This Mexican salsa macha recipe is smoky and delicious! It’s a flavorful Mexican chili oil made with dried chilies, peanuts, sesame seeds, and garlic, perfect for drizzling over tacos, or use it as a marinade! Video.
The quieting of the mind is a political act. ~Jack Kornfield, The Wise Heart – page 358
Last week, while visiting the little town of San Pancho in Mexico, I stumbled upon it at the local farmers’ market and discovered something I had never had before… Salsa Macha! I tried a little sample and it literally blew my mind, it was that good! It’s like a Mexican-style chili crisp oil. So much flavor!
After asking a million questions to the sweet woman who made it, I took a few notes, bought a few jars, and couldn’t wait to replicate it and share it with you. I’ll show you how to make this delicious salsa macha, and then, with this, we can create delicious bowls.
What is Salsa Macha?
Salsa Macha is a Mexican chili oil that hails from Veracruz. It’s an oil-based salsa or condiment made with dried chilies, peanuts (or seeds), garlic, and spices.. It’s deeply flavorful, yet not overly spicy, and can be used in a multitude of different ways! Use it as a marinade for meats and tofu ( see below), a flavorful drizzle sauce for tacos, avocado toast, eggs, or grilled meats or veggies. A flavor booster for soups, vegetables, pasta or rice.
Best of all, it’s very quick and easy to make!
Salsa MachA Ingredients
- Dried Mexican Chili Peppers – the star of the recipe! Use mild or medium dried chiles like Ancho chiles, Guajillo Chile Peppers or other dried chilies like chile de arbols, chile negro, dried chipotle chiles, etc.
- Oil- we use avocado oil, peanut oil or olive oil.
- Nuts or seeds– use peanuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or almonds or any combination.
- Garlic cloves for pungent flavor.
- Salt
- Apple cider vinegar– for acidity.
- Optional Spices- cumin or coriander, whole seeds or ground, Mexican oregano.
How to make Salsa Macha Recipe (instructions)
- Break dried chilies apart, removing stems and seeds.
- Heat oil in a skillet or large saucepan, and add garlic and peanuts. Stir until they are golden brown. Then, add the dried chilies and stir for 2-3 minutes. Turn off the heat and add salt, along with any optional spices. Let cool. Add vinegar.
- Place this in food processor (or blender)and blend until all is finely chopped, but not overly smooth. Taste for spice, and feel free to add chipotle powder to taste.
- Pour into a jar, and stir in toasted sesame seeds.
Storing Salsa Macha
Place the mixture in an airtight container or jar and cover it with a layer of olive oil before storing it in the refrigerator. This will keep for 3-4 weeks in the fridge. Freeze for up to 4 months.
Ways to Use Salsa Macha
Think of salsa macha as a Mexican version of chili crisp.
- Use as a marinade for chicken, fish or tofu! ( See below)
- Drizzle it over tacos, burritos or enchiladas.
- Drizzle it over Buddha Bowls or soups, or eggs.
- Drizzle over avocado toast!
- Spoon it over grilled veggies or roasted veggies
- Toss it with rice or pasta.
Salsa Macha Bowls
Here, I’ll show you how to use this salsa macha as a marinade in this easy sheet-pan dinner that can be made into bowls.
In this simple sheet-pan recipe, I used both chicken and tofu, baked alongside yams, bell peppers and onions. Make enough to feed your whole family or just one serving – up to you! Brush the salsa macha over the chicken or tofu and bake!
When it is done, create your lovely bowls. This one is with tofu.
And here it is with Chicken! Remember to save any leftovers and reheat them for tacos the next day. So good!
On the Homefront: While in Mexico, I got a year older. It was on the same day as the women’s march that happened around the country. Even in this tiny town, women gathered together and walked through the streets, smiling, proud, together, arm in arm. I was moved. I felt the powerful, loving energy that flows when women unite.
