Veracruz Sauce Recipe for Fish, Chicken, or Pork Tenderloin
Sauce Veracruz brings bold, bright flavor to the table with just a few simple ingredients. It’s a classic Mexican sauce known for its zesty mix of tomatoes, onions, garlic, olives, capers, and a hint of chili heat. This sauce doesn’t hold back—it’s tangy, savory, and just a little briny, thanks to the olives and capers.
You usually find it served over fish, especially red snapper, but it works great with chicken, shrimp, or even roasted veggies. It’s one of those sauces that looks fancy but comes together quickly in one pan. You can make it ahead too, and the flavor only gets better as it sits.
What makes Sauce Veracruz special is its mix of Spanish and Mexican influences. It’s coastal, vibrant, and full of character. Think of it as the perfect balance of fresh and punchy.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make it from scratch—no jars, no shortcuts, just real ingredients and big flavor. Whether you’re dressing up a weeknight dinner or serving guests, this sauce adds a touch of something special. Grab your pan and a few pantry staples, and let’s make Sauce Veracruz!
Sauce Veracruz Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 onions white or yellow, peeled and dice
- 6 cloves garlic peeled and minced
- 30 ounces diced tomatoes
- 2 jalapeno peppers cut in half, seeds and ribs removed, then minced finely
- 1 lime zest removed and minced finely - reserve lemon
- 24 green olives like Castelvetrano or manzanillas, pitted and finely chopped
- 2 tablespoon capers rinsed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 sprigs fresh oregano leaves removed and reserved and stems discarded
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 cup white wine if you don't cook with wine, substitute water
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a medium sized saucepan over medium heat. When hot, add the olive oil and then add the onion. Saute until the onions begin to soften and become translucent, about 10 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute or two.
- Add the tomatoes (with juice), stir, lower heat and simmer for 7 - 10 minutes.
- Add the jalapeno peppers, lime zest, olives, capers, cinnamon, bay leaves, oregano, parsley and wine (water). Stir to combine all the ingredients and simmer for 15 - 20 minutes until the sauce has cooked down to the consistency you like.
- Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper.
- Before serving, be sure to remove the bay leaves so there are no surprises.
Meals Veracruz Sauce Pairs Well With
| Dish | Description | Why It Works with Veracruz Sauce | Wine Pairing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Snapper (Huachinango a la Veracruzana) | Whole or fillet of red snapper simmered in Veracruz sauce. | The mild, flaky fish absorbs the tangy, savory flavors beautifully. | Albariño or Sauvignon Blanc |
| Grilled Shrimp | Shrimp grilled with light seasoning and topped with warm Veracruz sauce. | The briny shrimp enhances the sauce’s olive and caper notes. | Vermentino or Pinot Grigio |
| Chicken Breast | Pan-seared or grilled chicken breast served with Veracruz sauce. | Chicken acts as a neutral canvas for the bold tomato and herb flavors. | Chardonnay (unoaked) or Rosé |
| Grilled Tofu | Firm tofu grilled or pan-fried and topped with Veracruz sauce. | Tofu soaks up the sauce’s tangy, garlicky flavor while keeping it light and vegetarian. | Chenin Blanc or Dry Riesling |
| Roasted Eggplant | Sliced and roasted eggplant topped with warm Veracruz sauce. | The soft, smoky eggplant contrasts nicely with the bright acidity of the sauce. | Garnacha Blanca or Côtes du Rhône Blanc |
| Grilled Swordfish | Meaty swordfish steak served with Veracruz sauce. | The dense texture and mild flavor stand up to the sauce’s bold elements. | Chablis or Dry Rosé |
Veracruz-Style Cuisine
Veracruz-style cuisine refers to the culinary traditions of the Mexican state of Veracruz, situated along the Gulf of Mexico. Veracruz is renowned for its diverse and flavorful cuisine, which is a blend of Spanish, indigenous, and African culinary influences. Some key features of Veracruz-style cuisine include:
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Seafood | Veracruz is known for seafood dishes featuring fish, shrimp, crab, and various shellfish. |
| Sauces and Flavors | Common ingredients include tomatoes, onions, garlic, olives, capers, and herbs, creating savory and slightly tangy sauces. |
| Herbs and Spices | Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, and epazote are used alongside spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cumin. |
| Fruits | Tropical fruits such as plantains, pineapples, and oranges add sweet and tangy notes to dishes. |
| Rice and Beans | Common side dishes that accompany many Veracruz-style meals. |
| Tamales | Unique tamales filled with seafood, chicken, or pork, often wrapped in banana leaves. |
| Coffee | Veracruz produces some of Mexico’s best coffee, a staple of the region’s culinary culture. |
| Mojo de Ajo | A garlic-infused sauce frequently used to enhance seafood dishes. |
This sauce is based on Veracruz-style cuisine, incorporating seafood, tropical fruits, and a blend of Spanish, indigenous, and African influences. A sauce Veracruz might include ingredients commonly found in the region, such as tomatoes, olives, capers, onions, and various herbs and spices.
This combination of flavors is reminiscent of the Veracruz-style fish, a popular dish that typically features fish topped with a sauce made from these ingredients.
One iconic dish from Veracruz is “Pescado a la Veracruzana,” which is fish Veracruz-style. It typically involves fish fillets topped with a tomato, onion, olive, and caper sauce.
Veracruz-style cuisine reflects the region’s cultural diversity and the availability of fresh ingredients from both the sea and the land. It’s important to note that culinary traditions can evolve, so there may be variations in recipes and techniques within Veracruzano cuisine.
A Little Bit on Veracruz
Veracruz is a state located in the eastern part of Mexico, along the Gulf of Mexico. It is one of the country’s 32 federal entities and is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant traditions. Here are some key aspects of Veracruz:
Veracruz plays a significant role in Mexico’s history and contemporary culture, offering a blend of traditions, natural beauty, and economic activities. Its strategic location along the Gulf of Mexico has contributed to its importance in trade and commerce throughout the centuries.
