SALSA RANCHERA – Spicy, Garlicky, and Straight from the Heart

Salsa Ranchera – The Garlicky, Soulful Salsa That Starts Your Day Right

Introduction

This one’s personal.

Salsa ranchera reminds me of my grandmother. Waking up to the smell of eggs, refried beans, warm tortillas, and this salsa simmering on the stove. The taste is nostalgic and comforting, but still bold enough to wake you up.

The roasted tomatoes and serrano chiles give it body and heat, while the vinegar adds a pop of brightness that balances it all out. The garlic? Non-negotiable.

💡 Pro move: Spoon it over huevos rancheros or scrambled eggs with beans and cheese. It’s the breakfast of champions — or at least the breakfast of grandmas who knew what was up.

Why This Salsa Works

✔ Roasty & Spicy → Charred tomatoes and serranos give it deep, bold flavor.
✔ Garlicky Goodness → That slow-roasted garlic brings warmth and umami.
✔ Perfectly Balanced → Vinegar adds tang that lifts everything up.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly → Keeps great in the fridge and levels up your breakfasts all week.

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Ingredients

Salsa Ranchera (Yields: 1 Pint)

• 545g roma tomatoes, whole (1¼ lbs / about 5 medium tomatoes)

• 95g serrano chiles, whole (3–4 medium serrano chiles)

• 25g garlic cloves, whole, still in their paper (5 large cloves)

• 30g neutral oil (2 tablespoons)

• 45g white onion, small dice (¼ medium onion)

• 65g water (¼ cup)

• 10g Diamond Crystal kosher salt (2 teaspoons)

• 5g white vinegar (1 teaspoon)

• 4g chicken bouillon (1 teaspoon)

Instructions

1️⃣ Roast the Base

• Preheat your broiler to high.

• Arrange the roma tomatoes and serrano chiles on a sheet tray.

• Broil for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through, until blackened and tender.

• Let cool slightly.

2️⃣ Blend the Salsa

• Add the roasted tomatoes and chiles to a blender with the garlic and water.

• Blend until almost smooth — keep a little texture in there. Reserve.

3️⃣ Sauté & Simmer

• In a medium pot, heat neutral oil over medium heat.

• Add diced onions with a pinch of salt. Cook until translucent (about 3 mins).

• Pour in the blended salsa and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring regularly.

• Stir in the salt, bouillon, and once cool, add the vinegar.

• Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.

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Tips & Tricks

🔥 Want it hotter? Add a couple more serranos or add one arbol chile.
🔥 If your tomatoes aren’t super ripe, add a small pinch of sugar to balance.
🔥 Make a double batch — this keeps in the fridge all week and only gets better.

How to Use Salsa Ranchera

🍳 Huevos Rancheros → The classic move.
🥚 Breakfast Tacos → Scrambled eggs, beans, salsa ranchera = unstoppable.
🥩 Grilled Steak or Pork → The acidity and heat cut through rich meats beautifully.
🌽 Spoon on Elotes → Try it. You’ll thank us later.

Make It & Show Me!

Make this one and let me know how you’re using it. Breakfast tacos? Huevos rancheros? Something unexpected but delicious?

Tag me on Instagram @goatboyintl and show me your best plate.