If you think salsa verde tastes too tart or too bland, you probably just have not had the right one yet. A good homemade salsa verde should be bright, flavorful, and have just the right amount of heat. Once you make it fresh, it is hard to go back to anything from a jar.
In this video, I walk through how to make a simple salsa verde that is packed with flavor and is incredibly easy to prepare. The key is roasting and broiling the vegetables before blending them. That extra step brings out a deeper flavor that makes this salsa perfect for tacos, chips, grilled meats, and just about anything else on the table.
Let’s break down how to make it.
What Is Salsa Verde?
Salsa verde is a classic Mexican green salsa made primarily with tomatillos and peppers. Tomatillos look similar to small green tomatoes but they have a slightly tangy flavor that gives salsa verde its signature taste.
Unlike many red salsas, salsa verde often has a brighter flavor profile. When the vegetables are charred or roasted first, the salsa develops a deeper smoky flavor that takes it to another level.
This recipe uses serrano peppers for heat, fresh cilantro for brightness, and a few simple ingredients that bring everything together.
Ingredients for Homemade Salsa Verde
You only need a handful of ingredients to make this authentic salsa verde recipe.
- 8 to 10 tomatillos (husks removed and rinsed)
- 4 to 5 serrano peppers
- 1/4 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 tbsp chicken bouillon powder (I use the Knorr brand)
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
The beauty of homemade salsa is that you can adjust the heat. Serrano peppers pack a punch, so if you prefer a milder salsa you can remove some of the seeds or use fewer peppers.
Step 1: Char the Vegetables
Start by heating a pan with a little oil.
Add the tomatillos, onion, garlic, and serrano peppers. Let them cook until they begin to char slightly. This step adds flavor and helps soften the vegetables before blending.
You do not need to cook them all the way through in the pan. Just get some color on them. And whatever you do, DO NOT remove the stems from the tomatillos. This will cause them to burst open and burn in the pan.
Step 2: Broil for Extra Flavor
After charring the vegetables, transfer them to a baking sheet and place them under the broiler.
Let them broil for about 3 to 4 minutes. This gives them a deeper roasted flavor and enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatillos and onions. I personally like to char mine in the broiler a little longer than necessary. Honestly, I char them until I get a nervous. I freak out and think that I burned them but trust me, the char gives the salsa so much depth of flavor.
Keep an eye on them because they can quickly go from roasted to burnt in the blink of an eye under the broiler.
Step 3: Blend the Salsa Verde
Once the vegetables are roasted, add everything to a blender.
Include the juices from the pan along with:
- Fresh cilantro
- Lemon juice
- Oregano
- Chicken bouillon
Blend until smooth. The salsa should have a vibrant green color and a slightly thick consistency.
Give it a taste before adding anything else. Because of the bouillon, it often already has enough salt and seasoning.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Pour the salsa into a glass container or bowl and it is ready to serve.
This salsa verde is perfect for:
- Tortilla chips
- Tacos
- Breakfast eggs
- Grilled chicken or steak
- Burritos and quesadillas
- S’mores
- Coffee
- Cheesecake
The flavor is bright, fresh, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting. Just kidding about the S’mores, coffee, and cheesecake… please don’t do that.
Why Homemade Salsa Verde Is Worth It
Once you make salsa verde at home, it is hard to go back to store bought versions. Fresh ingredients, roasted vegetables, and the ability to control the spice level make a huge difference.
Plus, it only takes about 15 minutes from start to finish.
If you want to see the full process step by step, check out the video above where I walk through the entire recipe and show you exactly how I make it.
Make a batch, grab some chips, and enjoy. Buen provecho!