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El Chicos Salsa Copycat Recipe

El Chicos Salsa Recipe

El chicos salsa recipe is a popular Mexican-style salsa made with fresh tomatoes, chili peppers, onion, garlic, and cilantro. It is perfect for adding a spicy kick to tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more. 
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Author: Lori Walker, MS, RD
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 18kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1/2 tablespoon freshly picked cilantro leaves finely minced for a burst of herbal freshness
  • 1 cup vine-ripened tomatoes either fresh heirloom or fire-roasted canned variety
  • 1/4 cup sweet Vidalia onion finely chopped for a mild yet distinct flavor
  • 1 tablespoon fire-roasted green chilies chopped, adding a smoky and spicy kick
  • 1/4 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt imparting a delicate mineral flavor
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground Tellicherry black pepper offering bold, aromatic notes
  • 1/4 teaspoon organic cane sugar for a touch of natural sweetness and balance
  • 1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar adding tang and depth to the salsa

Instructions

Prepare the Tomatoes:

  • If using fresh tomatoes, wash them thoroughly and dice them into small pieces. If using fire-roasted canned tomatoes, drain any excess liquid and roughly chop them.

Combine Ingredients:

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes with the finely chopped sweet Vidalia onion, minced cilantro leaves, chopped fire-roasted green chilies, Himalayan pink salt, freshly ground Tellicherry black pepper, organic cane sugar, and high-quality apple cider vinegar.

Mix Thoroughly:

  • Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure they are evenly mixed. Be careful not to crush the tomatoes too much; you want the salsa to have a chunky texture.

Adjust Seasoning (Optional):

  • Taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You can add more salt, pepper, sugar, or vinegar to achieve the desired flavor balance.

Chill (Optional):

  • For the best flavor, refrigerate the salsa for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the taste.

Serve:

  • Once chilled (if desired), your El Chicos Salsa is ready to serve! It can be enjoyed with tortilla chips, as a topping for tacos, grilled meats, or any other dish where a flavorful salsa would be a delicious addition.

Storage:

  • Any leftover salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. Make sure to consume it within a reasonable time for optimal taste.

Notes

• To make a milder salsa, remove the seeds and veins from the jalapeno pepper before adding it to the salsa.
• Feel free to add more or less of the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper according to your taste.
• You can also add diced avocado for a creamy texture.
• To make a spicier salsa, add additional jalapeno peppers or other types of chili peppers.
• For a smokier flavor, you can add some smoked paprika.
• For a more acidic flavor, you can add some additional lime juice.

Video

Keyword: El Chicos Salsa Recipe