Fiery Tex-Mex Salsa
Elevate your culinary creations with this vibrant Fiery Tex-Mex Salsa. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or as a zesty dip for chips, this homemade sauce showcases the bold flavors of jalapeños, chili powder, and spices that define Tex-Mex cuisine. With a blend of rich tomato paste and tangy vinegar, this sauce packs a punch that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're hosting a party or spicing up your weeknight meals, this recipe will be the star of your table. Enjoy it fresh, and for an extra kick, customize the heat level to your liking!
16
Servings
20
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tomato paste
1 (6 ounce) can (no salt added, if desired)
Water
3 cups (none)
Vinegar
3 tablespoons (none)
Canned jalapeños
3 tablespoons (finely minced and sliced)
Chili powder
1 tablespoon (none)
Dried onion flakes
1 tablespoon (none)
Salt
2 teaspoons (or salt substitute)
Cornstarch
2 teaspoons (none)
Cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
Onion powder
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Garlic powder
1 dash (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the tomato paste with the water, whisking until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
2
Stir in the vinegar, minced jalapeños, chili powder, dried onion flakes, salt, cornstarch, cayenne pepper, sugar, onion powder, and a dash of garlic powder until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer for approximately 3 minutes, stirring often to ensure even heating.
5
Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the hot sauce to cool slightly before tasting. Use caution if necessary, and consider how spicy you prefer your sauce.
6
If the sauce doesn't meet your heat preference, feel free to add more minced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or ground red pepper to your liking.
7
After the sauce has cooled to a manageable temperature, pour it into a sealed container. Refrigerate until you're ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld together for an even tastier experience.
Nutrition Information
0.06g
Fat
4.4g
Carbs
0.5g
Protein
62.5mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fiery Tex-Mex Salsa?
Fiery Tex-Mex Salsa is a vibrant, homemade sauce featuring jalapeños, chili powder, and spices, designed for tacos, burritos, and chips.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients are tomato paste, water, vinegar, canned jalapeños, chili powder, dried onion flakes, salt, cornstarch, cayenne pepper, sugar, onion powder, and garlic powder.
How many servings does this salsa recipe yield?
This recipe yields 16 servings.
Is this salsa considered spicy?
Yes, it is a fiery salsa that uses jalapeños, chili powder, and cayenne pepper to create a significant heat level.
How can I increase the heat of the salsa?
You can customize the heat by adding more minced jalapeños, extra cayenne pepper, or ground red pepper to your liking.
Can I use a salt substitute in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of a salt substitute in place of the 2 teaspoons of salt.
What size of tomato paste is required?
The recipe calls for one 6-ounce can of tomato paste.
How much water is needed to mix with the tomato paste?
You will need 3 cups of water.
What is the purpose of vinegar in this salsa?
Vinegar provides a tangy flavor that defines Tex-Mex cuisine and helps balance the richness of the tomato paste.
Why is cornstarch included in the ingredients?
Cornstarch is used as a thickening agent to give the salsa the right consistency.
How long should the mixture simmer?
The mixture should simmer for approximately 3 minutes after reaching a gentle boil.
Can I use fresh jalapeños instead of canned?
The recipe specifically calls for 3 tablespoons of finely minced and sliced canned jalapeños, but fresh could be used if you adjust for texture and heat.
What are the calories per serving?
Each serving contains 20 calories.
Is there any sugar in this Tex-Mex salsa?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of sugar to balance the spicy and acidic flavors.
What spices are used for onion flavor?
The recipe uses both 1 tablespoon of dried onion flakes and 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe uses a single dash of garlic powder.
How should the salsa be stored?
After cooling, pour the salsa into a sealed container and refrigerate until ready to serve.
What is the benefit of refrigerating the salsa before serving?
Refrigeration allows the various spices and flavors to meld together for a tastier experience.
What is the total fat content per serving?
The fat content is very low, at approximately 0.06g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 4.4g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 0.5g of protein.
How much sodium is in this salsa?
There is 62.5mg of sodium per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes, the ingredients are plant-based, making it suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.
Is the salsa gluten-free?
The ingredients listed, including cornstarch, are generally gluten-free, but always check your specific spice labels.
What type of cooking equipment is needed?
A medium saucepan and a whisk are the primary tools needed for this recipe.
How much chili powder is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of chili powder.
Do I need to blend this salsa?
No, the instructions indicate whisking the paste and water and then stirring in the minced ingredients, so no blender is required.
Is this a cooked or raw salsa?
This is a cooked salsa that is brought to a boil and simmered on a stovetop.
What are the total number of ingredients used?
There are 12 ingredients in total.
Can I use salt-free tomato paste?
Yes, the recipe suggests no-salt-added tomato paste if desired.