Salsa Negra de Habanero – Smoky, Spicy & Bold
Directions
- 1Over an open flame (stovetop burner) or under a broiler, burn the tortillas until blackened all over.
- 2Reserve the burnt tortillas.
- 3On a comal or dry skillet over medium-high heat, roast the garlic (in its skins), habanero chiles, and sliced onion until blackened and tender.
- 4Ventilate well during charring the aromatics.
- 5Reserve the charred aromatics; peel the garlic.
- 6Add burnt tortillas, charred garlic, habaneros, and onion to a blender with soy sauce, Jugo Maggi, and half of the water.
- 7Blend on medium until smooth-ish, or to your preferred texture.
- 8Add salt, sugar, and citric acid.
- 9Blend again and adjust texture with the remaining water until pourable but not thin.
- 10Taste and tweak seasoning to preference (more salt for punch, a touch more sugar if it’s too sharp, a pinch more citric for brightness).
- 11Let the salsa sit 15–20 minutes to allow the smoke to mellow and flavors to settle before serving (optional but recommended).
Ingredients
- 20 g garlic, whole (about 5–6 cloves)
- 50 g corn tortillas (about 2 small tortillas)
- 100 g habanero chiles, whole (about 8–10 chiles)
- 140 g white onion, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
- 25 g soy sauce (about 1 1/2 Tbsp)
- 3 g Jugo Maggi (about 1/2 tsp)
- 2 g Diamond Crystal kosher salt (about 3/4 tsp)
- 0.5 g sugar (about 1/8 tsp)
- 0.5 g citric acid (a scant 1/8 tsp / pinch)
- 230 g water, divided (about 1 cup)
Equipment
Comal or heavy skilletTongsHigh‑powered blenderHeat‑proof gloves
Tips
- Control the heat: De‑seed some (or all) habaneros for less heat; keep the char heavy for flavor.
- No open flame? Use a broiler to blacken tortillas and veg - just flip to get even char.
- No citric acid? A small squeeze of lime works, but add right before serving.
- Serving ideas: Lechón tacos with pickled red onion, grilled pork chops, fatty meats, roasted cauliflower, or as a dip with thick chips.
Related recipes
Creamy Chipotle Lime Dip
Mexican · Sauce & Condiment
Salsa roja taquera
Mexican · Sauce & Condiment
Green Orange Salsa
Mexican · Sauce & Condiment
Fake Avocado Salsa
Mexican · Sauce & Condiment
Spicy Potato Soft Tacos
Mexican · Sauce & Condiment
Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette
Mexican · Sauce & Condiment
7 Layer Burrito
Mexican · Sauce & Condiment
Salsa de Chiles Secos Tatemados
Mexican · Sauce & Condiment
Creamy Crunch Taco Bake
Mexican · Sauce & Condiment
Salsa aguacatosa
Mexican · Sauce & Condiment
The Ultimate Salsa Verde
Mexican · Sauce & Condiment
Salsa
Mexican · Sauce & Condiment