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    Home » Recipes » Salsa

    Spicy Tomatillo Salsa

    Published on August 15, 2017 - Updated on January 13, 2023 by Chef Rodney - 3 Comments - This post may contain affiliate links.

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    spicy tomatillo salsa
    This Spicy Tomatillo Salsa is the perfect companion for tortilla Chips. A nice variation of the classic tomato based salsa.
     
    Spicy Tomatillo Salsa

    Now, who doesn't like a good salsa? Especially a delicious Spicy Tomatillo Salsa. This is by far one of my all-time favorite salsa recipes. You have to try this one for sure.

    From mild to Hot. From Chunky to Smooth. We all have our favorite kind of salsa. As you can imagine, most salsas are tomato based. That's all fine and dandy but I wanted to try something a little different.

    veggies in a skillet
    Veggies in a Skillet

    A few years back I made a Guy Fieri Flautas Recipe that called for tomatillo salsa. It was awesome! I experimented with his recipe and method and this was the end result.

    Spicy Tomatillo Salsa

    The original version of Guy's recipe called for canned tomatillos. While that would be the quickest and easiest way to make this tomatillo salsa, you can use fresh tomatillos if you want. Simply place the tomatillos on a baking sheet and broil until the tomatillos are charred, about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

    fresh tomatillos
    Fresh Tomatillos

    Like many of the recipes on this food blog, I often wonder where they came from. I mean who "invented" salsa? Like I always do, I visit the fountain of knowledge. Here's an article on Wiki about the Origins of Salsa.

    🌶 How to Handle Hot Peppers

    The capsaicin in hot peppers is what makes peppers hot. If you handle hot peppers gloveless, it’s a guarantee that you’re in for a nasty case of chili burn, both on your fingers and anywhere you rub. Like your face. Ouch!

    Even if you wear disposable gloves, be careful about what you touch. The gloves are going to protect your fingers, but touching any part of your body with the gloves after you’ve handled hot peppers can lead to severe chili burn. Resist the temptation to rub your eyes. Wait until you’ve removed your gloves and washed your hands thoroughly with soap.

    fresh jalapeños
    Fresh Jalapeños

    🌡️ How Hot are the Peppers

    The Scoville Scale is the measurement that tells you the spiciness of a given type of pepper.

    Pepper TypeScoville Rating (Heat)
    Bell Pepper0-0
    Banana Pepper0-500
    Poblano Pepper1000-1500
    Jalapeño Pepper2500-8000
    Serrano Peppers10,000-25,000
    Manzano Pepper12,000-30,000
    Tabasco & Cayenne30,000-50,000
    Habanero Pepper100,000-300,000
    Ghost Pepper855,000-1,000,000
    Carolina Reaper1,500,000-2,300,000

    🍅 How long does Salsa last

    While several factors come into play, homemade salsa will last 4 to 6 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also freeze salsa in an airtight container or bag for up to 4 months.

    For another awesome Guy Fieri recipe, check out Guy's Donkey Sauce for Burgers. One of my favorite burger toppings. If you love spicy salsa, you might want to check out my classic Spicy Salsa recipe. Yummy!

    For more great recipes with Tomatillos, I suggest you check these recipes out:

    • Copycat Taco Bell Green Sauce
    • Copycat Chipotle Spicy Salsa
    • Instant Pot Chili Verde
    • Jalapeño Tomatillo Salsa

    📋 What Ingredients do I need

    You will need the following ingredients to make this Spicy Tomatillo Salsa recipe (see recipe card for quantities): Tomatillos, Jalapeño, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Cilantro, Salt & Pepper, Red Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Green Onions, Cayenne Pepper and Olive Oil.

    🥣 How to Make Spicy Tomatillo Salsa

    Drain and chop tomatillos. Set aside.
    In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the tomatillos, jalapeños, onion and red bell pepper in the pan and cook until the mixture softens and becomes fragrant - Approximately 7 to 10 minutes.
    Place the tomatillos mixture in a food processor (or you can use a blending stick). Add the garlic and process until you reach the desired consistency.
    Stir in the chopped cilantro, green onions, and cayenne. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

    Spicy Tomatillo Salsa

    Spicy Tomatillo Salsa

    This Spicy Tomatillo Salsa is the perfect companion for tortilla Chips. A nice variation of the classic tomato based salsa.
    4.25 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Total Time 20 mins
    Course Salsa
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 8
    Calories 60 kcal

    Equipment

    • Food Processor
    • Immersion Blender

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
    • 28 oz Tomatillos, drained and chopped
    • 1 Fresh Jalapeño, chopped
    • ½ Cup Red Onion, chopped
    • 1 Cup Red Bell Pepper, chopped
    • 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
    • ¼ Cup Fresh Cilantro, chopped
    • ⅓ Cup Green Onions, chopped
    • ½ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
    • Salt and Pepper, to taste
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Drain and chop tomatillos. Set aside.
    • In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the tomatillos, jalapeños, onion and red bell pepper in the pan and cook until the mixture softens and becomes fragrant - Approximately 7 to 10 minutes.
    • Place the tomatillos mixture in a food processor (or you can use a blending stick). Add the garlic and process until you reach the desired consistency.
    • Stir in the chopped cilantro, green onions and cayenne. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

    Notes

    → I recommend wearing disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers. Avoid touching your face.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 60kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 1gFat: 2gSodium: 3mgPotassium: 331mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 835IUVitamin C: 39.4mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 0.8mg

    Nutritional information provided for this recipe is based on 1 serving. This information is an estimate and may vary based on several factors. If nutritional information is important to you and your diet, please verify this recipe with a Registered Dietitian.

    Tried this Recipe?Leave a Comment below and share a picture on Instagram and tag @hot_rods_recipes and hashtag #hotrodsrecipes!

    More Salsa Recipes

    • Copycat Chipotle Sweet Corn Salsa
    • Simple Avocado Salsa
    • Delicious Texas Salsa
    • Spicy Green Olive Cilantro Salsa
    hot rods recipes

    Reader Interactions

    3 Comments

    1. Franklin

      September 27, 2021 at 10:35 am

      Spicy green olives salsa is excellent. Thanks

      Reply
    2. Teresa Shoffner

      October 19, 2021 at 4:47 am

      My fiancé loved the salsa but can it be canned in a canner? I would love to make it in batches so all he has to do is open a jar right up. Please let me know how long and whether it should be pressure canned or the boiling method.

      Reply
      • Chef Rodney

        October 19, 2021 at 4:56 pm

        I have gifted this salsa in the past. I used small mason jars and used the boiling method to seal the jars.

        Reply

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