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    “Delicious Chipotle Corn Salsa: An Easy Recipe Straight from TikTok!”

    The secret has been revealed! This Corn Salsa recipe was unveiled by the Official Chipotle account on TikTok. Here’s the recipe they provided, along with some insider tips from Chipotle staff to help you recreate their famous Roasted Chili Corn Salsa right at home!

    Corn Salsa – Chipotle’s Official Recipe!

    TikTok can offer hours of entertainment, but I get particularly thrilled when my favorite eateries utilize it to showcase their signature dishes!

    During the 2020 quarantine, Chipotle’s official TikTok account revealed a variety of their iconic recipes, including the medium Roasted Chili Corn Salsa.

    I have conducted some investigative work and gleaned insights from various employees, merging the information they provided with what Chipotle features in their video to formulate a recipe that mirrors the taste of the restaurant’s dish!

    While nothing can truly replace the experience of takeout from Chipotle, this recipe is perfect for those occasions when you want to whip up a large batch for game day or require something extra tasty to accompany your slow-cooked tacos or burrito bowls.

    Recipe Notes

    The recipe that Chipotle provided is surprisingly swift and straightforward. The name – Roasted Chili Corn Salsa – might imply complexity, but it can be prepared quickly. This makes sense considering they produce large quantities fresh daily in their bustling restaurants!

    In this section, I’ll outline how I developed this recipe, drawing upon both the TikTok guidance and the insights received from the website and restaurant employees.

    If you wish to delve 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 to make chipotle corn salsa - corn, salt, cilantro, onion and lime

    Ingredients and Substitutions

    1. White corn – While the video simply refers to corn, the website specifies white corn, known for its sweetness. After extensive testing, I find that white corn has a flavor profile that is closer to what you get at the restaurant. However, yellow corn can also be used if that is what you have on hand, and it will still be quite tasty.
      • I’ve also heard that Chipotle uses frozen corn, which simplifies prep work significantly. If you prefer fresh corn, feel free to cook it using your preferred method, then cut the kernels off the cob and use them instead.
    2. Cilantro – Although the recipe requires a relatively small quantity, fresh cilantro is an essential ingredient, adding the only herb/spice flavor. Adjust the amount based on your personal taste.
    3. Red onion – Chipotle undoubtedly uses red onion, but if you’re out, yellow or white onion can yield good results as well.
    4. Jalapeño – This ingredient proved to be a bit more complex. According to the TikTok video, they use jalapeño, while Chipotle’s website mentions roasted poblano pepper. However, the ingredient appears to be raw jalapeño in the video.
      • I tested both options and noticed minimal taste differences. My choice ultimately leans toward jalapeño.

    Both options are simply more convenient to access, and there’s little distinction between them. Each will provide excellent—and remarkably comparable—results.

  • Lime and Lemon juice – As outlined in the TikTok recipe, lime juice is an essential component of the dish. It is poured from a clearly labeled container filled with juice. However, both the official website and staff confirm that the recipe actually uses a mixture of lime and lemon juice. Incorporating both citrus types really enhances the flavor, closely resembling what you would enjoy at the restaurant.
  • Salt – This ingredient unifies all the flavors. Salt acts to blend everything harmoniously, but use it sparingly—too much will become overwhelming.
  • Step-by-Step Recipe

    While I will outline several essential steps in the recipe here, please be sure to refer to the recipe card below for complete instructions on how to prepare Chipotle’s Corn Salsa.

    Ensure all ingredients are gathered.

    How to make chipotle corn salsa step 1 combine all ingredients into bowlHow to make chipotle corn salsa step 1 combine all ingredients into bowl

    Mix chopped cilantro, diced onion, jalapeno, lemon juice, and lime juice thoroughly.

    how to make chipotle corn salsa step 2 mix all ingredients until combined. chill and servehow to make chipotle corn salsa step 2 mix all ingredients until combined. chill and serve

    In a spacious bowl, combine the corn with salt, then incorporate the onion mixture. Stir all ingredients well.

