The secret has been unveiled! This Corn Salsa recipe was shared by the Official Chipotle account on TikTok. Here’s the recipe they provided, along with a few insider tips from Chipotle employees to help you recreate their beloved Roasted Chili Corn Salsa at home!
Corn Salsa – Chipotle’s Official Recipe!
While TikTok can provide endless entertainment, I particularly enjoy when my favorite restaurants use the platform to highlight their signature dishes!
During the 2020 quarantine, Chipotle’s official TikTok account unveiled a range of their signature recipes, including the medium Roasted Chili Corn Salsa.
After some investigative effort, I gathered insights from various employees, integrating their information with what Chipotle shared in the video to create a recipe that replicates the taste of their dish!
Although nothing can truly mimic the experience of ordering takeout from Chipotle, this recipe is ideal for when you want to prepare a large batch for game day or need something delicious to pair with your slow-cooked tacos or burrito bowls.
Recipe Notes
The recipe that Chipotle provided is surprisingly quick and simple. The name – Roasted Chili Corn Salsa – might suggest complexity, but it can be assembled swiftly. This is understandable considering they prepare large quantities fresh each day in their bustling restaurants!
In this section, I’ll detail how I crafted this recipe, based on both the TikTok tutorial and feedback from employees at the website and restaurants.
If you wish to dive into the specifics yourself, feel free to do so here. Alternatively, if you’re looking for the recipe directly, check out the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- White corn – While the video only mentions corn, the website specifies white corn, celebrated for its sweetness. After thorough testing, I’ve determined that white corn offers a flavor profile more aligned with what you experience at the restaurant. Nonetheless, yellow corn can also be used if that’s what’s available, and it will still taste delicious.
- I’ve also learned that Chipotle utilizes frozen corn, which simplifies preparation significantly. If you prefer fresh corn, you can cook it using your favored method, then cut the kernels off the cob and use them instead.
- Cilantro – While the recipe calls for a modest amount, fresh cilantro is crucial as it imparts the only herb/spice flavor. Adjust the quantity to suit your taste preferences.
- Red onion – Chipotle likely uses red onion, but if it’s unavailable, yellow or white onion should also work well.
- Jalapeño – This ingredient was a bit more intriguing. According to the TikTok video, they utilize jalapeño, while Chipotle’s website suggests roasted poblano pepper. However, the ingredient showcased in the video appears to be raw jalapeño.
- In my tests, I noticed minimal taste differences between the two. Ultimately, my choice will depend on personal preference.
### Ingredients Overview
Both the traditional and jalapeño variations of the dish offer equal convenience, with no significant differences between them. Each choice delivers outstanding—and remarkably similar—outcomes.
– **Lime and Lemon Juice**: The TikTok recipe emphasizes lime juice as a key ingredient, sourced from a designated container. However, both the official website and staff clarify that a combination of lime and lemon juice is actually used. The addition of both citrus fruits significantly enriches the flavor profile, making it akin to enjoying the dish at the restaurant.
– **Salt**: This is the ingredient that harmonizes the overall flavors. Salt works to blend everything cohesively, although it should be used in moderation—excess salt may overpower the dish.
### Step-by-Step Recipe
While I will provide several crucial steps from the recipe here, please make sure to **consult the recipe card below for exhaustive instructions** on preparing Chipotle’s Corn Salsa.
Ensure you have all ingredients at the ready.
1. **Combine Ingredients**: Thoroughly mix the chopped cilantro, diced onion, jalapeño, lemon juice, and lime juice in a bowl.
This preparation lays the foundation for a vibrant and tasty salsa that can serve as a fantastic appetizer or a savory complement to your homemade meals.
In a large mixing bowl, mix the corn with salt and then add in the onion mixture. Thoroughly combine all the ingredients.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Finely Chop – To achieve a texture similar to Chipotle’s corn salsa, make sure to finely chop your ingredients. The smaller the cuts of onion, cilantro, and peppers, the better they will merge their flavors in every bite.
