Homemade Mexican Salsa Roja
A simple and flavorful Mexican red sauce perfect for drenching tacos, burritos, and more.
This easy salsa roja recipe is a flavorful Mexican red table sauce perfect for topping tortillas, tacos, and burritos. Made with fresh tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, onion, garlic, and lime juice, it is both a versatile salsa and sauce.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 20
Full Ingredient List
- 2 pounds tomatoes, chopped
- 1 small white onion, chopped
- 2 jalapeno peppers, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Juice from half a lime
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin (optional)
- Salt to taste
Salsa Roja Base
Tools and Equipment
Ingredients
| Quantity | Name | Preparation Notes | Substitutions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 pounds | Tomatoes | chopped | |
| 1 small | White onion | chopped | |
| 2 | Jalapeno peppers | chopped | Serrano peppers for more heat |
| 2 cloves | Garlic | chopped | |
| 1/4 cup | Cilantro | chopped | |
| Juice from half a lime | Lime juice | ||
| 2 tablespoons | Olive oil | ||
| 1/4 teaspoon | Cumin | optional, not traditional | |
| to taste | Salt |
Instructions
- Step 1: Add tomatoes, onion, peppers, garlic, cilantro, and lime juice to a food processor; blend until smooth. (Tips: Adjust the blending time based on your preferred texture.)
- Step 2: Heat a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil, and quickly sear the salsa mixture. (Tips: Ensure the oil is hot before adding the salsa for better flavor.)
- Step 3: Add cumin and salt to taste, bringing the mixture to a quick boil before reducing heat to a simmer. (Tips: Let simmer for 15-20 minutes.)
- Step 4: Remove from heat, adjust salt if necessary, stir, and cool. (Tips: Refrigerate the salsa until ready to serve.)
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 23
- Protein:
- Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber:
- Sugar: 1g
Additional Information
Notes: Serve in squeeze bottles to mimic the experience of Mexican restaurants.
Background: Salsa Roja is a staple in Mexican cuisine, often served in restaurants as a dipping sauce or poured over various dishes. This fresh and versatile sauce allows each chef to customize with differing ingredient proportions.
Geographic Region: Mexico
Seasonality: Year-round
Occasion: Taco night, parties, everyday meals
Recommended Pairings
- Tortilla chips
- Carne asada
- Huevos rancheros