    A white bowl of corn salsa and a spoonA white bowl of corn salsa and a spoon

    Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

    Recipe Tips

    1. Finely Chop – For a texture similar to Chipotle corn salsa, finely chop your ingredients. The smaller the onion, cilantro, and peppers, the better they will blend flavors in every bite.
    2. First Mix Lemon Lime Juice with the onions, jalapeño, and cilantro. This approach will mellow the intensity of the onions and peppers and help harmonize the flavors of all ingredients. You can see that this method is consistent with how Chipotle prepares their corn salsa.
    3. Let it Sit – The salsa tastes best after resting for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to merge and develop.
    A white bowl of corn salsa and a chipA white bowl of corn salsa and a chip

    Serving Suggestions for Corn Salsa

    Everyone loves the vibrant, fresh flavors that Chipotle’s corn salsa offers! It complements a variety of dishes, from Chipotle favorites like burritos, bowls, salads, and tacos to home-cooked staples such as grilled chicken, beef, pork, and fish.

    Here are some popular options to enhance with this salsa!

    Side Dish Suggestions

    You can either use it as a topping or serve it alongside your main dish. It truly enhances the flavor of nearly any protein, making your meal feel exceptional!

    For an even greater experience, combine it with my tableside-style guacamole and fresh pico de gallo for a meal that’s simply unforgettable.

    Additional Salsa Recipes

    You can find all of my EASY recipes here or check out a selection of our readers’ favorite salsa recipes listed below.

    This recipe was first showcased on the Official Chipotle TikTok account. We conducted tests and refined it to achieve a flavor reminiscent of the Roasted Chili Corn Salsa available in Chipotle restaurants! It works great as a chip dip or can be added to burritos, salads, tacos, quesadillas, and more.

    Prep Time: 10 minutes

    Total Time: 10 minutes

    8 servings

    Instructions 

    • Mix the cilantro, onion, jalapeno, and the juices of the lemon and lime together thoroughly.

    • In a separate large bowl, combine the corn and salt, then fold in the onion mixture. Blend all ingredients until evenly mixed.

    • Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

    Recipe Notes

    Substitutions: 

    • Frozen White Corn — If yellow corn is your only option, it will still be equally delicious. It’s widely understood that Chipotle uses frozen corn , and I also prefer cooking with it. Alternatively, fresh corn can be prepared using your chosen method, then cut off the cob for use.
    • Cilantro — If you’re not a fan of cilantro, feel free to reduce the quantity or completely omit it; however, this will alter the original flavor of the Chipotle corn salsa. 
    • Red Onion — While Chipotle definitely employs red onion, yellow or white onion are suitable substitutes if you find yourself without red onion.

    How to Store: For leftover preservation, divide into meal portions, then transfer to an airtight container to keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. 
    How to Scale: This recipe can be effortlessly doubled for larger gatherings or halved for smaller portions.
    Variations:
    Roasted Chili Corn Salsa with Poblanos

    1. Using a gas stovetop, heat the flame to high. Place a large poblano pepper (or two small ones) directly in or over the flame with tongs, rotating until the skin becomes charred and blistered, showing a mostly blackened color. An alternative is to use a gas grill for 3 to 5 minutes if a gas stove isn’t available.

    2. Transfer the charred peppers to a bowl and tightly cover it with plastic wrap. Allow it to sit until the skin loosens and the peppers cool down enough to be handled, approximately 10 minutes.

    3. With gloves or a kitchen towel, gently rub the charred skin until it comes off, then discard the skin. Slice the pepper lengthwise; remove the stem, seeds, and ribs, and then chop finely.

    4. Add the finely chopped roasted pepper to the corn mixture and continue with the recipe as directed.

    Roasted Chili Corn Salsa with Fresh Corn

    1. Cook 3-4 ears of corn in boiling water or using your preferred cooking technique.
    2. Cool in an ice bath or refrigerator. Once cooled, cut the kernels off the cob and use 2 cups for this recipe.

    Large Batch Chipotle Corn Salsa
    If you’re looking to serve a larger group, consider making this recipe in double, yielding 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: 0.25cup, 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%)

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