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Home ► Recipes ► Mexican

Salsa Verde

Updated: 01.01.22 | Marc Matsumoto | 56 Comments

Not enough ratings yet
To make my Mexican Salsa Verde, I like to char roast the tomatillos, chilies and garlic, bringing out their inherent sweetness while imbuing a wonderful smoky flavor. Combined with some fresh minced onions, cilantro and lime juice, you won't be able to stop eating this Salsa Verde until all the chips are gone.
Recipe

Oh the things I go through to get a descent photo for the website... Let me start from the beginning... I made a batch of salsa verde last week to go with some tacos, but having had a few cervezas on an empty stomach, the tacos and salsa were demolished before I had a chance to take a photo of the salsa verde by itself. Oops!

Fast forward a week and I've made a fresh batch of salsa verde. Then I realize I don't have any chips to show it with. So I got a bag of masa harina out, kneaded some dough, made a single tortilla, cut it into pieces and made some fresh baked tortilla chips just for this post:-)

I tend to prefer salsas made with tomatoes for chips, but as a condiment on tacos, eggs, etc, I'm a huge fan of this green tomatillo salsa. It's tangy, sweet and spicy with some very concentrated flavours owing to the fact that everything gets fire roasted before it goes into the salsa.

You could of course use canned tomatillos, but given how widely available the fresh ones are here in North America, there really isn't any excuse to not use fresh ones.

📖 Recipe

Salsa Verde

Not enough ratings yet
Print Pin
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Yield 3 cups

Units

Ingredients 

  • 5 medium tomatillos
  • 1 medium serrano chili
  • 3 cloves garlic (unpeeled)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • ½ medium onion (minced)
  • 10 sprigs cilantro (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

Prevent your screen from going dark
  • Peel the husks off the tomatillos and wash thoroughly. Score the bottoms of the tomatillos with a knife.
  • Move the oven rack to the top position and turn on the broiler. Lay down a piece of foil onto the rack and turn up the edges to prevent juices from running off. Place the tomatillos, chili and garlic on the foil and broil until the skins charred. Flip everything over and char the other side.
  • Remove everything from the oven with the foil, being careful not to spill any of the liquid. Remove the core excess char from the tomatillos and mince with a sharp knife. Mince the chili and garlic and add to a bowl with the tomatillos. Add the lime juice, onions and cilantro then salt to taste.
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    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. CodieD says

    March 11, 2014 at 2:59 pm

    I guess the version I made was one that you posted at the end of another recipe. It had 4 whole jalapenos.

    Reply
  2. CodieD says

    March 11, 2014 at 2:58 pm

    We have a small local restaurant that makes things pretty authentic I think. This reminds me of their salsa verde only with more kick and flavor. It is so good! I made it to go with the braised chicken tacos, because I'm weird. I can't wait to try it with pork carnitas next time we make those. It was really good with my over medium eggs this morning too. The garlic and jalapeno gave them a nice kick. Thank you!

    Reply
  3. teful says

    December 24, 2013 at 2:35 pm

    5UxE Recently i was extremely low on $$ and debts were eating me from all sides! that was RIGHT UNTIL I decided to generate money.. on the INTERNET! I visited surveymoneymaker point net, and started filling in surveys for money, and surely I have been great amounts more able to get around financialy!! I am very glad, that I did this!!! - MeJo

    Reply
  4. Marc Matsumoto says

    June 21, 2013 at 4:39 pm

    It should be cannable, but I'm not super familiar with the process so you'll need to do some research. You could also probably freeze it. —
    Sent from Mailbox for iPhone

    Reply
  5. Steffini Phoenix says

    June 21, 2013 at 12:44 am

    I made this for my mom, she loved it. But here is the question. Can you can this, or is there away canning this so you can have it later?

    Reply
  6. Steffini Phoenix says

    June 20, 2013 at 8:44 pm

    I made this for my mom, she loved it. But here is the question. Can you can this, or is there away canning this so you can have it later?

