Salsa Recipe
Make Salsa Recipe in just 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Salsa Base
Finishing & Serving
Method
Salsa Base
- 1
Prepare vegetables
Wash the tomatoes, jalapeño and cilantro. Peel the outer skin from the red onion and garlic. Halve the tomatoes lengthwise. Slice the red onion into 1/2-inch thick wedges. Leave the garlic cloves whole with the papery skin removed.
- 2
Roast or char the vegetables
Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until very hot (about 3–4 minutes). Add the olive oil and immediately place tomato halves cut-side down, onion wedges, whole garlic, and the jalapeño on the pan. Leave undisturbed 3–5 minutes until tomatoes and onion develop good char and softened edges; turn as needed so most surfaces get blistered and blackened spots form. Total charring time should be about 6–10 minutes depending on heat.
- 3
- 4
Chop or pulse
Roughly chop the charred tomatoes, onion, jalapeño (remove seeds for milder heat if desired) and roasted garlic. For a chunky salsa, finely dice by hand into about 1/4-inch pieces. For a smoother but still textured salsa, pulse 2–3 times in a food processor — do not over-process.
- 5
Season base
Place the chopped/pulsed mixture in a medium bowl. Add 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir to combine and taste; the base should be pleasantly seasoned but not over-salted.
Finishing & Serving
- 6
Add fresh flavors
Add the chopped cilantro and 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice to the bowl with the salsa base. Stir to combine, scraping any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the bowl into the salsa.
- 7
Adjust balance and texture
If the salsa tastes very acidic, sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar and stir. If the salsa is thicker than you like, add up to 2 tablespoons cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and stir until you reach the desired consistency.
- 8
Final seasoning and rest
Taste and add up to an additional 1/4 teaspoon salt if needed. Let the salsa rest in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes (up to 1 hour) to let flavors meld. Stir again before serving.
- 9
Serve
Serve chilled or at cool room temperature as a side with chips, grilled meats, tacos, or as a condiment. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
