Get ready to elevate your culinary game with the most vibrant and mouthwatering salsa that's about to become your new obsession! Pico de Gallo, literally meaning "Rooster's Beak" in Spanish, is not just a condiment - it's a flavor explosion that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Mexico. This fresh, tangy, and incredibly simple recipe is your ticket to turning ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences that will have everyone asking for your secret.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 3 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Wash all fresh produce thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully dice the tomatoes into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/4 inch in size. Place diced tomatoes in a medium mixing bowl.
- Peel the small onion and finely chop it into very small, consistent pieces. Add the chopped onion to the bowl with tomatoes.
- Carefully remove the stem from the jalapeño pepper. Using gloves if desired, slice the pepper in half and remove the seeds for a milder version, or keep seeds for extra heat. Mince the jalapeño into very small pieces.
- Rinse fresh cilantro and pat dry. Roughly chop the cilantro leaves, discarding any tough stems.
- Add minced jalapeño and chopped cilantro to the tomato and onion mixture.
- Cut the lime in half and squeeze fresh juice directly over the ingredients, ensuring no seeds fall into the mixture.
- Sprinkle salt to taste, starting with 1/4 teaspoon and adjusting according to preference.
- Gently mix all ingredients using a spoon, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Let the Pico de Gallo sit for 5-10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve immediately as a fresh salsa or topping for tacos, nachos, or grilled meats.
Tips
- Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for the best flavor and texture. Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes work perfectly.
- Use food-safe gloves when handling jalapeños to prevent skin irritation.
- For a milder salsa, remove jalapeño seeds; for extra heat, keep them in.
- Let the salsa rest for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to blend, but serve within 2-3 hours for maximum freshness.
- Always use fresh lime juice - bottled juice can taste flat and artificial.
- Adjust salt gradually to control the seasoning and find your perfect balance.
- For best results, chop ingredients uniformly to ensure even flavor distribution.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 25kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