    Reply
  7. Marc Matsumoto says

    May 12, 2013 at 12:09 pm

    Good call, I usually add extra chiles too. As for chile verde, I have a recipe for a lamb version and a pork version on he site:-)

    Reply
  8. Jerry Mata says

    May 12, 2013 at 3:57 am

    Great recipe! I added an extra Serrano and jalapeño for an extra kick. Delicious!! Thank you! This would work great for an awesome pork chile verde.

    Reply
  9. Marc Matsumoto says

    April 18, 2013 at 1:05 am

    I don't think I've ever had it do that. Have you tried stirring it?

    Reply
  10. Reem says

    April 17, 2013 at 4:10 pm

    What do you do when the salsa gels after it has been in the fridge??

    Reply
  11. cassy says

    April 08, 2013 at 3:38 pm

    Abuelo's salsa verde is suprisingly delicious! It is made just like this but has fresh pineapple in it. It is so fresh!

    Reply
  12. Marc Matsumoto says

    December 14, 2012 at 8:03 pm

    4-5 days provided you don't double dip and keep it in a sealed container.

    Reply
  13. Becca says

    December 14, 2012 at 11:02 am

    how long does this salsa last in the fridge? Thanks!

    Reply
  14. Lkc100 says

    May 05, 2012 at 2:09 am

    I just made this.....tomatillos are in super store now......I bought some.....
    made this salsa.....it is amazing

    Reply
  15. Fazef34r says

    March 12, 2012 at 3:58 pm

    i used to make this kind of salsa but after visiting this site, i have changed the way i make it

    Reply
  16. Forgetmenot says

    June 05, 2011 at 7:38 pm

    great recipe ...am going to buy tomatillos just to try this one!

    Reply
  17. gogofriyo says

    May 24, 2010 at 8:15 pm

    hi people

    Reply
  18. Ravenouscouple says

    June 30, 2009 at 1:12 am

    This recipe sounds fantastic! So glad you visited our site...so that we can discover yours. Amazing. Brilliant. Love those shishito peppers on your header and your philosophy about not cooking with recipes. Moon Cake foods was a favorite--loved their grilled lobster tail specials on thursdays! Can't believe we've been missing out on your blog --just added you to our blogroll. Thanks! Hong and Kim

    Reply
  19. Ravenouscouple says

    June 29, 2009 at 9:12 pm

    This recipe sounds fantastic! So glad you visited our site...so that we can discover yours. Amazing. Brilliant. Love those shishito peppers on your header and your philosophy about not cooking with recipes. Moon Cake foods was a favorite--loved their grilled lobster tail specials on thursdays! Can't believe we've been missing out on your blog --just added you to our blogroll. Thanks! Hong and Kim

    Reply
  20. chels says

    June 14, 2009 at 3:50 am

    DEDICATION... I love it! And that looks soooo tasty. I feel like I can taste it through that photo! 🙂

    Reply
  21. chels says

    June 13, 2009 at 11:50 pm

    DEDICATION... I love it! And that looks soooo tasty. I feel like I can taste it through that photo! 🙂

    Reply
  22. Lori Lynn says

    May 31, 2009 at 1:43 am

    Making the chip for the blog? Of course. That is our art.

    My favorite breakfast when traveling Mexico years ago was a scrambled egg, with all things green: salsa verde, avocado, cilantro, sliced jalapeño. Continues to be my all time favorite breakfast.

    Great post Marc.
    LL

    Reply
  23. Lori Lynn says

    May 30, 2009 at 9:43 pm

    Making the chip for the blog? Of course. That is our art.

    My favorite breakfast when traveling Mexico years ago was a scrambled egg, with all things green: salsa verde, avocado, cilantro, sliced jalapeño. Continues to be my all time favorite breakfast.

    Great post Marc.
    LL

    Reply
  24. Kevin (Closet Cooking) says

    May 29, 2009 at 12:18 am

    Salsa verde is so simple and yet so addictively good!

