King Taco’s signature red salsa has achieved cult status among fans of authentic Mexican food in Los Angeles. Tangy, spicy, and full of bold flavor, this salsa is the perfect accompaniment to King Taco’s famous tacos, burritos, and other Mexican specialties. As a King Taco devotee, I’ve tried many times to recreate their irresistible red salsa at home.
After plenty of trial and error, I’m excited to share my recipe that captures the taste and heat of the King Taco original. This King Taco Red Salsa Recipe will bring an authentic Mexican flair to your next meal or gathering!
What is King Taco Red Salsa?
King Taco’s signature red salsa is a smooth, medium-spicy salsa made from dried chiles de árbol, tomatoes, spices, and plenty of fresh ingredients. It has a deep crimson color and a flavor that packs some heat, but with a nice tangy, fruity undertone from the chiles and tomatoes.
Unlike chunky restaurant salsas made from fresh chiles, King Taco’s is a blended salsa. King Taco Red Salsa Recipe gives it an ultra-smooth, spreadable texture and helps distribute the flavor evenly throughout each bite. It’s got a bit of thickness from the softened dried chiles and a hit of acidity from fresh lemon juice.
How to Make King Taco Copycat Red Salsa
Alright, let’s get right down to business – here’s my homemade recipe for duplicating that famous King Taco red salsa flavor:
Ingredients Needed
- 4 cups of water
- 1 pound of chili de arbol
- 1 tomato, chopped 4 pieces
- 1/4 of Red Union
- 3 chipotle peppers
- 3 tbsp. of cayenne pepper
- 3 tbsp. of chipotle sauce
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp. of black pepper
- 2 tbsp. of chicken bouillon
- 1 tbsp of salt
- 3 cloves
- 1 tbsp of garlic powder
- 2 lemons
Kitchen Tools
- Pan
- Blender
- strainer
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Large plate or bowl.
Step-by- Step Instructions
Step 1: Boil the chilies and tomato
Add some water and the dried chilies de árbol in a pan with the tomato. Cook for 5-10 minutes until the aroma of the chilies is released.
Step 2: Blend and Make the Salsa Base
Transfer the chiles, tomato, and some cooking liquid to a blender.
Add the chipotle chiles, chipotle sauce, onion, garlic cloves, garlic powder, chicken bouillon, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Blend until smooth, about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Add lemon juice and strain
Pour salsa into a large plate or bowl.
Squeeze the juice of 2 lemons and strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove pulp. Add lemon juice to the salsa.
Step 4: Adjust seasonings and Serve
Mix well and taste, adjusting seasonings as desired. Enjoy with homemade corn tortillas and cheese for delicious quesadillas.
Tips for the Best King Taco Copycat Salsa
Recreating the King Taco signature salsa takes some finesse. Here are some special notes for success:
- Use a mix of dried guajillo, arbol, and cascabel chilies for depth of flavor. Guajillo brings a fruity raisin-like taste, arbol has potent heat, and cascabel gives earthy notes.
- Make sure to toast the dried chilies properly to release their essential oils and flavor. Don’t burn them though.
- Roasting the veggies whole and unpeeled adds a deeper, smokier flavor compared to raw.
- Use a combination of hot peppers like jalapeño, serrano, and habanero to achieve the right spice level.
- Allowing the finished salsa to sit for 30 minutes helps the flavors marry and meld together.
Variations for King Taco-Style Salsa
Once you master the classic recipe, there are many ways to put your own spin on this salsa while staying true to the King Taco flavor profile. Some variations to try:
- Add roasted pineapple for extra sweetness
- Use both red and green tomatillos for more color and tang
- Include grilled corn kernels for a delightful crunch
- Swap out some of the tomatoes for mango to balance the heat
- Garnish with queso fresco or cotija cheese crumbles for a creamy contrast
- Stir in some chopped cactus or pineapple for texture.
Serving Suggestion
This versatile salsa has tons of uses beyond tacos. Here are just a few ways I like to use up batches of my King Taco copycat recipe:
- Dip for Chips and Veggies – This salsa is perfect for dipping tortilla chips, pita chips, or fresh veggies like jicama, bell peppers, and cucumber slices. The veggies help cool down the spicy salsa.
- Taco Topper – Spoon this salsa over tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and other Mexican dishes. It adds a tangy, spicy punch of flavor.
- Enchilada Sauce – Pour the salsa over enchiladas before baking for an extra layer of taste.
- Burrito Bowl Topping – Burrito bowls with rice, beans, meat, and veggies are taken to the next level with this salsa drizzled over the top.
- Breakfast Kick – Wake up your breakfast by adding this salsa to dishes like huevos rancheros, breakfast tacos, or chilaquiles.
- Grilled Meat Sauce – Brush the salsa over chicken, fish, or steak before grilling for tons of flavor.
- Salad Dressing – Thin out the salsa with some olive oil and lime juice for a spicy vinaigrette to dress salads.
- Sandwich and Wrap Fillings – Use the salsa as a flavorful spread or topping for sandwiches, wraps, and pitas.
- Party Dip – Keep a bowl of this salsa on hand for guests to scoop up with tortilla chips or fresh veggies.
How to Store Homemade King Taco Red Salsa
To get the longest shelf life from your fresh salsa:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge. The salsa will keep for 5-7 days.
- To extend the lifespan, you can also freeze it for 2-3 months.
- To freeze, transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers leaving 1⁄2 inch headspace. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
- For best quality and color preservation, store salsa in glass jars versus plastic.
- Always use clean utensils when taking salsa out to prevent contamination and mold.
- If salsa develops mold, discard the entire batch. Do not try to scoop out the mold and save the rest.
King Taco Copycat Red Salsa FAQs
What type of tomatoes should I use?
Roma tomatoes are traditional for salsa as they have fewer seeds. But any fresh, ripe tomato will work.
Can I skip toasting the peppers?
You can, but toasting really deepens the flavors. I recommend taking the extra time.
Can I swap the dried chiles?
You can, just look for a substitute with similar heat and flavor. Guajillo, New Mexico, or cascabel chiles are good options
Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes, add less chiles and cayenne if you want a milder salsa. For extra heat, add a habanero pepper or more cayenne.
Final Word
King Taco Red Salsa Recipe helps you craft the legendary King Taco red salsa experience right in your own kitchen. With the perfect blend of smoky dried peppers, zesty spices, and bright citrus, you can satisfy those spicy taco cravings anytime.
This versatile salsa seriously livens up any meal. Enjoy this blast of complex, hearty flavor on everything.
