Nothing beats the taste of fresh, homemade salsa, especially when it’s made with fiery red jalapeños! This salsa using red jalapeños recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe jalapeños with a smoky undertone, making it a perfect pairing for tortilla chips, tacos, grilled meats, or even eggs.
Red jalapeños bring a unique depth of flavor compared to their green counterparts. Their slightly fruity and robust heat creates an irresistible sauce that’s both vibrant and versatile. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or spicing up a weeknight dinner, this salsa is a crowd-pleaser you’ll make again and again.
Salsa Using Red Jalapeños Recipe
Cuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy6
servings10
minutes15
minutes35
kcalSpice up your meals with this salsa using red jalapeños recipe! Packed with smoky, tangy flavors, this easy sauce elevates any dish in minutes.
Ingredients
6–8 red jalapeños, stemmed and halved
2 medium Roma tomatoes, halved
1 small onion, quartered
3 garlic cloves, peeled
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 lime, juiced
1 handful of fresh cilantro leaves
Salt to taste
Directions
- Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the red jalapeños, tomatoes, onion, and garlic. Roast them in the pan until lightly charred and softened (about 8–10 minutes).
- Transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender or food processor.
- Add cumin, smoked paprika, lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth or leave it slightly chunky, based on your preference.
- Taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning with more salt or lime juice, as needed.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red chili flakes or an additional roasted red jalapeño.
- Pour into a bowl and let the flavors meld for 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy it with your favorite dishes or snacks!
Notes
- Heat Level: Adjust the number of red jalapeños based on your spice tolerance. Removing the seeds and membranes can reduce heat.
- Storage: Store the salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Roasting Tip: A grill or broiler can add more smoky flavor compared to a skillet.
Tips for Perfect Salsa Using Red Jalapeños:
- Use Ripe Jalapeños: Red jalapeños are sweeter and more complex in flavor compared to green ones, so choose bright red, firm peppers.
- Char Well: Roasting the vegetables until slightly charred adds depth to the salsa. Don’t skip this step!
- Experiment with Acidity: Lime juice balances the spice and richness—adjust to your liking.
- Customize Texture: Blend until smooth for a sauce-like consistency or pulse gently for a chunky dip.
- Add Smokiness: Smoked paprika enhances the natural smoky flavor of the roasted vegetables.
Recipe Variants:
- Creamy Red Jalapeño Salsa: Blend in ¼ cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy version.
- Fruit Twist: Add roasted pineapple or mango for a sweet and spicy salsa.
- Tomatillo Blend: Swap tomatoes for roasted tomatillos for a tangier version.
- Extra Smoky: Use chipotle peppers alongside red jalapeños for deeper smokiness.
Accurate Nutrition Information:
- Calories: 35 kcal
- Total Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 1g
FAQ About Salsa using Red Jalapenos:
While green jalapeños work, red jalapeños add sweetness and a fuller flavor. You can use green ones in a pinch but expect a spicier and tangier salsa.
Remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before roasting, and increase the tomatoes for a milder flavor.
Yes, this salsa freezes well! Store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and stir well before serving.
Love this salsa using red jalapeños recipe? Try our Salsa Roja at Home for another flavor-packed dip!
This salsa using red jalapeños recipe is proof that homemade sauces can be bold, fresh, and incredibly easy to make. From its smoky charred flavors to the bright zing of lime, this salsa brings life to any dish. Whether you’re dipping, drizzling, or dolloping, it’s a versatile and flavorful companion for your meals.
With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can elevate your cooking and wow your taste buds. So, grab those red jalapeños and get ready to transform them into a sauce that’s bursting with vibrant flavors. Happy cooking!
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