Throughout history, women’s powerful loving energy has often been squashed by religion or culture. How threatening this must feel. But, it is my belief (and honestly, these days, I have few) that this loving heart energy is what is needed to unite and heal the whole world.
Look at cultures where women have very little power (like the Middle East) look at the chaos, the unbalance, the discord, the suffering. I often wonder, what would happen if women had a more balanced measure of power. I can’t help but feel that forgiveness, reconciliation and peace would inevitably follow.
I do know this- it is a fearful mind that drives us to build walls, keep ourselves safe, and separate us from others. It is the loving open heart that shows us how similar we are, and connects us. I see this daily in my own marriage.
My thoughts often talk me out of loving, but my heart facilitates it. Shifting from my head to my heart has become my daily practice. I don’t always succeed, but I try.
Hope you are having a great week. Hope you give this Salsa Macha recipe a try….it is AWESOME!!!
xo
Other Salsa Recipes you may like:
- Fresh Tomatillo Salsa
- Fresh Peach Salsa
- Persimmon Salsa!
- Guacamole (three ways!)
- Poblano Pumpkin Seed Sauce
- Avocado Sauce (Vegan!)
- Vegan cilantro creme
Salsa Macha Video
Salsa Macha Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 ¼ cups
- Category: Condiment, Mexican, Sauce,
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Mexican salsa macha recipe is smoky and delicious! It’s a flavorful Mexican chili oil made with dried chilies, peanuts, sesame seeds, and garlic, perfect for drizzling over tacos, or use it as a marinade (see bowls below).
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried Mexican chiles (1 1/2 ounces)- use mild Guajillo Peppers, or Ancho chilies, chipotle chiles, or a. mix.
- 1 cup oil- peanut oil, avocado oil or olive oil
- 4–6 cloves garlic- sliced in half lengthwise
- 1/2 cup peanuts – or sub pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or almonds (or a combo)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- optional spices: 1 teaspoon coriander (ground or whole seeds) 1 teaspoon cumin (ground or whole seeds), and ground chipotle powder.
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
See notes for bowls.
Instructions
Salsa Macha
- Discard the stems and seeds from the chilies and break them into smaller, one-inch pieces.
- In a large skillet, add the oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Add garlic and peanuts, and stir until golden and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
- Turn the heat to low, add the dried chilies, stirring for 2-3 minutes. Turn heat off, and stir in the optional spices. Let cool 5-10 minutes. Add salt and vinegar .
- Pour this into a food processor (or blender) and blend until well combined, but not too smooth. Taste for spice and add chipotle powder to taste. I added about 1 teaspoon, but start conservatively. You can also add canned chipotle peppers to taste or the adobo sauce they come in, for a nice smokiness.
- Pour the blended salsa macha into a jar, and stir in toasted sesame seeds.
- Store. Cover the jar with a layer of oil before storing it in the fridge. This will last 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator. Or freeze for up to 4 months.
Notes
Feel free to use different chilies, or mix of dried chilies, taking care to pay attention to heat levels. Add Chilies de Arbol for heat or dried Chipotles for depth and smokiness.
SALSA MACHA BOWLS:
- 1 medium yam-diced into ½ inch thick cubes
- 1 red bell pepper- sliced into 1 inch thick wedges ( or use poblano peppers)
- ½ red onion- into ½ inch thick half moons
- 2 boneless chicken breasts or thighs, or use tofu filets
- drizzle of olive oil, generous sprinkle salt, pepper and cumin
- Optional Bowl Bases- Seasoned Black Beans, or Mexican Pinto Beans, Cilantro rice or Cauliflower Rice, Greens
- Bowl Toppings- avocado, sprouts, cilantro, lime, sesame seeds
To make the BOWLS
- Preheat oven to 425F
- Place prepped yams, onions and peppers on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
- Place chicken or tofu on the side of the sheet pan.
- Drizzle with oil, gently tossing veggies, then chicken and tofu. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and cumin.