    Reply
  25. Kevin (Closet Cooking) says

    May 28, 2009 at 8:18 pm

    Salsa verde is so simple and yet so addictively good!

    Reply
  26. Marc Matsumoto says

    May 28, 2009 at 1:03 am

    Anna's is one of my favourite Mexican places on this coast:-)

    Reply
  27. Giff says

    May 27, 2009 at 2:43 pm

    I love using tomatillos for salsa, and will often combine with tomatoes, red onion, sweet peppers, etc and maybe a little rice or apple vinegar -- so good on toasted bread. I haven't roasted my tomatillos first -- sounds like more work, but would impart a nice flavor!

    Reply
  28. Giff says

    May 27, 2009 at 10:43 am

    I love using tomatillos for salsa, and will often combine with tomatoes, red onion, sweet peppers, etc and maybe a little rice or apple vinegar -- so good on toasted bread. I haven't roasted my tomatillos first -- sounds like more work, but would impart a nice flavor!

    Reply
  29. Julia @ Mélanger says

    May 27, 2009 at 10:20 am

    Marc, thanks for sharing this recipe. It took me back to a place in Boston I used to go to called Anna's Taqueria. It had great salsa verde for a 'chain' store. I miss that place so will have to try this to recreate the memory!

    Reply
  30. Julia @ Mélanger says

    May 27, 2009 at 6:20 am

    Marc, thanks for sharing this recipe. It took me back to a place in Boston I used to go to called Anna's Taqueria. It had great salsa verde for a 'chain' store. I miss that place so will have to try this to recreate the memory!

    Reply
  31. lisaiscooking says

    May 26, 2009 at 12:50 pm

    That's funny. I've gone through every clean plate in the house trying to get something to look presentable. Anything for the blog! That's great that we both posted about salsa verde on the same day! Different origins for the salsas, but still.

    Reply
  32. lisaiscooking says

    May 26, 2009 at 8:50 am

    That's funny. I've gone through every clean plate in the house trying to get something to look presentable. Anything for the blog! That's great that we both posted about salsa verde on the same day! Different origins for the salsas, but still.

    Reply
  33. Gina (Gluten-free Gourmand) says

    May 26, 2009 at 3:27 am

    That shows dedication to make a fresh tortilla just for your photo shoot. It also shows dedication of another kind to consume all of your food (and cerveza) before you know what happened.

    I tried to grow some tomatillos from seed, but unlike Holly none of mine sprouted (or I killed the sprouts - I'm prone to that). You're right, though, that tomatillos are very readily available, and not bad for flavor. Good thing!

    Reply
  34. Gina (Gluten-free Gourmand) says

    May 25, 2009 at 11:27 pm

    That shows dedication to make a fresh tortilla just for your photo shoot. It also shows dedication of another kind to consume all of your food (and cerveza) before you know what happened.

    I tried to grow some tomatillos from seed, but unlike Holly none of mine sprouted (or I killed the sprouts - I'm prone to that). You're right, though, that tomatillos are very readily available, and not bad for flavor. Good thing!

    Reply
  35. Jenni Field says

    May 25, 2009 at 7:00 pm

    I like that your tomatillos take center stage--I usually make them share the spotlight with some cubanelles or other mild green-tasting peppers.

    You win the Dedicated Blogger Award for the whole make-a-chip scenario!

    Reply
  36. Nuria says

    May 25, 2009 at 5:57 pm

    I love salsa verde!!! But the one we have here is a bit different. Great to know more kinds though!!! I have to try your version 😀

    Reply
  37. Jenni Field says

    May 25, 2009 at 3:00 pm

    I like that your tomatillos take center stage--I usually make them share the spotlight with some cubanelles or other mild green-tasting peppers.

    You win the Dedicated Blogger Award for the whole make-a-chip scenario!

    Reply
  38. Nuria says

    May 25, 2009 at 1:57 pm

    I love salsa verde!!! But the one we have here is a bit different. Great to know more kinds though!!! I have to try your version 😀

    Reply
  39. RecipeGirl says

    May 25, 2009 at 1:36 pm

    You're too funny, of course I would do the same (for my blog!)

