Whether it's savory fish tacos or nachos piled high with seasoned beef and white Queso sauce, these dishes wouldn't really be the same without this unmistakable and unbeatable green salsa.
If you're just learning about this delicious salsa or just haven't jumped on finding a recipe, here's my guide on how to make tomatillo salsa to go with all your most beloved Mexican dishes or simply a bag of tortilla chips.
There's really nothing quite like a homemade tomatillo salsa, especially one made with fresh ingredients that you cooked yourself. This salsa emits such a wonderful aroma while cooking, you'd think you were actually in a Mexican restaurant.
Just one bite scooped up with a tortilla chip or dolloped onto a taco or enchilada (try these electric skillet chicken enchiladas) and you'll see exactly why you needed this recipe in your rotation in the first place.
I also make a tomatillo hot sauce (which is like a more potent, smooth version of this salsa), Mexican mole sauce and easy Mexican shredded chicken with tomatillo salsa that you might like.
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What is Tomatillo Salsa?
Tomatillo salsa, or salsa verde/green salsa, is a spicy and tangy condiment made from fresh or cooked tomatillos, green chili peppers and seasonings. It is used on or to complement tons of different Mexican dishes.
You can check out more easy and tasty tomatillo recipes here.
Ingredients
This particular recipe is made from ingredients that are cooked ahead of time, before blending into a slightly chunky concoction, one of these ingredients being the tomatillo itself (it looks sort of like a green tomato).
- tomatillos - Tomatillos are typically green, although they can also be yellowy or even purple. They have a papery husk that encases the fruit. When the husk is removed, the fruit inside is smooth and firm.
- onion - I use yellow onion because they're great for cooking with.
- Serrano chili pepper - You can substitute with a jalapeno pepper.
- fresh cilantro - Cilantro is a staple in many traditional Mexican salsas, providing an authentic taste that many enjoy.
- fresh oregano - Not pictured. When cooked, the flavor of oregano mellows and integrates well with the other ingredients, especially the garlic and onions. Cooking can bring out its sweetness and reduce some of the bitterness.
*Check recipe card for ingredient amounts.
Pro Tip: If you enjoy more heat, don't remove all of the serrano chili pepper seeds/membrane, as that is where the majority of the heat comes from.
Recipe Tweaks
Like with any recipe you take on in your own kitchen, it gives you a new level of freedom to experiment with flavors and amounts that you couldn't get at a restaurant or out of a jar.
- Want some more spice? Add some more cumin or another pepper or two.
- Missing some sweetness? Try a touch of brown sugar or agave nectar.
- Don't like cilantro? Leave it out.
Instructions
Step #1. Add Ingredients to Saucepan. Place all of the ingredients into a saucepan with the water.
Step #2. Simmer. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until tomatillos are soft (10 to 15 minutes).
Step #3. Transfer. Remove the ingredients with a slotted spoon into a blender jar, leaving the water in the saucepan.
Step #4. Pulse. Pulse the cooked vegetables in the blender until all ingredients are finely chopped and mixed. Season with salt, to taste.
Step #5. Serve. You can chill it or serve warm with tortilla chips and enjoy.
Recipe FAQs
Cooked, homemade tomatillo salsa can last up to a week in the fridge in an airtight container. If it's become moldy, it's gone bad.
You can freeze the salsa for up to 2 months.
Try serving it with tacos such as these Grilled Halibut Tacos. It tastes great in soups, over chicken and rice, pork tenderloin, beans, chicken bowls, casseroles (such as burrito casserole), enchiladas, eggs, mac and cheese and more.
Boiling is more common but both ways work great and I sometimes switch it up. Roasting the ingredients will give more depth of flavor.
Add a touch of sugar to balance out the acidity.
More Kitchen Tutorials to Try
If you tried this 📋 recipe tutorial for How to Make Tomatillo Salsa or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. And please share the recipe!
📋Recipe
How to Make Tomatillo Salsa
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 pound tomatillos - chopped
- ½ cup onion
- 1 garlic clove - minced
- 1 Serrano chili pepper - stemmed, seeded and diced
- 2 ½ tablespoons cilantro - chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano - chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- salt - to taste
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients into a saucepan with the water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until tomatillos are soft (10 to 15 minutes).
- Remove the ingredients with a slotted spoon into a blender jar, leaving the water in the saucepan.
- Pulse the cooked vegetables in the blender until all ingredients are finely chopped and mixed. Season with salt, to taste.
- You can chill it or serve warm with tortilla chips and enjoy.
Equipment
Notes
- If you enjoy more heat, don't remove all of the serrano chili pepper seeds/membrane, as that is where the majority of the heat comes from.
- To reduce the acidity, add a touch of sugar to balance it out.
- Cooked, homemade tomatillo salsa can last up to 1 week in the fridge in an airtight container.
- If it's become moldy, it's gone bad.
- You can freeze the salsa for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
Nutrition information on In the Kitch is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may not include toppings and/or sauces.
Terri says
Love this stuff and love to eat it with nachos, on chicken, with my egg whites or just about anything! Great step by step photos!
Joss D says
Thank you. There are so many things you can put it on!
Leanne | Crumb Top Baking says
I always love tomatillo salsa when we eat at Mexican restaurants, but have never made my own. Now I really want too. This would be perfect for all the snacking we plan to do this summer with a few drinks on our back patio!
Joss D says
It's a good change up from the typical red tomato salsa isn't it?! And it is perfect for snacking. I hope you enjoy it this summer on your patio Leanne!
Elaine says
Thanks for these great, detailed instructions for a favourite salsa! I grow tomatillos in my garden, so I'm saving this recipe for later in the summer! Pinned.
Joss D says
Thanks Elaine! They are a garden staple for us 🙂 I hope you enjoy the salsa.
Sabrina says
Delicious recipe! I love green salsa and the addition of cumin and oregano really adds complexity to this tasty dip, thanks!
Joss D says
Why thank you Sabrina! I appreciate it.
Colleen says
This is one of my favourite salsas. I tried to grow tomatillos once just so I could make it. Your recipe looks perfect, great job!
Joss D says
Agreed! I grow them now as well Colleen, so good! Thank you so much.