Chile de árbol Salsa

Chile de árbol salsa is a fiery, flavorful addition to meals. This super simple Mexican salsa is easy to make and has only a handful of ingredients. Scoop it up with some tortilla chips, drizzle it over favorites like, tostadas, sopes, and tacos, or pair it with your favorite proteins.

about this chile de árbol salsa 

Chile de árbol salsa is a bold, smoky, and spicy blend that brings bright, tangy flavors to any dish. Made from dried chile de árbol peppers, it only has a few simple ingredients but delivers a lot of flavor.  

The heat balance is just what you want out of a hot salsa. The chile de árbol gives it a vibrant, spicy kick that can easily be adjusted to match your heat tolerance. You can make it spicy or absolutely blazing hot if you want!

There are so many ways to use this salsa de chile de arbol. Serve it up as a dip, a topping for tacos or nachos, or pair it with proteins like steak, chicken, or even eggs. It’s the kind of spicy salsa that complements almost any dish.

All you need to make it is a blender and a few pantry staples, plus a few minutes of your time. You can even make it ahead of time since it stores well in the refrigerator.

what is chile de arbol salsa?

Chile de árbol salsa is a spicy Mexican salsa made from dried chile de árbol peppers, which are small, slender, and very fiery. It has a bold, smoky heat that hits fast and lingers. The salsa is usually blended with ingredients like garlic, vinegar or lime juice, and sometimes tomatoes or oil, depending on the recipe.

ingredients

Chile de árbol. These dried red peppers are the heart of this salsa. Commonly used in Mexican cuisine, their vibrant heat and smokiness give this recipe its signature kick.

Bouillon Cube. A bouillon cube adds a depth of savory flavor to the salsa, but you can also use bouillon powder.

Tomato Paste. The concentrated tomato flavor adds richness and balances out the spiciness with a touch of sweetness.  

Water. Used for rehydrating the chiles and blending the ingredients into a smooth salsa.  

Plum Tomatoes. Fresh tomatoes bring brightness and a touch of freshness. You can also use roma tomatoes, if you prefer.

Garlic. Just a couple of garlic cloves pack a punch. You can use freshly peeled garlic cloves or minced garlic.

Kosher Salt. Adjust to taste to ensure your salsa is seasoned how you like it.

this recipe’s must-haves 

A medium saucepan is essential for boiling and softening the chile de árbol.

Use a blender (like a Vitamix) or food processor to achieve that smooth texture.

Measuring spoons and measuring cups help with measuring the limited list of ingredients for this recipe.

Finally, a sharp chef’s knife and cutting board are must-haves for prepping the tomatoes and garlic.

here’s how to make this chile de árbol salsa

Rehydrate the Chiles  

Add the chiles de árbol and bouillon cube to a medium pot. Cover them with just enough water and bring it to a boil over medium high heat. Remove from heat, cover, and soak for 10 minutes to soften the chiles.

Pro tip: If you want less heat, remove the seeds before cooking!

Strain the Chiles  

After soaking, strain out the chiles and discard the liquid.

Blend the Ingredients  

Place the rehydrated chiles in a blender along with the tomato paste, fresh water, plum tomatoes, garlic, and kosher salt. Blend until smooth.  

Taste and Adjust  

Give the salsa a taste and adjust the salt to your liking. If it’s too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time to the mixture until you reach your desired consistency.

Chill or Serve  

You can serve the salsa immediately at room temperature, but letting it chill for a few hours intensifies the flavors.

More salsa recipes: Pineapple Mango Salsa I Chunky Salsa I Roasted Chili Corn Salsa I Black Bean Corn Salsa Dip

variations

• For a subtly smoky flavor, try using fire-roasted tomatoes in your salsa. This simple twist adds depth. Drain the tomatoes before using in the recipe if you are using canned tomatoes.
• To brighten up the salsa, add a splash of white vinegar or lime juice.
• For a fresh and herby finish, add in some finely chopped cilantro.
• Adding onions and tomatillos to your salsa will give you some bold and tangy flavors in the salsa.

Need some inspiration for next party? Check out my appetizer recipes page! 

what to serve with this chile de árbol salsa

Our first answer? Your favorite mexican food! Try it with tacos, such as these savory Shredded Beef Tacos or creamy, crispy Fried Avocado Tacos.

Use it as a dip for nachos and chips. It’s such a crowd-pleaser for snacking or parties.

Pair it with proteins like this juicy Grilled Full Chicken or a perfectly cooked Grilled New York Strip Steak.

Incorporate it into your breakfast dishes, whether it’s scrambled eggs or classic huevos rancheros.

how to store

Store – Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week. Stir before serving.  

Freezer – Pour the salsa into a freezer-safe container or ice cube tray and freeze for up to three months.  

Thaw – Thaw in the fridge overnight and use as desired.

more of our favorite spicy recipes

For more of our favorite spicy recipes, try this Slow Cooker Spicy Taco Chili, a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. If you’re in the mood for something quick and comforting, the Spicy Pork Instant Pot Ramen is a must-try. For a twist on classic flavors, these Spicy Italian Stuffed Peppers are sure to impress!

Finally, if you make this chile de arbol salsa recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

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