The mystery is solved! This Corn Salsa recipe was disclosed by the Official Chipotle account on TikTok. Here’s the recipe they shared, along with some insider pointers from Chipotle staff to help you recreate their popular Roasted Chili Corn Salsa at home!
Corn Salsa – Chipotle’s Official Recipe!
TikTok can provide endless entertainment, but I’m particularly excited when my favorite restaurants use it to present their signature dishes!
During the lockdown in 2020, Chipotle’s official TikTok account showcased several of their classic recipes, including the Roasted Chili Corn Salsa.
I’ve done some digging and gathered insights from various employees, combining their information with what Chipotle highlights in their video to create a recipe that closely resembles the flavor found in their restaurants!
While nothing can truly substitute for the experience of takeout from Chipotle, this recipe is ideal for moments when you want to prepare a sizable batch for game day or need something delicious to accompany your slow-cooked tacos or burrito bowls.
Recipe Notes
The recipe provided by Chipotle is surprisingly quick and simple. The name – Roasted Chili Corn Salsa – might suggest a more intricate process, but it can be done swiftly. This makes sense given that they prepare large quantities fresh every day in their busy restaurants!
In this section, I’ll describe how I crafted this recipe, incorporating both the TikTok instructions and the tips I received from the website and restaurant staff.
If you’re interested in exploring the details yourself, feel free to do so here. If you want the recipe straightaway, check out the printable recipe card at the conclusion of this post.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- White corn – While the video simply mentions corn, the website specifies white corn, recognized for its sweetness. After thorough testing, I find that white corn has a flavor that closely resembles what you experience at the restaurant. Nonetheless, yellow corn can also be substituted if that’s readily available, and it will still taste delightful.
- I’ve heard that Chipotle opts for frozen corn, which makes preparation much easier. If you prefer fresh corn, feel free to cook it using your favorite method, then cut the kernels off the cob for use instead.
- Cilantro – Even though the recipe calls for a modest amount, fresh cilantro is a must-have, providing the unique herb flavor. You can adjust the quantity according to your taste preferences.
- Red onion – Chipotle definitely uses red onion, but if you don’t have any on hand, yellow or white onion can work just as well.
- Jalapeño – This ingredient is a bit more intricate. The TikTok video indicates the use of jalapeño, whereas Chipotle’s website mentions roasted poblano pepper. However, the ingredient in the video appears to be raw jalapeño.
- I experimented with both options and found minimal taste differences. My preference ultimately…both choices are easily accessible, and there isn’t much difference between them. Both will yield outstanding—and strikingly similar—results.
- Lime and Lemon Juice – According to the TikTok recipe, lime juice is a vital part of the dish, dispensed from a labeled bottle. However, both the official site and team members clarify that the recipe actually includes a blend of lime and lemon juice. Using both types of citrus significantly elevates the taste, resembling the flavor you’d find at the restaurant.
- Salt – This ingredient harmonizes all the flavors. Salt blends everything together effectively, but use it with caution—too much can be overpowering.
Step-by-Step Recipe
While I will highlight essential steps in the recipe, please refer to the recipe card below for all the detailed instructions on making Chipotle’s Corn Salsa.
Make sure to gather all ingredients.
Thoroughly combine diced cilantro, chopped onion, jalapeño, lemon juice, and lime juice.
Suggestions for Pairing with Corn Salsa
Chipotle’s corn salsa is beloved for its fresh and colorful flavors! It pairs well with an array of dishes, from Chipotle classics like burritos, bowls, salads, and tacos to homemade favorites such as grilled chicken, beef, pork, and fish.
Here are some popular options to complement with this salsa!
Side Dish Recommendations
Use it as a topping or serve it by the side of your main dish. Its vibrant taste truly elevates almost any protein, making your meal extraordinary!
For a memorable dining experience, pair it with my tableside-style guacamole and fresh pico de gallo!
More Salsa Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, I encourage you to check out more quick and easy recipes ideal for those hectic evenings!
You can find all of my EASY recipes here or browse through a selection of our readers’ favorite salsa recipes listed below.
This recipe was originally shared on the Official Chipotle TikTok account. We tested and refined it to capture a flavor similar to the Roasted Chili Corn Salsa found in Chipotle restaurants! It serves wonderfully 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 the cilantro, onion, jalapeno, and the juices from the lemon and lime.
In a separate large bowl, combine the corn and salt, then fold in the onion mixture. Ensure all ingredients are blended evenly.
Refrigerate for half an hour.
Recipe Notes
Substitutions:- Frozen White Corn — If yellow corn is your only available option, it will still taste fantastic. Chipotle is known to use frozen corn, which I also prefer. Alternatively, you may use fresh corn prepared by your preferred method, then cut the kernels off the cob.
- Cilantro — If you’re not a cilantro enthusiast, feel free to lessen the amount or leave it out entirely, but keep in mind that this will change the flavor profile of the original Chipotle corn salsa.
- Red Onion — Chipotle typically uses red onion, but yellow or white onion can serve as effective replacements when red onion is unavailable.
How to Store: To preserve leftovers, portion into meal-sized servings and place in an airtight container. The salsa can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
How to Scale: This recipe can easily be doubled for larger groups or halved for smaller servings.
Variations:
Roasted Chili Corn Salsa with Poblanos
For a gas stove, set the flame to high. Using tongs, place a large poblano pepper (or two smaller ones) directly in or over the flame, turning as necessary until the skin is charred and blistered, mostly blackened. If a gas stove is unavailable, you can alternatively grill the peppers for 3 to 5 minutes.
After charring, transfer the peppers to a bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let it sit until the skin loosens and the peppers cool enough to handle—about 10 minutes.
Using gloves or a kitchen cloth, gently rub the charred skin until it comes off, discarding the skin afterward. Slice the pepper lengthwise, removing the stem, seeds, and ribs, then chop finely.
- Add the finely chopped roasted pepper to the corn mixture and proceed with the recipe as directed.
Roasted Chili Corn Salsa with Fresh Corn
- Boil 3-4 ears of corn using your preferred cooking method.
- Cool the corn in an ice bath or refrigerator. Once cooled, cut the kernels off the cob and set aside 2 cups for this recipe.
Large Batch Chipotle Corn Salsa
For larger gatherings, consider doubling this recipe to yield approximately 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: 0.25 cup, Calories: 40 kcal (2%), Total Carbohydrates: 9 g (3%), Protein: 1 g (2%), Total Fat: 1 g (2%), Saturated Fat: 1 g (6%), Sodium: 147 mg (6%), Potassium: 104 mg (3%)Sure! Here’s a rewritten version of the content with minimal changes to the wording while maintaining the original structure and information:
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Dietary Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugars: 3g (3%), Vitamin A: 34IU (1%), Vitamin C: 4mg (5%), Iron: 1mg (6%)
