How to Thicken Fresh Salsa

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Things You'll Need

  • Cornstarch

  • Bowl

  • Water

  • Saucepan

  • Whisk

Thicken fresh salsa with a cornstarch slurry.

Of the many different recipes for salsa, each yields salsa that has a different consistency. It can be difficult to achieve the right consistency when you make salsa, but you do not have to be disappointed with thin salsa. If your salsa appears too thin, you can thicken it with cornstarch. You cannot simply add cornstarch directly to the salsa. The cornstarch must be made into slurry, and then heated to achieve the desired consistency.

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Step 1

Place 1 tbsp. of cornstarch in a bowl for every cup of salsa that you want to thicken. Add an equal amount of water to the bowl and stir to form a paste.

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Step 2

Place the salsa in a saucepan on the stove over medium heat. Bring the salsa to a simmer.

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Step 3

Whisk the cornstarch paste into the salsa. Stirring continuously, heat the salsa for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Step 4

Bring the salsa to a boil and then reduce the heat to bring it back to a simmer to remove the starch taste. Boil the salsa for 1 minute and then remove it from the stove.

Tip

Since salsa contains acids, you may need to increase the amount of cornstarch that you add to achieve the desired thickness.

Replace the cornstarch with arrowroot or tapioca starch if you desire.

Warning

Avoid boiling the salsa longer than 1 minute after you add the cornstarch because it will break down and become thin again.

Never add cornstarch or any other thickener to salsa before you can it. Only add the thickening agent when you open the can of salsa.

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