Description
Salsa Roja is a smoky, bold, and authentic Mexican salsa made with fire-charred tomatoes, chiles, onion, lime, and cilantro. This rustic, homemade salsa delivers vibrant flavor and just the right amount of heat, perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or scooping with warm tortilla chips.
Ingredients
6 ripe medium tomatoes, stems removed
2–4 jalapeño or serrano chiles (adjust to taste)
½ medium onion, diced
⅓ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (8 g)
1 tbsp lime juice (15 ml), or to taste
Salt, to taste
Instructions
Heat a dry skillet over high heat. Char whole tomatoes and chiles until blackened, turning occasionally (6 minutes for chiles, 10–15 minutes for tomatoes).
Let chiles cool slightly. Remove stems and seeds, then dice finely.
Blend charred tomatoes briefly until chunky.
Pour tomato mixture into a bowl. Stir in diced chiles, onion, and cilantro.
Add lime juice and salt to taste. Adjust seasoning as desired.
Chill for 1 hour before serving to allow flavours to develop.
Notes
Serrano chiles bring more authentic heat; jalapeños are milder.
For thicker salsa, strain tomatoes slightly before blending.
For smoother texture, blend all ingredients together.
Make ahead—the flavor improves after resting in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Condiment / Dip
- Method: Charred / Blended
- Cuisine: Mexican