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This Green Salsa recipe is made with fresh tomatillos, tomatoes, lime, fresh herbs and jalapenos, plus a secret ingredient for an extra burst of umami flavor. This is seriously the BEST salsa ever!
This recipe was originally published in March 2018. It has been updated for content and photos.
A few weeks ago I made these Easy Shrimp Tacos and created this Asian inspired salsa to go with it. The tacos were super delicious. But the green salsa stole the show.
So much so that I decided to create it's very own recipe. This is the best salsa I've ever had.
With the perfect amount of heat from the peppers, and that tinge of umami flavor from the secret ingredient, this stuff is GOOD guys. I absolutely love this salsa on the sous vide carne asada and this jaiba ceviche!
Jump to:
Ingredients
The secret ingredient is FISH SAUCE guys. Like you probably didn't already know given my love of the stuff.
For recipes like this where we add fish sauce straight in the salsa, you want to be sure to use a good quality fish sauce. My favorite is Red Boat 40, Buy it HERE (affiliate link).
And for that leftover fish sauce, check out these 20+ ways to use fish sauce!
The remaining ingredients are included in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
What is a Tomatillo?
A tomatillo is a green fruit wrapped in a light husk or skin. They are similar to tomatoes, but tend to be more acidic and less sweet. If you want to learn a bit more about them, read this article.
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Step By Step Instructions
Put ingredients in blender. Blend.
Eat in secret before anyone else knows you made it.
Serving Options
This salsa is incredibly versatile and can be used in so many different dishes. Below are just some ideas, but go wild!
- These Easy Shrimp Tacos just scream for this salsa, and are what prompted me to create it in the first place;
- It would also be great on these Grilled Salmon Tacos;
- You can just use it as a dip for tortilla chips;
- Try it with this Slow Cooker Carnitas or these Pork Belly Tacos;
- It could be very good with these Thai inspired Baked Chicken Wings;
- It's really awesome over simple grilled chicken, beef, pork or seafood - it's very versatile!
Expert Tips
- If you'd like less heat in the salsa, remove the seeds from the jalapeno. For more heat add another jalapeno or a Thai chili;
- Use a food processor for the best results - a blender will give it too much of a pureed consistency;
- Add additional salt to taste if desired;
- If the salsa is too thick, thin it with a couple tablespoons of water;
- The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled.
Storing Options
This salsa will last about a week in a covered container in the fridge.
Freezing options
You can freeze salsa in an airtight container or a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and enjoy!
More Salsa and Sauce Recipes You'll Love!
- Fresh Tomato Salsa;
- Try the Creamy Salsa in this taco recipe;
- Avocado Crema;
- Cajun Remoulade;
- Argentinian Chimichurri.
Did you make this recipe? Rate the recipe and leave a comment below to let me know what you think!
Recipe
Green Salsa Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tomatillo
- 1 roma tomato (substitute any medium sized tomato)
- 2 basil leaves
- 1 jalapeno
- 6 mint leaves
- 1 teaspoons cilantro
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon coconut sugar
Instructions
- Place ingredients in a food processor and pulse several time until ingredients are combined but still a LITTLE chunky.
- Can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for about 1 week.
Expert Tips:
- If you'd like less heat in the salsa, remove the seeds from the jalapeno. For more heat add another jalapeno or a Thai chili;
- Use a food processor for the best results - a blender will give it too much of a pureed consistency;
- Add additional salt to taste if desired;
- If the salsa is too thick, thin it with a couple tablespoons of water;
- The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled;
- You can freeze salsa in an airtight container or a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and enjoy!
Nutrition
kcb
hey, nice recipe. Mine came out a bit thin. Suggestions on how to thicken without losing the bright flavor?
Danielle
Hmmmm, I'm wondering why it came out thin. I'm wondering if you could strain it just a touch to get rid of some of the extra liquid? I would say add another half a tomatillo, but they can contain water too, so it might not help. You might try making it first without the lime juice or fish sauce, straining it if there is any excess liquid, then add the lime juice and fish sauce in. That may help keep the flavor while thickening it up a bit. Let me know if either of those work out!
Kushigalu
Love how flavorful and delicious this salsa recipe is. A must try
Danielle
Thanks!
Jenn
I was looking for a tangy, bright, and flavorful salsa when I stumbled on your recipe. WOW! The flavors in this are simply amazing and it totally jazzed up my dish. Now I'm a fan of fish sauce, too!
Danielle
I'm so glad 🙂
Jordin
I LOVE green salsa, and I can't wait to try this out at home! I've actually never made homemade salsa before, and I'm so excited to try this recipe out!
Danielle
I hope you love it!!
Jessica Horvitz
Hello. Can I substitute anything for coconut sugar?
Danielle
You can substitute brown sugar or even white sugar if you need to.
Claudia Canu
We had this with your salmon tacos and it was absolutely delicious!
Danielle
I'm so glad you liked it!
Paula Montenegro
So many interesting flavors in this salsa! For some reason I have never tried tomatillos, crazy. This recipe is my chance to remedy that!
Danielle
Totally! I hope you get a chance to 🙂
Soniya
You got me at 5 minutes!! What a flavorful and delicious looking salsa.. can't wait to try it!
Danielle
Thanks Soniya - 5 minutes always gets me too!
Richard H.
Made the recipe as written and was excellent! I like my salsas very hot so I crushed 1 Thai chili and added it to the leftovers and refrigerated overnight, Wholly Moli!💖💖💖
Danielle
I'm so glad you like it Richard! And I'll bet that made it nice and spicy 🙂
Susie
What a great idea! This looks so fresh and delicious. I am definitely going to try this recipe. I could eat salsa with a spoon!
Danielle
Thanks Susie! This one is definitely spoon worthy 🙂
Diane
this recipe sounds fantastic! I cannot wait to make this! thank you 🙂
Danielle
Thanks Diane! I hope you enjoy it.
April
Yummy. I love Vietnamese food but I have not tried Vietnamese salsa. All those yummy fresh ingredients. I have to try it!
Danielle
I figured if other cuisines can have salsa, why not Vietnamese salsa!
Jill
I like that there is mint in this salsa too. I'll have to try this recipe!
Danielle
The mint really freshens it up! I hope you enjoy it!
Claudia
I am loving the ingredients in this dish very nice!
Danielle
Thanks Claudia!
Aline
I love Vietnamese Food! Thank you for sharing this recipe, have to try it this weekend!
Danielle
I hope you enjoy it Aline!
Linda Nortje
We would all love this salsa, especially my daughter's fiance, so I better make a double batch first time round !
Danielle
I hope you guys enjoy it Linda!