55
Have you ever dipped a crispy appetizer into a sauce that’s so good that you stop midway just to wonder how it’s made? For me, that magical moment happened when I tried Bell Sauce Dipping Sauce for the first time.
Table of Contents
How to make Bell Sauce Dipping Sauce
Bell Sauce Dipping Sauce is a signature condiment from Taco Bell, introduced as part of their expanding chicken offerings. This sauce is known for its tangy and savory flavor profile, featuring a blend of tomatoes, mild red chiles, and garlic.
Ingredients
To make the perfect Bell Sauce Dipping Sauce, you’ll need these simple pantry staples:
Base Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup ketchup or tomato sauce (Choose ketchup for a sweeter profile or tomato sauce for a more neutral base.)
- 1/4 cup water (Adjust to your desired consistency.)
Sweeteners:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (For a deeper caramelized sweetness.)
- 1 tablespoon honey (Optional, but great for balancing tanginess.)
Tangy & Spicy Kick:
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes or Sriracha (Adjust based on your spice tolerance.)
Seasoning & Aromatics:
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the Base Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl or saucepan, combine the ketchup/tomato sauce and water. Mix thoroughly until smooth.
- Sweeten the Sauce: Add the brown sugar and honey, stirring until fully dissolved. Heat gently over medium-low heat to help the flavors meld.
- Add Tangy and Spicy Notes: Stir in the vinegar, soy sauce, and chili flakes or Sriracha. Taste as you go to strike the perfect balance between tanginess and heat.
- Season the Sauce: Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and adjust the flavor with salt and black pepper. Mix well to create a smooth consistency.
- Simmer to Perfection: Bring the sauce to a low simmer on the stovetop for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This step allows the flavors to deepen and blend beautifully.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the sauce to cool. Transfer it to a small bowl for dipping, or store it in an airtight jar for future use.
Tips for the Perfect Bell Sauce
- Adjust Consistency: If your sauce feels too thick, add a tablespoon of water while simmering. For a thicker version, let it simmer for an additional few minutes to reduce.
- Custom Spice Levels: Not a fan of too much heat? Start with a smaller amount of chili flakes, and gradually add more until it suits your taste.
- Make Ahead: Prepare Bell Sauce in advance. It tastes even better after sitting for a few hours in the fridge, as the flavors blend seamlessly.
- Pairing Suggestions: Bell Sauce goes perfectly with egg rolls, fried shrimp, dumplings, chicken wings, or even as a drizzle over stir-fried noodles and rice dishes.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. If necessary, reheat gently over the stovetop or microwave before serving.
What to serve with
Bell Sauce Dipping Sauce is all about versatility—it’s tangy, sweet, and just the right amount of spicy, making it a perfect pairing for a wide variety of dishes.
- Egg Rolls: The sweetness and tanginess of Bell Sauce complement the crunchy texture and savory filling of egg rolls perfectly.
- Spring Rolls: For fresh, lighter options like Vietnamese-style rice paper rolls filled with shrimp, vegetables, and noodles, Bell Sauce adds a burst of vibrant flavor to every bite.
- Chicken Wings: Toss seasoned or crispy fried chicken wings with Bell Sauce, or serve it as a dipping option for ultimate snacking satisfaction.
- Fried Shrimp or Seafood: Bell Sauce works wonderfully with battered and fried shrimp, calamari, or even fish sticks. Its tangy profile offsets the richness of the seafood.
- Dumplings or Potstickers: Whether you prefer steamed dumplings or crispy potstickers, Bell Sauce pairs beautifully with their savory meat or vegetable fillings.
- French Fries & Onion Rings: Skip the ketchup and serve Bell Sauce with fries and onion rings for a unique twist on this classic pairing.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating a delicious Bell Sauce Dipping Sauce is all about balancing flavors: sweetness, tanginess, and a hint of spice.
1. Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are a foundational ingredient in the sauce, contributing sweetness and a rich texture.
Substitute Options:
- Roasted Red Peppers: These can be a perfect match as they offer a similar sweetness and smooth texture.
- Pimentos: Milder in flavor but still sweet, these small peppers can offer an excellent swap.
- Sweet Mini Peppers: A mix of these colorful peppers can enhance both the flavor and visual appeal.
