Mushroom Free Smoky BBQ Salsa

Total time27 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time12 min

4.9

(20)

This salsa is built entirely on fire and smoke, and it delivers a depth of flavor that most store-bought versions can only dream about. Roma tomatoes, red bell peppers, and jalapeño all get pressed cut-side down into a screaming-hot cast iron pan until they're deeply charred and blistered — that caramelized char is where all the magic lives. Smoked paprika and chipotle powder layer on even more smokiness, while a touch of maple syrup and apple cider vinegar balance everything out with just the right sweet-tangy edge. Garlic-infused oil keeps the allium flavor present without any actual garlic or onion pieces, and the scallion greens add a fresh, mild bite that ties it all together. The whole thing comes together in one skillet, which means cleanup is minimal and the reward is massive. Serve it warm straight from the pan, let it cool to room temperature, or chill it down — it's genuinely great at every temperature. Chips, tacos, grilled proteins, or a spoon straight from the bowl are all completely valid options here.

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Ingredients

8 servings

4 medium roma tomatoes, halved
2 medium red bell peppers, halved and seeded
1 jalapeño, halved and seeded
2 tbsp garlic-infused oil, divided
4 scallions, green tops only, thinly sliced
1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
½ tsp chipotle powder
½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (optional)

Instructions

1
Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over high heat until very hot, about 2 minutes. Brush the cut sides of the tomatoes, bell peppers, and jalapeño with 1 tablespoon of the garlic-infused oil.
2
Place the tomatoes, bell peppers, and jalapeño cut-side down in the dry hot pan. Cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes, until the cut surfaces are deeply charred and the skins begin to blister and loosen. Flip and cook for 2 minutes more, until the skins are softened and the vegetables are tender throughout.

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