For rich, smoky BBQ beef, you want a salsa that is bright, fresh, and acidic to cut through the fat and complement the savory flavors.
This easy, no-cook salsa is perfect. It relies on canned goods and a few fresh ingredients, takes about 10 minutes to make, and its smoky-sweet flavor profile is a fantastic match for beef.
This salsa is more like a chunky relish, providing great texture and a refreshing contrast to the tender, heavy beef.
Why it Works with BBQ Beef:
-
Acidity: The lime juice cuts through the richness of the beef.
-
Sweetness: The corn provides a sweet pop that complements smoky BBQ flavours.
-
Freshness: The cilantro and red onion lift the palate.
-
Texture: The combination of beans and corn adds a satisfying texture.
Ingredients:
-
1 can (14 oz / 398 ml) black beans, rinsed and drained
-
1 can (12 oz / 341 ml) sweet corn, drained (or about 1.5 cups of frozen or fresh-cooked corn kernels)
-
1 red bell pepper, finely diced
-
1/2 a red onion, finely diced
-
1 jalapeño, finely minced (remove seeds for less heat)
-
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
-
1/4 cup lime juice (from 2-3 limes)
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
1 tsp cumin
-
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or chipotle powder for more heat)
-
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions:
-
Prep the Canned Goods: Thoroughly rinse the black beans and drain the corn. Place them in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
-
Chop the Vegetables: Finely dice the red bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño and add them to the bowl.
-
Combine Everything: Add the chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, and smoked paprika to the bowl.
-
Mix and Season: Stir everything together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. For the best flavour, let the salsa sit for at least 15-20 minutes for the ingredients to meld.
Tips and Variations:
-
Make it Ahead: This salsa gets even better after an hour or two in the fridge. You can easily make it in the morning for your BBQ later in the day.
-
For Extra Smoke: Since it's BBQ, if you have fresh corn on the cob, grill it until it's lightly charred before cutting the kernels off. This will add a fantastic layer of authentic smoke flavour.
-
Add Avocado: For a creamier texture, dice one avocado and gently fold it in just before serving.
-
Serve it: You can serve it as a side dish or spoon it directly over the sliced BBQ beef.