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A bowl of serrano salsa is shown with limes, chips, cilantro, and a red linen.

Spicy Serrano Salsa with Lime

This serrano salsa recipe has roasted serrano peppers, cilantro, and lime for a tangy, spicy condiment perfect for everything from tacos to breakfast!
5 from 50 votes
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Course: Condiment, Sauce, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: Mexican
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 41kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
  • 10 serrano peppers stem removed
  • 1 white onion small, or ½ large, cut into large pieces
  • 2 cloves garlic skin on
  • 1 cup cilantro fresh, loosely packed
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • ½ cup water
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin
  • kosher salt to taste

Instructions

  • Add some olive oil to a cast iron over medium to medium-high heat. Cook the peppers for about 5 to 10 minutes, until they are starting to blister.
  • Add the onions and garlic cloves to the pan and cook until they start to soften, about another 5 minutes.
  • Remove the peppers, onions, and garlic from the pan. When the garlic has cooled enough to handle, remove the skin.
  • Place the peppers, onion, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, water, cumin, and salt to the base of a mini food processor or blender.
  • Blend until well combined. You want a salsa that is thoroughly blended while maintaining a bit of its texture. Add a bit more water if it is too chunky.
  • Taste for seasoning and serve.

Notes

General
  1. I recommend a slightly thick sauce without too many large chunks. If you find the salsa is too thick, add a bit more water and blend.
  2. Wearing gloves when handling serrano peppers will prevent any potential burning when you undoubtedly touch your face later that day. 
Storage
  1. This salsa can be stored for 5 days in the fridge.
  2. You can freeze this salsa, as well. Store it in an airtight container like a gallon freezer bag and it will stay fresh for up to 4 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 41kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 0.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 61mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 207IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.2mg