This Extra Spicy Serrano Salsa is a fiery-hot recipe that gets its flavor from boiling the serranos, then adding in fresh onion and cilantro for a smooth sauce with a little zesty crunch.

Extra Spicy Serrano Salsa

There are so many different ways to make a good salsa. The flavor of a salsa will vary depending on the type of pepper you use, other complimentary ingredients you add, the quantity of those ingredients, and the method of cooking.

In this recipe for serrano salsa, we are taking the small, but fiery, serrano peppers, boiling them and blending them with other fresh ingredients. The result is an extra spicy salsa that is amazing with tacos, burritos, soups and so much more.

The Ingredients

To make this Extra Spicy Serrano Salsa you will need:

• Serrano Peppers
• Tomatoes
• Garlic
• Onion
• Cilantro
• Salt
• Pepper
• Cumin (optional)

About Serrano Peppers

Serrano peppers are the same deep green color as jalapeños, but smaller and thinner. However, don’t be fooled by their size, serranos are actually much spicier than jalapeño peppers. Just one serrano can add quite a kick to any dish. I actually like to keep them on hand to add to recipes like this ground beef stew with jalapeño or my mom’s jalapeño salsa when the jalapeños are just not spicy enough.

Serrano peppers are easy to find at any grocery store. Look for them in the produce section, usually right beside the jalapeños.

How to Make the Salsa Less Spicy

Now this salsa isn’t called extra spicy for nothing, but don’t let the spice deter your from trying this delicious salsa. Following are some great tips on how to lessen the spice. Use one, two, or a combination of these tips to get varied results.

• Add 2 serrano peppers instead of 3
• Use gloves and take out the seeds and veins from the serranos, as most of the spice comes from these parts of the peppers.
• If you don’t mind your salsa a bit more tomatoey, use 2 serrano peppers and 2 large tomatoes.
• My top recommendation is to use 1 serrano pepper and one jalapeño pepper. Jalapeño peppers are not as spicy as serranos and will add a nice flavor to the salsa. You can also deseed and devein both the peppers for another added measure.

Why Boil the Ingredients?

The method used to cook the ingredients for a salsa will affect its final flavor. Salsas can be made by sautéing, roasting, boiling or even leaving the ingredients raw, like in pico de gallo or this pineapple-jalapeño salsa.

This particular serrano salsa gets its flavor from boiling some of the ingredients and then adding in fresh onion and cilantro at the end. So you get a smooth, sauce with a little zesty crunch, a great combination.

The key is to boil the vegetables until just tender, and to not overcook them or else they’ll end up mushy and bland.

How to Make Extra Spicy Serrano Salsa

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To begin, bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a small pot or medium saucepan. Add one garlic clove and 3 serrano peppers.

Boil for 3 minutes and then add 1 large Roma tomato (or 2 small ones).

Continue boiling for about 8 minutes or until the tomatoes and peppers are fork-tender. Remove from heat.

Next, add the tomatoes, serranos and garlic to a blender or food processor, along with:

• 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon of cumin (optional for a different smoky taste)
• 1/4 cup of water

Blend on high for about a minute or until completely smooth.

Chop 1/4 piece of fresh onion and 1/4 cup of cilantro.

Then, pour the blended salsa into a separate container and use a spoon to mix in the chopped onion and cilantro.

Taste for seasoning and add additional salt and pepper if needed.

Serving and Storing

This salsa is great served on top of tacos, flautas, and tostadas. It’s a great compliment for steak, chicken, and eggs as well. My husband also loves to add some in soups.

To store, place in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The salsa is best served at room temperature.

I hope you enjoy!

Please leave me a comment below if you make this or tag me on Instagram @everydaylatina.

Check out these other delicious salsa recipes:

• Chunky Saucy Jalapeño Salsa
• Roasted Tomatillo Salsa with Chile de Arbol
• Smoky Chipotle Salsa