2. Vinegar
Vinegar provides the essential tangy element in Bell Sauce.
Substitute Options:
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Offers a fruity tang that can enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Rice Vinegar: Slightly sweet and less acidic, it’s a great alternative for a milder touch.
- White Wine Vinegar: Provides a balanced acidity similar to cider vinegar.
- Lemon or Lime Juice: For a fresh and vibrant alternative, use citrus juice, but reduce the quantity slightly to prevent overpowering the sauce.
3. Sugar
Sugar balances the tanginess, giving the sauce its characteristic sweetness.
Substitute Options:
- Honey: Offers a natural sweetness and adds depth, though it’s slightly more viscous.
- Maple Syrup: Provides a distinct flavor depth and can be great for a unique twist.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a molasses-like richness and can slightly alter the color, providing a deeper flavor.
- Agave Nectar: A mild, neutral-flavored sweetener that dissolves easily.
4. Garlic
Fresh garlic adds an aromatic punch to the sauce.
Substitute Options:
- Garlic Powder: Use about 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove to maintain a consistent garlic flavor.
- Shallots: For a milder garlic-onion mix, minced shallots can serve.
- Garlic Salt: Reduce the amount of extra salt by replacing some with garlic salt for a more straightforward swap in dry form.
5. Onion
Onions provide a savory depth and a slight sweetness when cooked.
Substitute Options:
- Shallots: Offer a milder, sweeter flavor similar to onions.
- Scallions/Green Onions: Chop only the white and light green parts for a more delicate flavour.
- Leeks: The white and light green parts can be used for a milder sweetness.
- Onion Powder: About 1 teaspoon can replace one small onion in recipes with less critical textures.
6. Soy Sauce
Soy sauce contributes to umami and a touch of saltiness.
Substitute Options:
- Tamari: A gluten-free alternative that offers a similar umami flavor.
- Coconut Aminos: Lower in sodium and slightly sweeter, this is a good soy-free substitute.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds complexity, but use sparingly due to its distinctive flavor.
- Fish Sauce: For an umami lift, though it’s saltier and should be used in lesser amounts.
7. Chili Peppers / Hot Sauce
Chili peppers or hot sauce add the heat to your dipping sauce.
Substitute Options:
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Use in moderation to control heat levels.
- Cayenne Pepper: Provides a concentrated heat, typically 1/4 teaspoon at a time.
- Sriracha: A balanced hot sauce alternative with a blend of chili, garlic, and a hint of sweetness.
- Smoked Paprika: For a smoky-hot touch, add slowly to match flavor.
8. Cornstarch
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent for the sauce.
Substitute Options:
- Arrowroot Powder: Works similarly to cornstarch and is a good substitute.
- All-Purpose Flour: Typically use 2x the quantity of cornstarch for a thicker sauce.
- Rice Flour: A gluten-free option that thickens well, though you might need slightly more.
9. Tomato Paste
Tomato paste can add an extra depth of flavor and richness.
Substitute Options:
- Tomato Sauce: Thinner than paste, so reduce it to achieve similar thickness and intensity.
- Ketchup: Adds some sweetness and tanginess, though adjust the recipe’s sugar content accordingly.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Rehydrated and puréed can offer an intensified tomato flavor.
Final Thoughts
No matter the dish, Bell Sauce Dipping Sauce will always be a crowd favorite that enhances the experience.
More Sauce Recipes:
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup ketchup or tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup water
Sweeteners:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
Tangy & Spicy Kick:
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
Seasoning & Aromatics:
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the Base Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl or saucepan, combine the ketchup/tomato sauce and water. Mix thoroughly until smooth.
- Sweeten the Sauce: Add the brown sugar and honey, stirring until fully dissolved. Heat gently over medium-low heat to help the flavors meld.
- Add Tangy and Spicy Notes: Stir in the vinegar, soy sauce, and chili flakes or Sriracha. Taste as you go to strike the perfect balance between tanginess and heat.
- Season the Sauce: Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and adjust the flavor with salt and black pepper. Mix well to create a smooth consistency.
- Simmer to Perfection: Bring the sauce to a low simmer on the stovetop for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This step allows the flavors to deepen and blend beautifully.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the sauce to cool. Transfer it to a small bowl for dipping, or store it in an airtight jar for future use.
