Guajillo Chile Salsa(The Real Thing - Medium Hot)
A vibrant, medium-hot guajillo chile salsa with smoky, tangy flavors, perfect for enhancing tacos, grilled meats, or as a bold dip for any Mexican-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pan roast the tomato until blistered, blackened, and soft.
- Pan roast the garlic until brown and soft, then peel.
- Remove stems and seeds from the guajillo or New Mexico chiles, then toast them lightly.
- Place the roasted tomato, garlic, toasted chiles, apple cider vinegar, toasted oregano, toasted and ground cumin, salt, orange zest, and water into a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Stir in the finely chopped onion and lemon pepper.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smokier flavor, consider adding a chipotle pepper or smoked paprika. If you can't find guajillo chiles, New Mexico red chiles work well as a substitute. Adjust the heat level by using fewer chiles for a milder salsa. For a fresher taste, you can also add a handful of cilantro before blending.
Serving Suggestions
This salsa is perfect for dipping with Tortillas(Makes 12 Shells) or as a topping for tacos, grilled meats, and roasted vegetables. It also pairs beautifully with Spicy Beans & Rice for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or as a condiment for any Mexican recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. The flavors may deepen after a day in the fridge, making it even more delicious.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Guajillo Chile Salsa(The Real Thing - Medium Hot) contains roughly 471 calories, with 16g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (165% of the Daily Value), and calcium (142% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 482mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the salsa ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this salsa a day in advance. The flavors will meld beautifully in the fridge, enhancing the overall taste. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container. Stir well before serving to redistribute the ingredients.
How can I adjust the heat of the salsa?
If you prefer a milder salsa, use fewer guajillo chiles or remove the seeds before toasting. Conversely, if you like it spicier, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce after blending to achieve your desired heat level.
What can I serve this salsa with?
This salsa is incredibly versatile! Serve it with Tortillas(Makes 12 Shells) for dipping, or use it as a zesty topping for tacos. It also complements grilled chicken, fish, and even as a vibrant addition to salads or bowls for a fresh kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).