Spicy Mexican Red Salsa

Add some heat to your favorite meals with this easy small batch spicy Mexican red salsa recipe ( salsa roja ). It’s super easy and it takes 15 minutes to make, that’s it!

If you are looking for a quick spicy red salsa that will become your everyday salsa for many Mexican dishes and many non-Mexican dishes then this recipe is the one. In our household this red salsa is our go-to for breakfast burritos, tacos and many more dishes. Homemade salsa is one of the things I make sure to always have on hand.  As you know, salsa is a staple in a lot of Mexican dishes. This particular salsa is one passed down from my mom, which she made for most of our meals growing up and still does.

Nothing compares to a homemade Mexican spicy red salsa versus store bought. Making this salsa at home is super easy, so why buy a pre-made salsa? This recipe adds the perfect amount of heat to many meals and is one of our all-time favorites. 

Why you will love this spicy Mexican red salsa (salsa roja Mexicana)

• It takes about 15 minutes to make
• This chile de árbol salsa pack a good amount of heat
• Taste fresh and authentic – reminds me of the salsa taqueras from the Mexican taco shops in San Diego
• It will take your tacos, burritos, nachos, and many other dishes to then next level of goodness

The main ingredient: Chile de Árbol

What are Árbol chilis? Chile de Árbol is a small red pepper that has a smoky nutty flavor. It packs a good amount of heat. Árbol chilis are spicier than a jalapeño pepper, but not as spicy as an habanero pepper. You can find these chili peppers in most grocery stores Hispanic aisle.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Árbol chili – the main ingredient that packs some heat. Remove the stem and shake off the seeds.
• garlic clove – adds depth and robust flavor
• tomatoes – balances the heat for this salsa and serves as the base
• olive oil – perfect when roasting the peppers and garlic clove
• garlic salt – enhances the overall flavor
• ground oregano- adds aromatic and earthy notes to the salsa

Step-By-Step Instructions:

Step 1

Add tomatoes in a medium size saucepan and bring to a boil while you roast the chili peppers and garlic

Step 2

In a skillet add olive oil and heat on medium-high heat. Roast the árbol chilis and garlic clove for a couple minutes, flipping them a couple times, so they don't burn.

Step 3

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and add more garlic salt if needed and serve. If the consistency of the salsa is too thick add water to make it more runnier. One tablespoon at a time.

Scroll down for full recipe card below.

Ways to enjoy this easy red salsa:

• Breakfast burritos
• Tacos
• Chilaquiles
• Carne asada burritos
• Nachos
• With tortilla chips
• And many more dishes…

Storing tips:

You can store this salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to seven days.

Spicy level Variations:

mild: use one pepper and make sure to remove all the seeds from the chile de árbol

medium hot: leave some of the seeds from the chiles de árbol and use 2 árbol chilis

spicy: add 3-5 or more chile de árbol to the recipe. If the salsa is too spicy you can always add another tomato.

Other favorite salsa recipes:

• Easy Restaurant Style Salsa
• Roasted Habanero Salsa
• Easy Pico de Gallo
• Roasted tomatillo salsa