Pace Picante sauce adds instant Tex-Mex flair to countless dishes. This versatile condiment blends tomatoes, jalapeños, onions, and spices into a zesty flavor profile that enhances everything from tacos to casseroles. Cooking with Pace Picante sauce is simple – just add a few spoonfuls to your favorite recipes for an authentic taste of the Southwest.
Home cooks can tailor the heat level to their preferences by choosing mild, medium, or hot varieties. The sauce works well as a marinade for meats, a simmer sauce for slow cooker meals, or a topping for nachos and burritos. Its tangy kick also livens up ordinary rice and pasta dishes with minimal effort.
Experimenting with Pace Picante sauce opens up new culinary possibilities. Try stirring it into mac and cheese, using it as a base for chili, or mixing it with cream cheese for a quick party dip. The sauce’s bold flavors complement chicken, beef, and seafood equally well, making it a pantry staple for easy weeknight dinners.
The Essentials of Tex-Mex Cooking
Tex-Mex cuisine blends bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Mastering a few key components allows home cooks to create authentic dishes bursting with zesty tastes.
Understanding Picante Sauce
Picante sauce is a cornerstone of Tex-Mex cooking. It’s a vibrant blend of tomatoes, peppers, onions, and spices. The sauce adds depth and heat to dishes.
Pace Picante sauce, originating in Texas, offers convenience without sacrificing flavor. It comes in varying heat levels to suit different preferences.
Cooks can use picante sauce as a condiment, marinade, or cooking ingredient. It works well in dips, casseroles, and slow-cooker recipes.
For a quick flavor boost, add a spoonful to scrambled eggs or rice. Picante sauce also makes an excellent base for homemade salsa or taco seasoning.
Key Ingredients for Flavor
Tex-Mex dishes rely on a core set of ingredients for their distinctive taste. Garlic and onions form the aromatic base of many recipes.
Cumin provides earthy notes, while chili powder adds warmth and color. Fresh cilantro brings a bright, citrusy element to finished dishes.
Olive oil is often used for sautéing vegetables and meats. It adds richness and helps blend flavors.
Common proteins include beef, chicken, and pork. Beans and rice are staple side dishes.
Fresh produce like tomatoes, bell peppers, and jalapeños add texture and heat. Cheese, especially cheddar and Monterey Jack, is a popular topping.
Preparing Your Protein
Pace Picante sauce adds zesty Tex-Mex flavor to various proteins. It works well as a marinade, seasoning, and cooking ingredient for meats like steak, ground beef, and bacon.
Marinating Steak with Picante
For a flavorful Tex-Mex steak, use Pace Picante sauce as a marinade. Mix 1 cup of Picante sauce with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Place the steak in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it.
Cover and refrigerate for 2-4 hours, turning occasionally. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Before cooking, remove the steak from the marinade and pat dry. Grill or pan-sear the steak to desired doneness. The Picante sauce adds a tangy, spicy flavor to the meat.
Cooking Ground Beef for Tex-Mex Dishes
Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat. Add 1/2 cup of Pace Picante sauce per pound of beef to the skillet.
Stir to combine and simmer for 5-10 minutes. This infuses the meat with Tex-Mex flavors.
Use this seasoned ground beef in tacos, burritos, or nachos. It’s also great for Tex-Mex casseroles or as a topping for baked potatoes.
For extra flavor, add diced onions or minced garlic while browning the beef.
Tex-Mex Style Bacon Additions
Enhance bacon with Tex-Mex flair using Pace Picante sauce. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay bacon strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Brush each strip with a thin layer of Picante sauce. Bake for 15-20 minutes until crisp.
This Tex-Mex bacon adds a spicy kick to BLTs, burgers, or breakfast dishes. Crumble it over salads or use it as a topping for Tex-Mex inspired pizzas.
For a sweeter version, mix equal parts Picante sauce and brown sugar before brushing on the bacon.
Vegetables and Accompaniments
Pace Picante sauce pairs wonderfully with fresh vegetables to create authentic Tex-Mex flavors. Sautéed aromatics and bright garnishes elevate dishes with vibrant colors and textures.
Sautéing Onions and Peppers
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and sliced bell peppers. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly charred. Stir in 1/4 cup Pace Picante sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes more.
This mixture forms an excellent base for fajitas, tacos, or quesadillas. The picante sauce infuses the vegetables with zesty flavor. For extra kick, add diced jalapeños.
