Gustavo Romero's Charred Mango-Habanero Salsa

Charred Mango Habanero Salsa
July 2, 2026

Chef Gustavo Romero of Oro by Nixta returns with another lesson from his salsa masterclass, this time highlighting the magic of the tatemado technique. By charring ripe mangoes alongside habaneros, tomatoes, onion, and garlic, this mango habanero salsa develops a deep, smoky sweetness that perfectly balances its fiery kick. Blended until silky smooth with fresh lime and cilantro, it's a versatile salsa that's just as good with totopos as it is spooned over tacos, grilled seafood, roasted vegetables, or your favorite proteins.

Made In x Masienda Comal
Charred Mango Habanero Salsa Recipe

Charred Mango Habanero Salsa Recipe

Gustavo Romero

Servings

2 cups

Category

Salsas

Sweet meets smoky in this charred take on mango habanero salsa. Everything gets blistered on the comal to deepen its flavor and caramelize its natural sweetness. Blended until smooth with fresh lime and cilantro, this salsa is bold enough for grilled meats or seafood, but just as good for dipping chips into.

Ingredients

  • 2 ripe (but firm) mangos

  • 2 to 3 habanero chiles

  • ½ medium white onion

  • 1 Roma tomato

  • 2 garlic cloves

  • Juice of 2 limes

  • 1 tbsp neutral oil

  • Salt, to taste

  • ¼ cup cilantro, chopped

Directions

  1. Heat a comal or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mangos, habaneros, onion, tomato, and garlic. Cook, turning occasionally, until each ingredient is deeply blistered and lightly charred. Remove the garlic and habaneros first as they finish cooking, followed by the onion, tomato, and mangos.

  2. Transfer the charred mangos, habaneros, onion, tomato, and garlic to a blender. Add the lime juice and blend on low speed. While blending, slowly drizzle in the oil until the salsa is smooth and emulsified. Season with salt to taste.

  3. Fold in the chopped cilantro, or pulse once or twice to incorporate while keeping the cilantro bright and fresh.

  4. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or alongside tacos, grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables.

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