El Guapo Salsa from Moe's features a bold blend of fire-roasted tomatoes, smoky chipotle peppers, and fresh jalapenos, delivering a vibrant, chunky texture and a spicy kick perfect for dipping or topping your favorite Mexican dishes.
Equipments
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Blender or food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Sheet pan (for roasting tomatoes if not using canned fire-roasted)
- Oven or broiler (for fire-roasting if needed)
- Can opener (if using canned tomatoes)
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 (28 oz) can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 fresh jalapeno pepper
- 1/2 medium red onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Fire-roasted tomatoes are key for that smoky depth, but if you can't find canned fire-roasted tomatoes, roasting fresh tomatoes in your oven or broiler is a great alternative. Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce bring a smoky heat, so adjust the quantity to suit your spice tolerance. Fresh jalapeno peppers add brightness and extra kick, making sure not to overload if you prefer milder salsa. Fresh cilantro and lime juice contribute essential freshness and tang that balance the robust flavors. Your homemade El Guapo Salsa from Moe's copycat recipe captures the bold, smoky, and spicy flavor perfect for authentic Mexican dishes.
Instructions
- Preheat oven or broiler if fire-roasting fresh tomatoes (skip if using canned fire-roasted).
- Optional: Fire-roast fresh tomatoes on a sheet pan until charred; let cool.
- Peel and roughly chop red onion and garlic cloves.
- Slice jalapeno pepper in half and remove seeds for less heat (optional).
- Drain excess liquid from canned tomatoes if needed.
- Add fire-roasted tomatoes, chipotle peppers, jalapeno, onion, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and cumin to blender or food processor.
- Pulse until desired chunky consistency is reached (do not over-blend).
- Taste and adjust salt, lime juice, or chipotle for preferred flavor and heat.
- Transfer salsa to mixing bowl.
- Stir with spoon or spatula to combine evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Serve with chips or as a topping for Mexican dishes.
Substitution
El Guapo Salsa from Moe's copycat menu combines fire-roasted tomatoes, chipotle peppers, and jalapenos to create a smoky, spicy flavor with a chunky texture. If you don't have fire-roasted tomatoes, roast fresh tomatoes on a sheet pan under the broiler until charred for a similar taste. Substitute canned chipotle peppers with chipotle powder or smoked paprika mixed with hot sauce if needed. Fresh jalapenos can be replaced with serrano peppers for extra heat or milder green chilies for less spice. Your salsa will maintain its bold flavor profile even if you adjust ingredients to what's available in your kitchen.
Tips
Fire-roasting fresh tomatoes enhances the smoky flavor but requires careful monitoring to avoid burning, so keep an eye on them during roasting. When blending, pulse gently to maintain the salsa's chunky texture and prevent it from becoming too smooth. Adjust salt, lime juice, and chipotle peppers gradually, tasting as you go to balance heat and acidity according to your preference. Refrigerating the salsa for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld and intensify, ensuring your El Guapo Salsa is vibrant and well-rounded.
Nutritions
El Guapo Salsa offers a nutrient-rich profile featuring vitamins A and C from fire-roasted tomatoes and fresh jalapenos, which support immune health and skin vitality. The inclusion of chipotle peppers provides capsaicin, known for its metabolism-boosting and anti-inflammatory benefits. Fresh cilantro contributes antioxidants and essential minerals like potassium and calcium, while garlic adds immune-enhancing compounds. Your diet gains a flavorful boost without excess calories or unhealthy fats, making it a wholesome choice for flavorful meals.
Storage
Store El Guapo Salsa in an airtight container to maintain its fresh, smoky flavor and vibrant texture. Keep it refrigerated and consume within 5 to 7 days for optimal taste and safety. Your salsa may thicken slightly when chilled; stir well before serving to restore its perfect chunky consistency.
Variation or Alternatives
For a milder variation, substitute the fresh jalapeno with a roasted poblano pepper, which adds a smoky flavor without too much heat. You can also replace chipotle peppers in adobo with smoked paprika and a splash of chipotle powder to control spice levels more precisely. Instead of using canned fire-roasted tomatoes, opt for fresh Roma tomatoes roasted under the broiler until charred for a fresher, more vibrant taste. Adjust the garlic quantity or roast it alongside the tomatoes to mellow its sharpness and enhance the salsa's depth of flavor.
Allergies
El Guapo Salsa contains ingredients like fresh jalapenos, chipotle peppers, and cilantro, which may cause allergic reactions in some individuals sensitive to nightshades or herbs. Garlic and onions, common allergens for some people, are also present, so your sensitivity to these should be considered. If you have known allergies to any of these components, it's best to check carefully before enjoying this salsa.
Why this recipe?
El Guapo Salsa from Moe's Southwest Grill is celebrated for its bold blend of roasted tomatoes, jalapenos, onions, and a hint of lime, delivering a perfectly balanced spicy and tangy flavor profile. Fans appreciate its fresh ingredients and authentic Tex-Mex taste, which elevate tacos, burritos, and nachos to a new level of deliciousness. Trying to recreate this salsa at home allows you to customize the heat and seasoning to match your personal preference, making your meals more satisfying and personalized. Crafting a copycat version also ensures you use high-quality, natural ingredients free from preservatives, enhancing both flavor and health benefits.