    Reply
  40. RecipeGirl says

    May 25, 2009 at 9:36 am

    You're too funny, of course I would do the same (for my blog!)

    Reply
  41. Ferinannnd says

    May 25, 2009 at 6:10 am

    Ой, благодарю

    Reply
  42. helen says

    May 25, 2009 at 5:55 am

    A single tortilla. You are truly dedicated, Marc.

    This looks great! I have a bowl of salsa verde in my fridge, but it's from a can. The colour's completely different. Yours look so much more vibrant!

    Reply
  43. Holly says

    May 25, 2009 at 2:25 am

    I have a bunch of tomatillo seedlings growing so I hope to be making salsa verde soon.

    Reply
  44. Ferinannnd says

    May 25, 2009 at 2:10 am

    Ой, благодарю

    Reply
  45. helen says

    May 25, 2009 at 1:55 am

    A single tortilla. You are truly dedicated, Marc.

    This looks great! I have a bowl of salsa verde in my fridge, but it's from a can. The colour's completely different. Yours look so much more vibrant!

    Reply
  46. Siri says

    May 24, 2009 at 10:29 pm

    LOL! so true Marc. there are tons of recipes which I make so regularly and for variety of reasons don't end up on my blog - mostly becoz of my laziness. 🙂 the salsa verde looks yummy.

    Siri

    Reply
  47. Holly says

    May 24, 2009 at 10:25 pm

    I have a bunch of tomatillo seedlings growing so I hope to be making salsa verde soon.

    Reply
  48. Siri says

    May 24, 2009 at 6:29 pm

    LOL! so true Marc. there are tons of recipes which I make so regularly and for variety of reasons don't end up on my blog - mostly becoz of my laziness. 🙂 the salsa verde looks yummy.

    Siri

    Reply
  49. Christina@DeglazeMe says

    May 24, 2009 at 2:43 pm

    It's funny what a few drinks and a very hungry belly can make you do... especially when there's delicious food calling your name. The camera didn't even have a chance.

    Anyway, the salsa looks great, and you are so resourceful to just make your own chips!

    Reply
  50. chef E says

    May 24, 2009 at 2:27 pm

    My kind of mishaps... I have been totally addicted to verde sauce since I discovered it in my early 20's...great photo, so worth the time I hope! I see you have gotten around to the Latin side 🙂

    Reply
  51. Christina@DeglazeMe says

    May 24, 2009 at 10:43 am

    It's funny what a few drinks and a very hungry belly can make you do... especially when there's delicious food calling your name. The camera didn't even have a chance.

    Anyway, the salsa looks great, and you are so resourceful to just make your own chips!

    Reply
  52. chef E says

    May 24, 2009 at 10:27 am

    My kind of mishaps... I have been totally addicted to verde sauce since I discovered it in my early 20's...great photo, so worth the time I hope! I see you have gotten around to the Latin side 🙂

    Reply
  53. chiara.u says

    May 24, 2009 at 8:13 am

    Hi Marc! This sounds good... I've expected another thing; here in Italy we use to call "salsa verde" another kind of sauce made with parsley, garlic... well I'll post it one of these days!!! In the meantime I save this... I love mexican cooking! Thank you 🙂

    Reply
  54. Peter G says

    May 24, 2009 at 8:04 am

    The things we do for our blogs! Thanks for sharing your wonderful green salsa recipe!

    Reply
  55. chiara.u says

    May 24, 2009 at 4:13 am

    Hi Marc! This sounds good... I've expected another thing; here in Italy we use to call "salsa verde" another kind of sauce made with parsley, garlic... well I'll post it one of these days!!! In the meantime I save this... I love mexican cooking! Thank you 🙂

    Reply
  56. Peter G says

    May 24, 2009 at 4:04 am

    The things we do for our blogs! Thanks for sharing your wonderful green salsa recipe!

    Reply
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