Salsa de Chile Árbol is a tangy and spicy salsa verde made with tomatillos and roasted chiles de árbol and garlic. It is a perfect easy and spicy salsa for tacos!
This Mexican salsa is not for the faint of heart! It has a tangy, acidic tomatillo base and the addition of roasted chiles de árbol gives it a spicy, deep smokey flavor that is very different from a typical red or green salsa. Chiles de árbol are know for their heat and this salsa is definitely spicy!
The complex flavor of salsa de chile árbol makes it a perfect easy and spicy salsa for tacos. It’s also great served with meat or a big bowl of chips!
Why You’ll Love Salsa de Chile de Árbol
Hot, Smokey Flavor: Using chile de arbol in this salsa brings a deep heat that pairs excellently with a hearty dish like tamales or carne asada. It’s spicier than most salsa!
Quick and Easy: This salsa calls for simple ingredients that can be find at almost any grocery store and it can be prepared in less than twenty minutes. Adding this salsa to the menu will wow your guests and please your family.
Ingredients for Salsa de Chile Árbol
Tomatillos: Tomatillos provide a sweet and sour base for this salsa. You can find tomatillos at most grocery stores but if they aren’t at your regular spot, try a latin or Mexican market which will definitely stock them.
Chile de Árbol: Native to Mexico, chile de árbol is a small potent pepper that is about 6 times hotter than a jalapeño. They are small, thin and range from about 5-7 centimeters long. Similar to tomatillos, if you can’t find these at your regular store, you will find them at a latin or Mexican market.
Garlic: Garlic has long been associated with health benefits and it’s strong flavor profile adds to the complexity of this salsa. This recipe fries the garlic with the chiles to give it a softer, roasted flavor.
What Benefits Do Chile de Árbol Have?
- Chile de Árbol peppers are a good source of vitamins A and C, which support healthy eyes and skin, and strengthen the immune system.
- They contain capsaicin, a chemical compound that gives the pepper its heat and may have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Capsaicin may also help lower blood pressure.
- Chile de Árbol can help boost your body’s metabolism and increase your calorie-burning capabilities.
How to Make this Easy and Spicy Salsa for Tacos
Step 1: Prepare the Tomatillos
Begin by removing the husks and washing them well with soap and water. I like to even use a sponge when I wash them. Then, place them in a medium saucepan, cover with water and bring to a boil. Simmer the tomatillos for 10-15 minutes or until they change color from bright green to a more muted, yellow green. Strain and place in blender.
Step 2: Prepare the Chiles and Garlic
Heat oil on medium heat in a frying pan and add the chiles de árbol and peeled garlic cloves. Stir frequently until the chiles darken slightly in color and the garlic cloves begin to turn golden. Be carful not the burn the chiles- the color should darken slightly but not turn black.
Step 3: Blend and Enjoy
Place the fried chiles, garlic, tomatillos and salt in a blender. Use the pulse function on the blender to combine the ingredients into a smooth salsa. Taste for salt and pour into a serving dish.
Tips
- Be careful not to burn the chiles. They will turn dark red but if they become black you’ll need to throw them away and start over.
- Avoid over blending the salsa. You want to blend it enough so that there are no large pieces of chile, but not any more than that.
- This salsa is delicious warm! You can serve it right away with your meal or get out the chips and start snacking!
Recipe Modifications and Variations
- If you don’t have tomatillos (or don’t like them) you can also make this salsa with red roma tomatoes. This will change the flavor of the salsa significantly but it will still taste amazing.
- After the salsa is blended, you can also add chopped cilantro or diced avocado. This only makes it even more delicous!
- If you’re garlic adverse, just take it out!
- Looking for a hot sauce recipe? Try this Chile de Árbol Hot Sauce recipe.
What is Your Favorite Salsa for Tacos Recipe?
How spicy do you like your salsa? Let me know your favorite salsa for tacos in the comments below!
More Salsa and Mexican Food Recipes from Cueva’s Kitchen:
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Salsa de Chile Arbol | Easy and Spicy Salsa for Tacos
Ingredients
- 6 tomatillos
- 15 chile de árbol
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the tomatillos by removing the husks and washing them well with soap and water. Then, place them in a medium saucepan, cover with water and bring to a boil. Simmer the tomatillos for 10-15 minutes or until they change color from bright green to a more muted, yellow green. Strain and place in blender.
- Heat oil on medium heat in a frying pan and add the chiles de árbol and peeled garlic cloves. Stir frequently until the chiles darken slightly in color and the garlic cloves begin to turn golden. Be carful not the burn the chiles- the color should darken but not turn black.
- Place the fried chiles, garlic, tomatillos and salt in a blender. Use the pulse function on the blender to combine the ingredients into a smooth salsa. Taste for salt and pour into a serving dish.
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