Tex Mex Paste Recipe

Last Updated on April 19, 2024

This easy-to-follow Tex-Mex Paste recipe will help you replicate Hello Fresh Tex-Mex paste right in your own kitchen. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the flavors and aromas of Mexican spices that come out of this sauce!

If you want to spice up your dinner, look no further! All you need is just a dollop of Tex-Mex paste to create healthy and delicious Tex-Mex food at home in no time!

Love the flavor from Hello Fresh Tex Mex paste but do you think it’s too expensive to keep buying it from HelloFresh? Don’t worry!

We’ve created this copycat recipe right here for you. There are no preservatives, no artificial flavors, and it is low in cholesterol (no trans fats). And you can adjust the heat level to your liking and make it easy at home!

What Is Tex-Mex Paste

Tex-Mex paste is a condiment sauce popularly used in Mexican food. Mexican and Texan cuisine (Tex-Mex) are American cuisines that derive from the culinary creations of the Tejano people of Texas.  

The main ingredients in Tex-Mex paste are chili peppers, chili paste, tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, and onion with some Mexican spices and herbs. When combined, they give foods an exciting smoky, tangy, and zesty taste.

For those unfamiliar with Tex-Mex paste, it’s a mix of spices and herbs that is used as a base for Mexican dishes. It can be used as an all-purpose seasoning, can be used as a marinade or rub, to flavor rice and beans, or as an enchilada filling.

Perfect for adding as a topping to tacos, quesadillas, and burritos, or as a flavor enhancer in your favorite stews and soups! It’s versatile enough to be used in virtually any dish featuring Mexican-style flavors.

Copycat HelloFresh Tex Mex Paste Recipe

The following recipe will make about two and a half cups of paste. For this copycat Hello Fresh Tex Mex paste recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

Wet ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large white onion (or yellow onion)
• 3-5 pc  smoky Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (Be sure to adjust the number of chipotle peppers if you prefer spicier or milder paste. Generally, use 3 pieces for mild, 5 pieces for slightly spicy)
• 2 tablespoons Chipotle sauce
• 7oz fire-roasted tomatoes (click the link for our homemade version)
• ¼ cup (60ml) tomato paste or tomato puree
• ¼ cup (60ml) vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons of minced garlic (or 5 cloves finely chopped)

Dry ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
• Extra dried chilis if you like extra heat

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How To Make Tex Mex Paste

Before starting, it is important to gather your ingredients and make sure you have all the necessary kitchen equipment.

You will need a high-speed blender or food processor, measuring cups and spoons, a knife and cutting board, and a heavy-bottomed small pot. Begin by following the preparation steps for each of the ingredients listed in the recipe. This includes:

• Measuring ingredients
• Cut peppers into smaller pieces
• Peel and chop onions
• Finely chopped garlic

Cooking

1. Once all of your ingredients are prepped, heat up the cooking oil in the pot on the stove on medium-low heat and place the sliced onion in. 
2. Sauté the onion until soft and transparent without color.
3. Once the onion is softened, add the remaining ingredients to the pot and bring it to a simmer.
4. Once it’s bubbling, turn off the heat and let it set aside to cool. Pureeing it into a paste by using an immersion blender or a food processor until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

Note: You need to let the mixture cool down a bit before pureeing it if you use an immersion blender to avoid hot splashes.

Tex MEx Paste Variations

There are many variations for Tex-Mex paste recipes. Generally speaking, it must contain chili powder, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder as the base ingredients.

Other ingredients may include onion powder, dried marjoram, and perhaps other spices such as ancho chili powder, achiote paste, or even cayenne chili powder. As with any recipe, there are numerous variations you can explore with Tex-Mex paste.

Depending on your own tastes and preferences, you can vary the type of chili used, the proportions of herbs and spices, and even the level of heat or spiciness achieved.

A few options to explore include:

How To Use Tex Mex Paste

Once this simple paste is made and ready for use! A tablespoon of paste added during cooking will add robust Tex-Mex flavors to any dish!

When it comes to serving your Tex-Mex paste, the options are nearly limitless. Here are a few ideas of how you can use this recipe to make a delicious meal.

• Sautéed Veggies: Add some cubes of your prepared Tex Mex paste, along with some oil to a pan and cook until the veggies are tender and lightly browned. Serve as a side dish or a tasty dinner.

• Sofritas: Add some paste to pan-fried firm tofu crumbles to make quick and tasty Sofritas.

• Veggie Fajitas, Spicy Chickpea wraps, or Mushroom Tacos: This paste can be used in most Mexican cuisine. Simply combine cooked ingredients with some of the cooled Tex Mex paste for easy tacos. Add lettuce, tomatoes, and any other desired toppings for a customizable dinner or lunch experience.

• Stuffed Peppers: Slice bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove seeds before stuffing with cooked Tex Mex paste and your choice of cooked grains like quinoa or rice. Top with cheese before baking in the oven until the peppers are tender.

• Salad Topper: For an added kick, mix some cooled Tex-Mex paste into your salad dressing along with other vegetables – like tomatoes and onions – for a flavorful twist on classic recipes.

• Tostadas: Spread prepared paste onto crisp tostadas then top with avocado slices and cilantro leaves for an easy dinner or appetizer solution that is sure to be a hit at any gathering!

• Mexican Rice, Vegan Chili, or Tortilla Soup: Add a spoonful to upgrade your dish!

How To Store

Homemade fresh paste should be kept for up to one week in airtight containers in the refrigerator and 1 month in the freezer (this paste is perfect for freezing, just portion it into ice cube trays for easier use later). 

Substitutes for Tex Mex Paste 

If you don’t want to buy Tex Mex Paste from Hello Fresh or you don’t have all the ingredients in hand. Here are a few substitutes you can use as a quick Tex-Mex Paste:

Frequently Asked Questions

Making Tex-Mex paste is a great way to add intense flavors to a wide variety of dishes.

While the recipe features staple ingredients like tomatoes and chili, there are some tips and tricks that you can use to make this recipe even more delicious.

• One important tip is to lightly fry the ingredients before adding them to the blender. This will help develop flavor while releasing the aroma, resulting in a paste with plenty of flavor.

• For an extra spicy version, adding extra chili or Tabasco sauce will help you create an intense heat that packs a punch. If you prefer your dishes less spicy, then simply reduce the amount of chili used in the mixture and add an extra spoonful of sugar instead for sweetness and depth of flavor.

Finally, if you’re looking for additional texture within your dish, don’t neglect garnishes!

Toss on some crunchy chopped onions and bell peppers over tacos or nachos for an unexpected surprise! These simple additions can elevate your Tex-Mex paste from good to excellent – always get creative with it!

After you have your Tex-Mex paste, you can use it in any dishes you want, stirred into soups, beans, and rice dishes. You can also create an authentic Mexican flavor by adding it to marinades or sauces. The possibilities really are endless with this flavorful paste.

Try using different herbs and spices that you like to customize the flavor profile and make this paste unique and one-of-a-kind! Enjoy!

More Vegan Light Meals

• Mexican Spices
• Whole Wheat Tortillas
• Sofritas (Chipotle Copycat)
• Vegan Chili 
• Vegan Tortilla Soup
• Vegan Birria Tacos with Consommé
• Vegan Birria Consommé
• Vegan Fajitas
• Cilantro Lime Rice
• Vegan Mexican Rice
• Sticky Corn Ribs
• Tomato Avocado Toast
• Hello Fresh Fry Seasoning