How to Make Salsa Ranchera: Authentic and Easy Recipe

A ceramic bowl filled with vibrant red salsa, featuring diced tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños. The bowl is on a white surface with tortilla chips and sliced jalapeños nearby. A small wooden spoon lies to the right of the bowl.

About this recipe

Salsa Ranchera is a classic Mexican salsa that packs bold flavors using just a handful of simple ingredients. Use it to spoon over huevos rancheros, grilled meat corn tortilla tacos, or dip your favorite tortilla chips. This salsa is a must-have in your kitchen. If you’re making it for the first time, don’t worry—this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process.

What is Salsa Ranchera?

Salsa Ranchera, which translates to “ranch-style salsa,” is a cooked salsa made with fresh tomatoes, onion, garlic, and serrano peppers. Unlike raw salsas like pico de gallo, Salsa Ranchera is cooked, giving it a deeper, slightly smoky flavor. Its rustic, chunky texture makes it incredibly versatile.

Ingredients for Salsa Ranchera

Tomatoes. For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe tomatoes. Roma or plum tomatoes work well because of their natural sweetness and low moisture content.
Onion. White onion is traditional for Mexican salsas, but yellow or even red onions can work for a slightly different flavor.
Garlic. Fresh garlic cloves provide the best flavor, but you can use garlic paste or powder in a pinch (about 1/4 teaspoon per clove).
Serrano peppers bring heat and authentic flavor. For less spice, remove the seeds and veins. Jalapeños are a milder alternative. For no spice, try poblano peppers for a smoky flavor.
Olive Oil
Salt

How to Make Salsa Ranchera

Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Cook the Tomatoes and Peppers
Mash the Mixture
Season and Simmer

Tips for the Best Salsa Ranchera

Char the Vegetables for Extra Flavor
For a smoky twist, you can roast the tomatoes, onions, and serrano peppers on a comal or in the oven before cooking.
Customize the Spice Level
If serrano peppers are too spicy, swap them for jalapeños or reduce the number of peppers. For an extra fiery kick, leave the seeds in the peppers.
Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh, ripe tomatoes are key to the salsa’s vibrant flavor. Avoid using canned tomatoes unless absolutely necessary.

What to Serve with Salsa Ranchera

Huevos Rancheros: Spoon it over fried eggs and tortillas for a hearty breakfast.
Tacos: Drizzle it over tacos for an authentic finishing touch.
Grilled Meat: Use it as a topping or dipping sauce for carne asada or grilled chicken.
Chips: Serve it with tortilla chips for a simple, satisfying snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Salsa Ranchera: Your Go-To Recipe for Authentic Mexican Flavor

Alejandra Graf

Salsa Ranchera is a fantastic way to elevate any meal effortlessly. It's bold, versatile, and sure to impress. Try this recipe, and it will soon become your go-to salsa for everything!

5 de 1 voto

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Course Basics

Cuisine Mexican

Servings cups

Equipment

Ingredients

4 medium tomatoes about 500 g, roughly chopped
½ medium onion sliced
2 cloves garlic minced
2-3 serrano peppers sliced (adjust based on your spice tolerance)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt to taste

Instructions

Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until it softens and becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the chopped tomatoes and sliced serrano peppers to the skillet. Stir everything together, ensuring the tomatoes and peppers are coated in the oil. Allow the mixture to cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and start to release their juices. You’ll notice the tomatoes changing color to a deeper red.
Using a kitchen tool like a bean masher or potato masher, gently smash the tomatoes, peppers, and onions in the skillet until you reach your desired consistency. The texture should be chunky but cohesive. If you prefer a smoother salsa, you can blend the mixture slightly using an immersion blender.
Taste the salsa and add salt as needed. If you like a little extra kick, you can add more serrano peppers or even a pinch of smoked paprika for depth. Let the salsa simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Remove the salsa from heat and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature. Salsa Ranchera can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

How to Store Salsa Ranchera

Refrigerator:
- Let the salsa cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before serving, as some liquid may separate.

Keyword autentica salsa mexicana

Save 2 SlickStream

information

Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Did you make this recipe?Tag @piloncilloyvainilla on Instagram and hashtag it #alecooks so we can all see your creations.

Author
Recent Posts