Mexican · condiment
15m
Total time
4
Servings
—
kcal
easy
Difficulty
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FAQ · Things people ask
Ripe, firm roma (plum) tomatoes hold their texture after salting better than beefsteak or vine tomatoes, which release too much liquid. In summer, any ripe garden tomato is excellent. Avoid refrigerated tomatoes — cold kills the flavor compounds.
Up to 2 hours ahead. Beyond that the tomatoes soften and release too much liquid, and the serrano heat compounds migrate through the whole salsa, making it uniformly spicy rather than fresh and bright.
Serrano is the standard for pico de gallo — it is thinner-skinned and hotter, with a sharper, more vegetal heat. Jalapeño is milder and slightly sweeter. Use whichever reflects the heat level you want.
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