicken or grilled meats, it surprisingly harmonizes with empanadas as well. The foundation of cilantro, hot pepper, garlic, and mayo creates an addictive blend, elevated by the subtle nuances of mustard and red onion. This electrifying condiment is sure to make a lasting impression.
Salsa Taquera Roja
Salsa taquera roja is a staple in many Mexican restaurants, and for good reason. This vibrant condiment combines the flavors of chiles de árbol, ripe tomatoes, pungent white onion, and aromatic garlic to create a zesty accompaniment that elevates empanadas to new heights. The sauce’s fiery personality is reflected in its deep red to vibrant orange hue, with the level of heat directly proportional to the number of chiles used.
Whether you prefer a subtle kick or a bold explosion of flavor, this versatile salsa allows for easy adjustment to suit your taste buds.
Chimichurri Sauce
The flavorful chimichurri sauce from Argentina and Uruguay is a game-changer for empanadas. This zesty green condiment is crafted from an aromatic blend of fresh parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, and olive oil, striking the perfect balance between pungency and subtlety. Its versatility allows it to be used as a brush-on sauce, a side dip, or even a marinade, making it an ideal accompaniment for a wide range of dishes – from meat and fish options to vegetarian delights.
But when paired with empanadas, the harmony is truly exceptional.
Cilantro Lime Sauce
Blend cilantro with lime juice, then whisk in olive oil, mashed avocado, green onion, garlic, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. This harmonious union yields a sumptuous sauce that’s equally at home alongside tacos, burrito bowls, scrambled eggs, or taking empanadas to new heights. With its zesty and revitalizing flavor profile, it’s an absolute must-try for anyone with a passion for empanadas.
Homemade Salsa
The alluring fusion of tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices in salsa is undeniable. To achieve the perfect balance of flavors, it’s essential to combine fresh and canned ingredients. Fresh components bring a burst of zestiness and vibrancy, while their canned counterparts add depth and richness, eliminating any artificial store-bought taste. This harmonious blend also elevates the flavor of empanadas, introducing a juicy and tangy dimension that complements them perfectly.
Homemade Garlic Aioli
Garlic aioli, a mayonnaise-based condiment infused with the pungency of garlic and a hint of lemon or other creative twists, has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of people worldwide. Its origins can be traced back to Spain and France, where it’s become an integral part of global cuisine. What sets it apart from your average sandwich spread is its bold flavor profile, which can be mixed up in mere minutes.
When paired with empanadas, for instance, the result is a harmonious balance of creamy richness and garlicky zest that takes every bite to new heights.
Jalapeno Ranch
The harmonious union of sour cream, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños yields a bold and addictive sauce. Characterized by its simplicity and depth of flavor, this homemade jalapeno ranch outshines store-bought alternatives. When paired with empanadas, the tangy and spicy combination is utterly irresistible.
Best Mango Chutney
Mango chutney is a flavorful condiment that combines the sweetness of fresh mango with the pungency of vibrant spices. This delightful spread is crafted by slow-cooking a blend of ingredients, including ripe mango, ginger, garlic, red chilies, sugar, and an array of spices, until it reaches a rich, sticky consistency. When paired with savory empanadas, the sweetness of the mango perfectly complements the filling, resulting in a thrilling flavor experience.
Mexican Adobo Sauce
Mexican adobo sauce is a masterful blend of ancho and guajillo peppers, combining the perfect balance of spicy and smoky flavors. This potent condiment is often considered Mexico’s culinary secret weapon, as it adds depth and excitement to a variety of dishes, from marinated meats to flavorful fillings. When paired with empanadas, the smoky kick takes on a life of its own, harmonizing beautifully with savory ingredients to create an unforgettable fiesta of flavors.
Spicy Habanero Salsa
The fiery essence of habanero salsa is impossible to ignore. Its concentrated orange pepper flavor leaves a lasting impression on the palate, courtesy of its moderate burn. However, this sizzling sensation is tempered by the addition of jalapenos, which injects a rich, savory flavor that beautifully complements the heat.
When paired with empanadas, this harmonious balance of flavors and temperatures creates an unforgettable gastronomic experience as the zesty salsa perfectly complements the savory filling.
Aji Amarillo Sauce
Peruvian flair comes alive on your plate with the bold and creamy aji amarillo sauce. This iconic yellow chili pepper-based condiment combines a spicy kick with tangy undertones, reminiscent of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and feta cheese harmoniously blended with the unique flavor of aji amarillo paste. When drizzled over empanadas, this vibrant and zesty sauce elevates their flavors to new heights.
Romesco Sauce
From the sun-kissed regions of Spain’s Tarragona comes the vibrant and flavorful romesco sauce, a true delight for the taste buds. This delectable condiment is crafted with humble ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red bell peppers, and a hint of smokiness courtesy of smoked paprika. When paired with crispy empanadas, each bite becomes an unforgettable experience.
Mole Sauce
Honey Mustard Sauce
Create a delicious honey mustard sauce in just minutes using common pantry staples! The key ingredients are simply combined in a harmonious blend of honey, mustard, mayonnaise, and vinegar. This versatile condiment is perfect for elevating the flavor of chicken nuggets, but its uses extend far beyond that. Try drizzling it on empanadas to achieve a sweet and savory symphony. Its potential applications are endless!
Green Chili Sauce
Blending the bold flavors of Anaheim and jalapeno peppers with the tanginess of tomatillos creates a truly unique and mouthwatering green chili sauce. The addition of sautéed onions, pungent garlic, and a hint of cilantro elevates this condiment to new heights. Whether used as a topping for crispy empanadas or paired with crunchy chips, this sauce injects a burst of fresh, spicy flavor into every bite.
Its extraordinary taste transforms even the most mundane dishes into exciting culinary experiences.
Homemade Salsa Verde
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this homemade salsa verde, expertly crafted with ripe tomatillos, spicy jalapeños, and a medley of textures from crisp onions and fresh cilantro. With each batch, you’ll embark on a distinct flavor adventure. Drizzle it over empanadas for an added layer of excitement that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. Unlike store-bought alternatives, this recipe proudly showcases only the finest, all-natural ingredients.
