Salsa Roja (Fiery) recipe served on a plate, by Pekin the Chef
Aug 04 2026
RestaurantsEl Pollo LocoSalsa Roja (fiery) Recipe

Salsa Roja (fiery) Recipe

Inspired by El Pollo Loco
Time40m
Serves4

Make Salsa Roja (fiery) Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables

Seasoning

Method

Preparation

  1. 1

    Roast the Vegetables

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the Roma tomatoes, jalapeños (whole), and garlic cloves (unpeeled) on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes or until the tomatoes are blistered and slightly charred.

  2. 2

    Chop the Onion and Cilantro

    While the vegetables are roasting, finely chop the red onion and cilantro leaves. Set aside.

Blending

  1. 3

    Blend the Roasted Ingredients

    Once the vegetables are done roasting, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Peel the garlic cloves and add them, along with the tomatoes and jalapeños, to a blender.

  2. 4

    Add Seasonings

    Add the chopped red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, ground cumin, and black pepper to the blender. Blend until smooth but still slightly chunky, adjusting the consistency with a little water if necessary.

Finishing

  1. 5

    Taste and Adjust

    Taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or lime juice to taste.

  2. 6

    Serve

    Transfer the salsa to a serving bowl and enjoy with tortilla chips or as a condiment for your favorite dishes.

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