Tangy Restaurant Style Salsa Recipe at Home (Print Version)

Whip up this vibrant Restaurant Style Salsa Recipe at home! Tangy, fresh, and packed with flavor, it's perfect for any occasion. Skip the store-bought!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mexican
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 6-8 medium Roma Tomatoes
02 - 1 small White Onion, quartered
03 - 1-2 Jalapeños (adjust to heat preference)
04 - 3-4 Garlic Cloves

→ Flavor Boosters

05 - 1/2 cup fresh Cilantro, packed
06 - 1-2 tablespoons fresh Lime Juice

→ Essential Seasonings

07 - 1/2 teaspoon Cumin
08 - 1/2 teaspoon Sugar (or to taste)
09 - 1 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)

→ Optional Extras

10 - Pinch of dried Oregano
11 - 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
12 - 1/2 Chipotle Pepper in adobo sauce (for extra smoky heat)

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your broiler to high. Place the whole Roma tomatoes, quartered white onion, and jalapeño(s) on a baking sheet. Broil for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway, until the skins are blackened and blistered. This is where the magic starts, giving your Restaurant Style Salsa Recipe that incredible smoky depth. Watch them closely, though! This is where my smoke detector usually gets a workout, don't let them turn to charcoal like I've done. You're looking for char, not ash, hon.
02 - Once charred, carefully remove the baking sheet. Transfer the jalapeño to a small bowl and cover it with plastic wrap for 5-10 minutes; this steams the skin, making it easier to peel. Honestly, I always forget this step and end up struggling with the jalapeño skin. For the tomatoes, let them cool on the sheet for a bit. You don't have to peel the tomatoes, but I find it gives a smoother texture to the finished Restaurant Style Salsa Recipe if you do.
03 - Once cool enough to handle, peel the jalapeño. You can remove the seeds and membranes if you prefer less heat – I usually just take out most of the seeds. Add the charred tomatoes, onion, peeled jalapeño, and fresh garlic cloves to your blender or food processor. Pulse a few times until everything is roughly chopped. Don't go for a totally smooth puree; a little texture is what makes this Restaurant Style Salsa Recipe feel homemade and rustic.
04 - Now, add the fresh cilantro, lime juice, cumin, and sugar to the blender. Pulse again, just until the cilantro is incorporated and the mixture reaches your desired consistency. I love seeing those little flecks of green! This step really brings out the vibrant colors and aromas, making your kitchen smell absolutely amazing, like a proper taqueria. Trust me, you'll start salivating right about now.
05 - Pour the salsa into a bowl. Now for the crucial part: seasoning! Start with a teaspoon of salt, stir well, and then taste. This is where you become the chef and adjust to your liking. Does it need a little more tang? Add more lime. A bit more depth? Another tiny pinch of cumin. I've messed this up by not tasting enough, only to realize later it was bland. Don't be like past-me. Keep tasting and adjusting for the best Restaurant Style Salsa Recipe.
06 - Cover the bowl and refrigerate your Restaurant Style Salsa Recipe for at least 30 minutes, or even better, a few hours. This chilling time allows all those incredible flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a much more cohesive and delicious salsa. Honestly, it makes a huge difference. I know it's hard to wait, but it's worth it for that truly restaurant-quality taste. When it's ready, it should look vibrant, smell fresh, and taste absolutely incredible.

# Notes:

01 - Always char your veggies under the broiler for that essential smoky depth – it's a game-changer.
02 - This salsa is best made a few hours ahead; chilling lets the flavors truly meld and deepen.
03 - If you're out of fresh jalapeños, a tiny bit of canned chipotle in adobo sauce can add a smoky kick, but use sparingly!
04 - Serve with warm, crispy tortilla chips or spoon generously over your morning eggs for a zesty start.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Baking sheet
02 - Blender or Food Processor
03 - Airtight container

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 30
Total Fat: 0g
Total Carbohydrate: 6g
Protein: 1g

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