- First Mix Lemon Lime Juice with the chopped onions, jalapeño, and cilantro. This method will tone down the sharpness of the onions and peppers, allowing the flavors of all ingredients to blend harmoniously. This technique aligns with how Chipotle prepares their corn salsa.
- Let it Sit – For the best taste, let the salsa rest for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to blend and develop beautifully.
Suggestions for Serving Corn Salsa
The lively and fresh tastes of Chipotle’s corn salsa are universally appreciated! It pairs excellently with a range of dishes, from Chipotle staples like burritos, bowls, salads, and tacos to beloved home-cooked meals such as grilled chicken, beef, pork, and fish.
Here are some enticing options to enhance with this salsa!
Suggestions for Side Dishes
Feel free to use it as a topping or serve it beside your main dish. It genuinely elevates the taste of nearly any protein, transforming your meal into something extraordinary!
For an even more delightful experience, try pairing it with my tableside-style guacamole and fresh pico de gallo, creating a meal that’s truly unforgettable.
More Salsa Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, I invite you to explore additional simple recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights!
You can discover all of my EASY recipes here or check out a selection of our readers’ favorite salsa recipes listed below.
This recipe was first introduced on the official Chipotle TikTok account. After testing and refining it, we achieved a flavor reminiscent of the Roasted Chili Corn Salsa found in Chipotle restaurants! It’s great as a dip for chips or can be incorporated into burritos, salads, tacos, quesadillas, and more.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
servings
Instructions
Thoroughly mix together the cilantro, onion, jalapeño, and the juices from the lemon and lime.
In a separate large bowl, combine the corn and salt, then gently fold in the onion mixture. Ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Recipe Notes
Substitutions:- Frozen White Corn — Should yellow corn be your only available option, it will still be just as tasty. It’s commonly known that Chipotle uses frozen corn, which I also prefer for cooking. Alternatively, you can use fresh corn prepared in your preferred way and then cut off the cob.
- Cilantro — If cilantro isn’t to your liking, you can diminish the amount or completely exclude it; however, this will change the overall taste of the Chipotle corn salsa.
- Red Onion — Although Chipotle uses red onion, yellow or white onions can serve as effective substitutes if red onion is unavailable.
Storage Instructions: To keep leftovers, portion them into meal sizes and place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
How to Adjust Size: This recipe can be easily doubled for larger events or halved for smaller servings.
Variations:
Roasted Chili Corn Salsa with Poblanos
On a gas stovetop, turn the flame to high. With tongs, place a large poblano pepper (or two smaller ones) directly in or over the flame, rotating until the skin becomes charred and blistered, mainly turning black. If a gas stove isn’t accessible, a gas grill can also do the job in about 3 to 5 minutes.
Move the charred peppers into a bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let them rest until the skin loosens and they cool enough to handle, roughly 10 minutes.
Wearing gloves or using a kitchen towel, gently rub off the charred skin and discard. Slice the pepper lengthwise to remove the stem, seeds, and ribs, then chop finely.
- Add the finely chopped roasted pepper to the corn mixture and follow the remaining recipe instructions.
Roasted Chili Corn Salsa with Fresh Corn
- Boil 3-4 ears of corn using your preferred method.
- After cooking, cool them in an ice bath or in the refrigerator. Once cooled, cut the kernels from the cob and set aside 2 cups for this recipe.
Large Batch Chipotle Corn Salsa
If you’re preparing for a larger group, consider doubling the recipe to yield about 5-6 cups.
- 4 cups white corn
- 1/4 cup chopped jalapeño
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 0.25cup, Calories: 40kcal (2%), Total Carbohydrates: 9g (3%), Protein: 1g (2%), Total Fat: 1g (2%), Saturated Fat: 1g (6%), Sodium: 147mg (6%), Potassium: 104mg (3%),
Dietary Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugars: 3g (3%), Vitamin A: 34IU (1%), Vitamin C: 4mg (5%), Iron: 1mg (6%)
