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🌶️ Salsa Xnipec (Yucatecan Habanero Salsa)

A fiery, tangy salsa from the Yucatán Peninsula, perfect for pairing with tacos, grilled meats, or as a dip for tortilla chips.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium ripe tomato, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 2–3 habanero peppers, finely chopped (adjust to desired heat level)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons sour orange juice (or substitute with a mix of 1 tablespoon lime juice and 1 tablespoon orange juice)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients:
  2. Finely chop the tomato, red onion, and habanero peppers.
  3. Chop the fresh cilantro.

  4. Combine the Ingredients:

  5. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped tomato, red onion, habanero peppers, and cilantro.

  6. Add the Citrus Juice:

  7. Pour in the sour orange juice (or the lime and orange juice mixture).
  8. Add salt to taste.

  9. Mix and Let Sit:

  10. Stir the mixture well to combine all ingredients.
  11. Let the salsa sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

  12. Serve:

  13. Serve immediately with tacos, grilled meats, or as a dip for tortilla chips.

Storage

  • Store any leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Best consumed within 3–5 days.
  • Stir before serving, especially if it has been refrigerated for a few days.

Notes

  • Adjusting Heat: For a milder salsa, reduce the number of habanero peppers or remove the seeds before chopping.
  • Flavor Variations: If sour orange juice is unavailable, a mix of lime and orange juice can be used as a substitute.
  • Serving Suggestions: This salsa pairs well with traditional Yucatecan dishes such as cochinita pibil, panuchos, and salbutes.

Watch the original recipe