- Bake in the middle of the oven for 20 minutes. Spoon some salsa macha over the chicken or tofu. Continue cooking for 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Assemble Bowls. If using a Bowl Base like rice or beans, divide it among two bowls. Top it with roasted chicken or tofu, veggies. Add avocado, cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Spoon more salsa macha on if you like, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 142
- Sugar: 0.6 g
- Sodium: 302.5 mg
- Fat: 14.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 2.6 g
- Protein: 1.8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
The salsa macha was so much fun to make! The smells that eminated from the sizzling olive oil as the garlic, shallots, and pepitas fried were incredible. It turned out so delicious with deep, earthy flavors and a slow burn heat (I added 1 tsp chipotle powder). I could have eated it by the spoonful! I made bowls with sweet potato, cauliflower, onion, bell pepper, and chicken thighs. I am excited to use the leftover salsa for fish tacos or other dishes. I see so many uses for this delicious salsa. Note: I have friends who lived in San Pancho for several years and had the opportunity to visit a few times. I loved the story of discovering this salsa at the farmers market because I’ve been there! What a wonderful spot.
It is amazing there! Glad you enjoyed this Amanda! xoxo
Why don’t your videos work for me? There is only a photo and sometimes even that space is blank. Thanks for any help!
I wonder if you ad blocker it turned on. Sometimes switching to a different browser can help too?
I was skeptical but always up to try something new – I had never heard of Macha Salsa. I followed the recipe using half Pasilla and half Anjo chilies…it was what I had. I used half pepitas and half slivered almonds. It was so easy. The only problem was that my food processor would not blend the chilies. I transferred the mixture to my blender and it was fine. Since my chilis were mild, next time I will spice it up a bit more. We all loved it. Subtle flavors. Really nice. I look forward to trying this sauce on other things! Thanks again for another stellar recipe.
thanks Mert! Love that you gave this a go!
very different and fun, tastes really good!
Glad you enjoyed this Lisa!
This looks so good and I want to make this, but wanted a clarification: for the salsa macha, you mention 1 cup of olive oil – do you use all of it in one shot in step 2 of your instructions (your picture seems to indicate otherwise), or do you take a smaller amount to saute the garlic/shallots/nuts and then add the rest later? If adding it later, at what stage do you add it – when blending in the food processor or when putting in the fridge and layering with olive oil?
Thanks for your lovely recipes!
Hi there! Yes, add it all in one shot- step one. Photos don’t always accurately convey- so always refer to the recipe card. 🙂
This is DELICIOUS! The sauce is incredible with the chicken + veggies. I can’t wait to use more of it this week.
Yay Liz- I like this one too!
This is a RAVE REVIEW!!!
The flavors are heavenly, and I have leftovers for tacos today. The salsa is just decadent! Hubby loved every bite, and so did I. I found your blog because I was researching plant-based meals, but your approach to so many recipes (cooking meat and plant proteins side by side to satisfy anyone) is truly exciting. This recipe was perfection, but next time, I’ll try tofu for me and still cook chicken for hubby. I’ve been vegetarian; I’m been an omnivore; I even tried keto, but I think that your flexible approach is one that really resonates with me. Thank you for sharing your amazing recipes.
Thanks so much and glad you enjoyed this!
We live 600 miles south of the Mexican border in Baja. This sauce is served in some restaurants here. I always treasure the little container the cooks give me to take home! NOW…I have a recipe that is even better than theirs!💃🚶♂️Shhh…I will never tell them!🤗
haha, love it!
This Salsa Macha sauce is really good! We didn’t get the chance to see how long it would last in the fridge because it was gone by the next day! We put it on eggs, chili soup, quesadillas, and of course the tofu and veggies from the recipe. I have to say, to me it seemed most flavorful just as a sauce. I marinated the tofu in the fridge for half a day and baked it covered in the sauce, but the best part of the flavor seemed to bake away. We just put more of it on top and it was great :). I don’t know if there is way to preserve the flavor better in marinating or baking.
