Salsa de Cacahuate

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Salsa de Cacahuate is a rich, creamy, and slightly spicy peanut-based Mexican salsa that brings a unique depth of flavor to tacos, grilled meats, or vegetables. With its nutty undertones and vibrant blend of chiles and spices, it’s a bold and satisfying addition to any dish. Whether used as a dip or drizzled over your favorite meal, this salsa adds both texture and taste.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

dried guajillo chilies
dried arbol chilies
unsalted roasted peanuts
garlic cloves
white onion
vegetable oil
water or chicken broth
apple cider vinegar
salt

directions

Remove stems and seeds from the guajillo and arbol chilies.

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chilies for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.

Set the chilies aside and in the same skillet, sauté the garlic and onion with a bit of oil until soft and golden.

Add the peanuts and toast for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly.

Transfer all ingredients to a blender: toasted chilies, garlic, onion, peanuts, water or broth, vinegar, and salt.

Blend until smooth, adding more liquid as needed to achieve your desired consistency.

Taste and adjust salt or vinegar to balance the flavors.

Pour the salsa into a bowl or jar and let it cool before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 1½ cups of salsa.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Blending and cooling time: 5-10 minutes
Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Add a touch of honey for a sweet-spicy flavor contrast.
Use chipotle peppers for a smoky twist.
Substitute vinegar with lime juice for a citrusy note.
Add a roasted tomato for more body and complexity.
Stir in a bit of cream or crema for a milder, creamier version.

storage/reheating

Store Salsa de Cacahuate in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
This salsa can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

FAQs

What does Salsa de Cacahuate taste like?
It has a rich, nutty flavor with a smoky heat from the chilies and a tangy kick from the vinegar.

Is it very spicy?
The heat level depends on the amount of arbol chilies used. You can adjust to taste.

Can I use raw peanuts?
Yes, but toast them first to enhance the flavor.

Can I make it without a blender?
You can use a food processor or a traditional molcajete for a chunkier texture.

What dishes go well with this salsa?
It pairs well with grilled chicken, tacos al pastor, roasted veggies, and rice dishes.

Can I make it vegan?
Yes, just use water instead of chicken broth.

How can I thicken the salsa?
Reduce the amount of liquid or add more peanuts.

Can I make it thinner?
Yes, blend in more water or broth until you reach the desired consistency.

What kind of vinegar should I use?
Apple cider vinegar is best, but white vinegar or lime juice are good alternatives.

Does this salsa need to be cooked?
Only the ingredients are sautéed and toasted, but the salsa itself doesn’t need further cooking.

Conclusion

Salsa de Cacahuate is a flavorful and versatile salsa that stands out with its creamy texture and bold, nutty profile. Perfect for spicing up your meals or serving as a dip, it brings authentic Mexican flavor right to your table. Give it a try and enjoy a new favorite salsa that’s anything but ordinary.

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