Tex Mex paste is a key ingredient in Tex Mex cuisine, adding a rich, spicy, and tangy flavor to dishes such as enchiladas, tacos, and chili con carne. However, sometimes Tex Mex paste may not be readily available, or you may want to try something different. In such cases, it is helpful to have some Tex Mex paste substitutes on hand.
In this article, we will discuss the 10 best Tex Mex paste substitutes, along with their descriptions, how to use them as a substitute for Tex Mex paste, and a comparison of each substitute to Tex Mex paste. Let’s dive in!
What is Tex Mex Paste?
Tex Mex paste is a thick and spicy tomato-based paste that is commonly used in Tex Mex cuisine. It is made by blending together tomatoes, chili peppers, cumin, garlic, and other spices to create a flavorful and aromatic paste. The paste has a deep red color and a thick consistency that makes it ideal for use as a sauce, marinade, or seasoning.
Tex Mex paste is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of Tex Mex dishes, including enchiladas, tacos, burritos, and nachos. It adds depth and complexity to dishes and helps to balance out the flavors of the other ingredients. Tex Mex paste is also a convenient ingredient to have on hand, as it can be used to quickly add flavor to dishes without having to measure out and mix individual spices.
Tex Mex paste is readily available in many grocery stores and can be found in jars, cans, or in powdered form. It can also be easily made at home by blending together fresh ingredients in a food processor or blender. Overall, Tex Mex paste is an essential ingredient in Tex Mex cuisine and is a must-have for anyone who loves the flavors of the Southwest.
Best Tex Mex Paste Substitutes
Tomato Paste
Tomato paste is made by cooking tomatoes for several hours and then straining them to remove the seeds and skins. It is a concentrated form of tomato flavor and is commonly used in pasta sauces and stews.
To use tomato paste as a substitute for Tex Mex paste, mix a tablespoon of tomato paste with a teaspoon of chili powder, a pinch of cumin, and a dash of hot sauce. The result will be a similar taste and texture to Tex Mex paste.
Compared to Tex Mex paste, tomato paste has a milder flavor and is not as spicy. It also has a thicker consistency, so you may need to add some water or broth to achieve the desired texture.
Chili Powder
Chili powder is a blend of ground chili peppers and other spices such as cumin, oregano, and garlic powder. It is a common seasoning in Tex Mex cuisine, adding heat and depth of flavor to dishes.
To use chili powder as a substitute for Tex Mex paste, mix a tablespoon of chili powder with a tablespoon of tomato paste and a teaspoon of cumin. If you prefer a spicier taste, you can add more chili powder or some cayenne pepper.
Compared to Tex Mex paste, chili powder has a more complex flavor and is not as tangy. It also has a lighter color and a more powdery texture.
Dried Chili Peppers
Dried chili peppers are simply fresh chili peppers that have been dried in the sun or a dehydrator. They come in various shapes and sizes, with different levels of spiciness and flavor profiles.
To use dried chili peppers as a substitute for Tex Mex paste, soak the peppers in hot water for 10-15 minutes to soften them. Then, remove the stems and seeds and puree the peppers in a food processor with some garlic, onion, and a pinch of salt.
Compared to Tex Mex paste, dried chili peppers have a more intense and complex flavor, with a smoky and earthy taste. They are also spicier and have a thinner consistency.
Ancho Chili Paste
Ancho chili paste is made from dried ancho chili peppers that have been rehydrated and pureed with some water, vinegar, and salt. Ancho chili peppers are known for their sweet and smoky flavor, with a mild to medium spiciness.
To use ancho chili paste as a substitute for Tex Mex paste, mix a tablespoon of ancho chili paste with a teaspoon of cumin, a dash of hot sauce, and some salt to taste. You can also add a tablespoon of tomato paste if you prefer a tangier flavor.
Compared to Tex Mex paste, ancho chili paste has a sweeter and less tangy flavor, with a smokier and milder spiciness. It also has a thicker consistency.
Chipotle Pepper in Adobo Sauce
Chipotle peppers are smoked and dried jalapeno peppers that have been rehydrated and canned in a spicy and tangy tomato-based sauce called adobo. They have a smoky and slightly sweet flavor, with a medium to hot spiciness.