I like it a little smoky and my wife doesn’t, so I just added some of the chipotle powder to some of it that I used, and that worked fine, the flavor incorporated well enough. We used pepitas, I am curious what the other seeds (or a mix) would be like for texture and taste. definitely making this one again.
Hi Nick! glad you liked this. You caould experiement with peanuts, almonds or sunflower seeds for other options!
This is my husbands favorite sauce. He even wants to lick the blender so I don’t waste a drop. How many chilies de arbol should I add to increase the heat level a bit? Do I still keep the other chilies? We love the smoky richness the guajillo’s have, just want it to have a little more heat next time. I’m not very experience with dried chilies.
Great to hear! To increase the heat, I would just start with a few, 2-3?
Thank you for the quick response and advise. Excited to try!
I made this with raw peanuts. Really great stuff! Can’t wait to make some tacos tomorrow night. Thanks for the article!
Awesome, glad you liked it!
I have been searching for over a year for a good salsa macha recipe, and yours is amazingly delicious! I first had it at a now defunct taqueria near my home and I fell in love with this sauce! They always served it with fresh tortilla chips, & I would take it home and put it on everything! Your recipe is DEFINITELY spot on! Thank you SO MUCH FOR SHARING!
You are so welcome!
My family loved this sauce/ condiment! Wow! Even with plain old chili powder instead of the pods, it was amazing. Thanks Sylvia, your blog is really convenient with all the cross references. The pictures are beautiful and inspiring.
Great to hear and so happy you liked this!
A new favorite – was a little skeptical at first but this has become a family favorite.
Loved.
Excellent Recipe for Salsa Mach’s and the bowls were delicious!
This might need more stars than just 5. I’ve been making dinners exclusively from your website, and we are absolutely loving all of them. This one was so compelling (delicious-looking!), but I was worried about the heat level. I added ZERO chipotle, and it was perfect for us (we can’t handle too much heat)! We loved the mild heat and intense flavors, and we will absolutely be making more soon!
Great to hear Maigen! I like this one too!
Made this Salsa Macha recipe last weekend and have been enjoying it on so many things. Love it in tacos and over beans …so good!
Yup, this is a keeper. I am new to this site and wow, I cannot wait to try more of what’s here. Thank you, Sylvia, for the lovely combinations of good, fresh ingredients and flavorful herbs and spices……without spending half a day in the kitchen!
Loved your directions that stated the salsa macha could last a month in the fridge….ours didn’t last the week. My family loves spicy foods, but we’ve been a bit tired of the same tomato salsas. It is a wonderful blend of flavors.
Thanks for your tasty inventive recipes!
Wonderful! Even the 15-year-old picky eater scraped her bowl clean and went looking for more. Mixed some plain yogurt with some of the salsa with cilantro and lime for a creamy topping. So good!
Made this a couple of nights ago. OMG – it is simply delicious. Colorful, spicy (I used hot chilis) and my two grown sons loved it! A keeper for sure.
I made this last night. WOW!!!! This is absolutely my new favorite sauce for…. everything ;-)! Made it with tofu and tons of roasted veggies. Put everything on top of some fresh kale and spinach. It was amazing!
I had 3 friends over (none of them are vegetarian) and they said “wow I could TOTALLY be vegetarian if I could eat like this every night!!!” That’s my favorite compliment! Thank you so much for sharing your amazing recipes and ideas <3
Haha..I love hearing this….glad you enjoyed and won your fiends over!!
Super yummy and….super yummy. I also used the salsa on top of shrimp fajitas with lime. I’m guessing it’s amazing on anything. Thanks for sharing! This bowl and salsa recipe is a keeper!
This looks absolutely delicious! I cannot wait to try it!! Thank you! As always, your photos are gorgeous and makes me hungry just looking at them!