Incorporating Avocado and Cilantro
Dice ripe avocados and toss with lime juice to prevent browning. Fold gently into dishes just before serving for creamy richness. Chop fresh cilantro leaves and sprinkle over finished plates as a bright garnish.
For a quick guacamole, mash avocados with Pace Picante sauce, cilantro, and lime juice. Serve as a dip or topping. These fresh elements balance the bold flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine and add visual appeal.
Building Your Dish
Crafting delicious Tex-Mex dishes with Pace Picante sauce involves strategic layering and proper sauce application. Mastering these techniques will elevate your meals and bring authentic flavors to your table.
Layering Flavors with Tortillas and Cheese
Start with a base of warm, soft tortillas. Corn tortillas offer a traditional taste, while flour tortillas provide a milder flavor. Layer shredded cheddar cheese on top of the tortillas. The cheese acts as a barrier, preventing the tortillas from becoming soggy.
Add your choice of protein next. Grilled chicken, seasoned ground beef, or black beans work well. Sprinkle another layer of cheese on top of the protein for extra richness.
For added texture, consider including crispy elements like diced onions or bell peppers. These ingredients contribute freshness and crunch to your dish.
Perfecting the Use of Picante Sauce
Pace Picante sauce should be added strategically to maximize flavor without overwhelming the dish. Start by spooning a moderate amount over the cheese and protein layers.
For dishes like enchiladas or burritos, coat the top with Picante sauce before baking. This method allows the sauce to infuse the ingredients as they cook.
When serving, offer extra Picante sauce on the side. This allows diners to adjust the spice level to their preferences. Remember, a little goes a long way – start with small amounts and add more as needed.
For cold dishes like taco salads, mix Picante sauce with sour cream to create a creamy, zesty dressing. This combination balances the heat and adds a tangy element to the meal.
Finishing Touches
Adding final touches to Tex-Mex dishes enhances their visual appeal and flavor profile. The right garnishes and accompaniments can elevate a meal from good to great.
Garnishing with Sour Cream and Cilantro
A dollop of cool sour cream provides a creamy contrast to spicy Pace Picante sauce. It balances heat and adds richness to tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. Fresh cilantro leaves offer a bright, herbal note that complements the savory flavors.
Chopped cilantro can be sprinkled generously over dishes just before serving. Its vibrant green color adds visual interest. Some diners find cilantro’s taste soapy, so it’s best to offer it on the side.
A swirl of sour cream creates an attractive presentation. It can be drizzled in patterns or added in small spoonfuls. Low-fat or non-dairy sour cream alternatives work well for those with dietary restrictions.
Serving Suggestions with Tortilla Chips
Tortilla chips are a classic pairing for Pace Picante sauce. They provide a crunchy vehicle for enjoying the sauce’s flavors and textures. Serve chips alongside main dishes or as an appetizer with Picante sauce for dipping.
Warm chips enhance the dining experience. Heat them in the oven for 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This brings out their corn flavor and makes them extra crispy.
For variety, offer different chip flavors like lime, spicy, or blue corn. Thick, sturdy chips hold up better to hearty Picante sauce. Arrange chips in a basket or bowl for easy sharing at the table.
Consider serving Picante sauce in small bowls for individual dipping. This allows guests to control their portion sizes and spice levels according to personal preferences.
Recipe Ideas and Inspiration
Pace Picante sauce offers a versatile foundation for numerous Tex-Mex dishes. Its blend of tomatoes, peppers, and spices adds instant flavor to many recipes.
For a quick appetizer, mix Pace Picante sauce with cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Heat until melted for an easy queso dip. Serve with tortilla chips or fresh vegetables.
Create a flavorful marinade for chicken or beef by combining Picante sauce with lime juice and garlic. Let the meat soak for 30 minutes before grilling or pan-frying.
Elevate your morning eggs by adding a spoonful of Picante sauce to scrambled eggs or omelets. Top with avocado and cilantro for a Tex-Mex breakfast.
Transform ordinary rice into a zesty side dish. Cook rice as usual, then stir in Picante sauce, corn, and black beans. This pairs well with grilled meats or as a burrito filling.
For a simple yet tasty soup, combine Picante sauce with chicken broth, shredded chicken, and vegetables. Simmer for 20 minutes and top with tortilla strips.
Enhance your meatloaf by mixing Picante sauce into the ground beef before shaping and baking. The sauce adds moisture and a subtle kick of flavor.
These ideas showcase the versatility of Pace Picante sauce in creating quick, flavorful Tex-Mex inspired dishes.