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 and Substitutions
- 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.
- 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.
- Red onion – Chipotle undoubtedly uses red onion, but if you’re out, yellow or white onion can yield good results as well.
- 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.
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.
Mix chopped cilantro, diced onion, jalapeno, lemon juice, and lime juice thoroughly.
In a spacious bowl, combine the corn with salt, then incorporate the onion mixture. Stir all ingredients well.
Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Recipe Tips
- 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.
- 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.
- Let it Sit – The salsa tastes best after resting for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to merge and develop.
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.