This tomatillo green chili salsa 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!
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 - you're going to love this salsa!
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 homemade green salsa on the sous vide carne asada, these pulled pork enchiladas and this jaiba ceviche!
Why this tomatillo green chili salsa recipe works
- It's ultra easy to make salsa verde, and it can even be made in advance. I actually think it tastes even better if it sits overnight 🙂
- The spice level can be adjusted to your heat level by using more or less jalapeños.
- The fresh flavors of mint and cilantro are accented by the deep umami of fish sauce and the tangy brightness of fresh lime juice. This is a delicious salsa!
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Ingredients
The secret ingredient to make this salsa is FISH SAUCE guys. 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. And don't worry, this will NOT make your salsa taste fishy!
And for that leftover fish sauce, check out these 20+ ways to use fish sauce!
The remaining ingredients to make this tomatillo salsa verde recipe are included in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Substitutions and variations
- For more spice, add an additional jalapeño (or any green chile like serrano peppers) or add spicier chilies like Thai chilies. For a milder salsa, use less jalapeno or a milder chili peppers.
- Use key limes or even kaffir limes for a more floral, slightly sweeter taste.
- Add a pinch (⅛ to ¼ teaspoon) of MSG to amp up the umami flavor.
- For a roasted tomatillo salsa, you can char on a grill or in the broiler on a baking sheet the vegetables before using. Using roasted tomatillos helps to bring out their sweetness.
What is a tomatillo?
A tomatillo is a green fruit (almost like a green tomato) wrapped in a light papery husk or skin. They are similar to tomatoes, but tend to be more acidic and less sweet, having a slightly tart flavor. If you want to learn a bit more about them, read this article. We use raw tomatillo to make this homemade salsa verde.
Step by step instructions to make tomatillo salsa
- Remove the husks of the tomatillos.
- Put ingredients in blender or food processor. Blend the salsa until mostly smooth. Bland less for a slightly chunkier salsa.
- Taste and adjust for salt and/or heat.
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 or this sous vide carnitas.
- You can just use it as a dip for tortilla chips.
- Try it with these crispy pork belly tacos.
- It's really awesome over simple grilled chicken, beef, pork or seafood - it's very versatile!
Expert tips for tomatillo salsa verde
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
This salsa will last about a week in a covered container in the fridge.
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
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Recipe
Tomatillo Green Chili Salsa
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.
Nutrition
kcb says
hey, nice recipe. Mine came out a bit thin. Suggestions on how to thicken without losing the bright flavor?
Danielle says
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 says
Love how flavorful and delicious this salsa recipe is. A must try
Danielle says
Thanks!
Jenn says
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 says
I'm so glad 🙂
Jordin says
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 says
I hope you love it!!
Jessica Horvitz says
Hello. Can I substitute anything for coconut sugar?
Danielle says
You can substitute brown sugar or even white sugar if you need to.
Claudia Canu says
We had this with your salmon tacos and it was absolutely delicious!
Danielle says
I'm so glad you liked it!
Paula Montenegro says
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 says
Totally! I hope you get a chance to 🙂
Soniya says
You got me at 5 minutes!! What a flavorful and delicious looking salsa.. can't wait to try it!
Danielle says
Thanks Soniya - 5 minutes always gets me too!
Richard H. says
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 says
I'm so glad you like it Richard! And I'll bet that made it nice and spicy 🙂
Susie says
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 says
Thanks Susie! This one is definitely spoon worthy 🙂
Diane says
this recipe sounds fantastic! I cannot wait to make this! thank you 🙂
Danielle says
Thanks Diane! I hope you enjoy it.
April says
Yummy. I love Vietnamese food but I have not tried Vietnamese salsa. All those yummy fresh ingredients. I have to try it!
Danielle says
I figured if other cuisines can have salsa, why not Vietnamese salsa!
Jill says
I like that there is mint in this salsa too. I'll have to try this recipe!
Danielle says
The mint really freshens it up! I hope you enjoy it!
Claudia says
I am loving the ingredients in this dish very nice!
Danielle says
Thanks Claudia!
Aline says
I love Vietnamese Food! Thank you for sharing this recipe, have to try it this weekend!
Danielle says
I hope you enjoy it Aline!
Linda Nortje says
We would all love this salsa, especially my daughter's fiance, so I better make a double batch first time round !
Danielle says
I hope you guys enjoy it Linda!