Hot Red Sauce Salsa Ranchero

Turn up the heat with this bold and smoky Hot Red Sauce Salsa Ranchero, a quintessential Mexican salsa that packs layers of flavor in every bite. Made with fire-roasted Roma tomatoes, charred onion and garlic, spicy jalapeños, and earthy dried guajillo chiles, this salsa delivers the perfect balance of heat, tang, and depth. Toasting and rehydrating the dried chiles infuses the sauce with a rich, authentic smoky undertone, while fresh lime juice and cilantro add a zesty, herbaceous finish. Ready in just 25 minutes, this versatile homemade salsa is perfect for dipping tortilla chips, drizzling over huevos rancheros, or elevating tacos and grilled meats. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it’s a must-have addition to any Mexican-inspired meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 5 whole Roma tomatoes
• 1 medium White onion
• 3 whole Garlic cloves
• 2 whole Jalapeño peppers
• 2 whole Dried guajillo chiles
• 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 whole Lime
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 cup Water

Directions

Step 1

Preheat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Place the Roma tomatoes, white onion (cut in half), garlic cloves (unpeeled), and jalapeño peppers on the skillet. Roast for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables develop charred spots and soften.

Step 3

While the vegetables roast, remove the stems from the dried guajillo chiles and shake out the seeds. Toast the chiles lightly in the skillet for about 30 seconds on each side until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.

Step 4

Transfer the toasted chiles to a small bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for 5 minutes until softened.

Step 5

Peel the roasted garlic cloves and transfer them, along with the roasted vegetables, into a blender or food processor.

Step 6

Add the softened guajillo chiles, vegetable oil, fresh cilantro leaves, juice of the lime, salt, and 1/4 cup of water to the blender.

Step 7

Blend the mixture until smooth. If the salsa is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water at a time to reach your desired consistency.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or lime juice as needed.

Step 9

Pour the salsa into a bowl or jar and let it cool slightly before serving. The flavors will deepen as it sits.

Step 10

Serve warm or at room temperature with tortilla chips, over eggs, or as a topping for your favorite Mexican dishes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	654 grams (654.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	307

Total Fat 16.10g	21%
Saturated Fat 2.30g	12%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.40g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2405mg	105%
Total Carbohydrate 43.20g	16%
Dietary Fiber 14.00g	50%
Total Sugars 14.50g
Protein 7.50g	15%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 133mg	10%
Iron 4mg	21%
Potassium 1544mg	33%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.7%

Protein: 8.6%

Carbs: 49.7%