Sep 07 2026

Salsa Recipe

Time35m
Serves6

Make Salsa Recipe in just 35m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Fresh Salsa

Method

Fresh Salsa

  1. 1

    Prepare tomatoes

    If using firm slicing tomatoes, core and finely dice them to yield about 4 cups. If tomatoes are very juicy, drain for 5–10 minutes in a fine sieve to avoid a watery salsa.

  2. 2

    Chop aromatics

    Finely mince the red onion (or thinly slice for a milder bite). Finely mince the jalapeño, keeping seeds if you want more heat. Chop the cilantro leaves and tender stems.

  3. 3

    Combine

    In a medium mixing bowl, add the diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.

  4. 4

    Season and finish

    Add the lime juice, sea salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Stir gently to combine. Drizzle the optional teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil and fold through. Taste and adjust salt or lime as needed.

  5. 5

    Rest and serve

    Let the salsa sit at room temperature for 15–30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve with tortilla chips, tacos, or as desired. Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Optional roasted version

  1. 6

    Roast tomatoes and garlic

    Preheat oven broiler or 450°F (230°C). Halve the roma tomatoes, place cut-side up on a rimmed baking sheet, brush lightly with the listed olive oil, and scatter the whole garlic cloves. Roast or broil 8–12 minutes until tomatoes are blistered and slightly charred and garlic is soft. Remove and cool slightly.

  2. 7

    Peel and chop (if desired)

    If preferred, slip skins off the roasted tomatoes once cool enough to handle. Roughly chop roasted tomatoes and squeeze roasted garlic out of skins into the mixture.

  3. 8

    Finish roasted salsa

    Proceed with the Fresh Salsa steps: combine the chopped roasted tomatoes and garlic with the chopped onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Let rest 15–30 minutes before serving to let smoky flavors develop.

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