To use chipotle pepper in adobo sauce as a substitute for Tex Mex paste, chop up one or two chipotle peppers and mix them with a tablespoon of adobo sauce, a pinch of cumin, and some salt to taste. You can also add a tablespoon of tomato paste for a tangier flavor.
Compared to Tex Mex paste, chipotle pepper in adobo sauce has a smokier and more complex flavor, with a spicier kick. It also has a thinner consistency, so you may need to add some water or broth to achieve the desired texture.
Salsa
Salsa is a Mexican condiment made from chopped tomatoes, onions, chili peppers, and cilantro, seasoned with lime juice and salt. It is a versatile sauce that can be used as a dip, topping, or marinade.
To use salsa as a substitute for Tex Mex paste, puree a cup of salsa in a blender or food processor with a teaspoon of cumin and a dash of hot sauce. You can also add some tomato paste if you prefer a thicker consistency.
Compared to Tex Mex paste, salsa has a fresher and lighter flavor, with a tangy and slightly sweet taste. It also has a thinner consistency, so you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in your recipe accordingly.
Taco Seasoning
Taco seasoning is a blend of spices such as chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika, commonly used to season ground beef or chicken for tacos. It is a convenient and versatile spice mix that can be used in a variety of Tex Mex dishes.
To use taco seasoning as a substitute for Tex Mex paste, mix a tablespoon of taco seasoning with a tablespoon of tomato paste and a dash of hot sauce. You can also add some water or broth to achieve the desired consistency.
Compared to Tex Mex paste, taco seasoning has a milder flavor and is not as tangy. It also has a powdery texture, so you may need to add some liquid to your recipe.
Hot Sauce
Hot sauce is a spicy condiment made from chili peppers, vinegar, and salt. It comes in various flavors and heat levels, from mild to extremely hot.
To use hot sauce as a substitute for Tex Mex paste, mix a tablespoon of hot sauce with a tablespoon of tomato paste, a pinch of cumin, and some salt to taste. You can also add some water or broth to achieve the desired texture.
Compared to Tex Mex paste, hot sauce has a thinner consistency and is not as tangy. It also has a more pronounced heat level, so you may need to adjust the amount of hot sauce in your recipe.
Harissa Paste
Harissa paste is a North African spice paste made from chili peppers, garlic, cumin, coriander, and other spices, blended with olive oil. It has a rich and complex flavor, with a medium to hot spiciness.
To use harissa paste as a substitute for Tex Mex paste, mix a tablespoon of harissa paste with a tablespoon of tomato paste and a pinch of cumin. You can also add some water or broth to achieve the desired consistency.
Compared to Tex Mex paste, harissa paste has a more complex flavor, with a slightly different taste profile due to the use of different spices. It also has a thinner consistency, so you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in your recipe.
Adobo Seasoning
Adobo seasoning is a blend of spices commonly used in Latin American cuisine, including garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, and black pepper. It has a savory and slightly tangy flavor, with a mild spiciness.
To use adobo seasoning as a substitute for Tex Mex paste, mix a tablespoon of adobo seasoning with a tablespoon of tomato paste and a dash of hot sauce. You can also add some water or broth to achieve the desired consistency.
Compared to Tex Mex paste, adobo seasoning has a milder flavor and is not as tangy. It also has a powdery texture, so you may need to add some liquid to your recipe.
Conclusion
Tex Mex paste is a versatile ingredient that adds depth and flavor to many Tex Mex dishes. However, if you don’t have any on hand or can’t find it in your local grocery store, there are plenty of substitutes that you can use.
Chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, enchilada sauce, chili garlic sauce, tomato paste, salsa, taco seasoning, hot sauce, harissa paste, and adobo seasoning are all great alternatives that can add a similar flavor profile to your Tex Mex dishes. Each of these substitutes has its own unique taste and texture, so you can choose the one that best suits your recipe.
Experiment with different substitutes to find the one that works best for you. You may even discover a new favorite ingredient that you never knew you needed. With these ten Tex Mex paste substitutes, you can keep cooking delicious Tex Mex dishes without missing a beat.