Easy Peruvian Salsa Criolla
Peruvian Salsa Criolla is a traditional Peruvian sauce made with red onions, lime juice, vinegar, and chili peppers. It is an essential part of Peruvian cuisine characterized by its tangy, slightly sweet, and spicy flavor. It is made by thinly slicing red onions and marinating them in lime juice and vinegar. The mixture is then seasoned with salt and chili peppers, such as ají Amarillo, to taste.
Ingredients
- 4 Ají Amarillo , finely julienne
- 1 medium-sized red onion , finely julienne
- ¼ cup Cilantro , chopped
- juice from 1 lime or lemon
- 2 Tablespoons Neutral oil such as avocado , corn, sunflower, soybean, etc.)
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt , to taste
- ¼ ground black pepper , to taste
Instructions
- Cut the stems off the pepper, wash and slice it in half. Scrape off the nerves and seeds with a spoon, so they will only keep a slight pleasant spiciness. If you want to increase it, leave some seeds, finely julienne them, and add them to a medium bowl.
- Once this procedure is done, please wash your hands well (don't even think about touching your eyes because they will be irritated).
- Cut the onion in half, then cut them as thin as possible; place them in cold water for about 5 minutes and stir a couple of times to dilute some of its intense flavors; discard the water and transfer them into the medium bowl.
- Add the chopped cilantro and drizzle them with a lime or lemon, add a generous stream of oil, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir all the ingredients, taste, and adjust season if needed. Enjoy!
Notes
How to Store
Peruvian Salsa Criolla is a popular condiment in Peruvian cuisine, and if stored properly, it can last for several days to a week in the refrigerator. The steps to store it properly are to Transfer the salsa to a clean, airtight container. Make sure the container is thoroughly cleaned and dried to prevent any contamination. Next, cover the salsa with a tight-fitting lid and place it in the refrigerator. Store the salsa in the fridge at a temperature between 34°F and 40°F.
This will slow down the growth of bacteria and help preserve the salsa's flavor and texture. Use a clean utensil to scoop out the salsa each time you use it to avoid introducing bacteria into the container. If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as a sour smell or visible mold, discard the salsa immediately.
Make-Ahead
Peruvian Salsa Criolla can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for later use. You can make it ahead of time and prepare the salsa according to your preferred recipe. Then, transfer the salsa to an airtight container. Cover the container with a tight-fitting lid and store it in the refrigerator. The salsa can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Making the salsa ahead of time can be a convenient way to have it on hand when needed.
Store it properly in the refrigerator to ensure it stays fresh and flavorful. Additionally, when you're ready to use the salsa, give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the ingredients.
How to Freeze
It's generally not recommended to freeze Peruvian Salsa Criolla. Freezing can cause the ingredients to break down and change the texture and flavor of the salsa. Additionally, the high acid content of the salsa can make it difficult to preserve its fresh taste and texture after being frozen and thawed.
Notes:
- Toss the onion mixture once or twice after putting the bowl in the fridge to ensure all the ingredients are picked.
- You can use fresh or bottled Peruvian Aji Amarillo pepper ( If you can’t find it, use jalapeño peppers for a mildly spicy or habaneros for a super spicy).
- I use Avocado Oil, but any neutral oil will work.
- Make sure you use freshly squeezed lime juice.
Nutrition Facts
Easy Peruvian Salsa Criolla
Amount per Serving
Calories
70
% Daily Value*
Fat
5
g
8
%
Saturated Fat
1
g
6
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
3
g
Sodium
196
mg
9
%
Potassium
199
mg
6
%
Carbohydrates
7
g
2
%
Fiber
1
g
4
%
Sugar
1
g
1
%
Protein
1
g
2
%
Vitamin A
204
IU
4
%
Vitamin C
147
mg
178
%
Calcium
14
mg
1
%
Iron
0.4
mg
2
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
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