San Antonio Picante Sauce

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: Mexican

A vibrant and spicy San Antonio Picante Sauce featuring tomatoes, jalapeno, garlic, and vinegar, perfect for adding bold flavor to Mexican-inspired dishes and dipping snacks.

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Ingredients

  • 1 28 oz. can tomatoes, drained
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1 jalapeno pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp vinegar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp ground cumin

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients in a food processor.
  2. Mix until well blended but not pureed completely.
  3. Refrigerate for several hours to enhance the flavor.

Tips & Substitutions

For a spicier sauce, leave the seeds in the jalapeno or add more crushed red pepper. You can substitute fresh tomatoes with canned diced tomatoes for a quicker option. If you prefer a smoother texture, blend longer until desired consistency is reached. This sauce can also be used as a base for other Mexican recipes like chili or tacos.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this picante sauce as a zesty dip with tortilla chips or use it as a topping for tacos and grilled meats. It pairs beautifully with fried tortilla strips or as a flavor enhancer in dishes like Chili Salad Taco Style. Consider serving it alongside a refreshing drink like Triple-Citrus Margaritas for a complete meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover San Antonio Picante Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For best flavor, let it sit for a few hours before serving. If you want to reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of San Antonio Picante Sauce contains roughly 123 calories, with 3g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (67% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and calcium (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

123 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.4g 7% DV
Total Fat 3g 4% DV
Carbs 25.6g 9% DV
Fiber 11.4g 41% DV
Sugar 6g 12% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 165.8mg 7% DV
Potassium 474.8mg 10% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 49.6mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 14.5mg 16% DV
Calcium 445.1mg 34% DV
Iron 12.1mg 67% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make San Antonio Picante Sauce up to two days in advance. Storing it in the refrigerator will allow the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more robust taste. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving.

What can I use if I don't have jalapeno peppers?

If you don't have jalapeno peppers on hand, you can substitute them with serrano peppers for a similar heat level, or use a milder pepper like a green bell pepper for less spice. Adjust the crushed red pepper to match your heat preference.

Is this sauce vegan-friendly?

Absolutely! San Antonio Picante Sauce is entirely plant-based, making it a great option for those following vegan recipes. It adds a punch of flavor to various dishes without any animal products.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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