Pico de gallo
(Salsa fresca, Salsa Mexicana)
Unlike most other types of salsa, pico de gallo is of solid consistency, made with a combination of coriander, onions, tomatoes, and hot peppers such as serranos or jalapeños. Pico de gallo is very popular due to its bold flavors and the fact that the preparation process is quite simple: the ingredients should only be chopped, seasoned, and mixed together, and the salsa is ready to be served.
Its name is means rooster's beak, but the origins of the name remain a mystery. However, there are some interesting theories about the origin of its name. Some believe that the dish got its name because the salsa was consumed using the thumb and index finger, an action reminiscent of the rooster's beak sting.
Others claim that the name is derived from the color of the salsa, which is reminiscent of rooster's feathers. The third theory says it's because the ingredients are chopped to the same size as the food of a rooster. Whatever the origin of its name might be, pico de gallo brings freshness and flavor to numerous meat, fish, and egg dishes, or traditional Mexican dishes such as tacos, nachos, and quesadillas.
Part of
Carne Asada Burrito
Carne asada burrito is a type of burrito that originates from San Diego. The dish consists of a large flour tortilla topped with carne asada meat, pico de gallo, and guacamole.... Read more
Navajo Tacos
Navajo tacos, Indian tacos, or frybread tacos is a traditional dish originating from the Midwest and Intermountain region states such as Arizona, South ... Read more
Tacos de camarones
Taco de camaron is a variety of taco filled with shrimps and various other ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, coriander, mayonnaise, or pico de gallo. Shrimp tacos ... Read more
Mission Burrito
The first Mission burrito was made either at El Faro taqueria in San Francisco's Mission District on September 26, 1961 or at La Cumbre taqueria on September ... Read more
Pairing tips
Tequila
This strong spirit originated in a small city of Tequila and was modeled on mezcal. The highly prized, original tequila varieties are made exclusively ... Read more
Serve with
Nachos
The first, original plate of nachos consisting of tortilla chips, melted cheese, and jalapeños was made for a group of military officers' wives in 1943 in Piedras ... Read more
Quesadilla
Quesadilla is a simple Mexican snack consisting of a flour or corn tortilla filled with cheese that melts well. It is commonly folded in half and consumed. A quesadilla ... Read more
Mollete (Mexico)
Mollete is a traditional sandwich from northern Mexico consisting of a halved bolillo bread roll that is topped with refried beans, cheese, and tomato salsa.&... Read more
Recipe variations
Pico de Gallo
READY IN 5minThe following gives instructions on how to prepare a basic pico de gallo salsa consisting of only tomatoes, serrano pepper, onion, coriander, lime, and salt. The recipe makes for three cups.
Jalisco-style Pico de Gallo
READY IN 15minThe following recipe gives instructions on how to prepare pico de gallo as it's made in the state of Jalisco, where they serve this dish with tequila. Unlike the basic version, jicama and oranges are used instead of tomatoes.
Yucatán-style Pico de Gallo
READY IN 25minThe following is the recipe for Yucatán-style pico de gallo or x'nipek, as it's also called, which is made with charred vegetables, habanero pepper, and sour orange juice. It's adapted from the website of the Los Dos Cooking School in Mérida, Yucatán, founded by chef David Sterling, the preeminent authority on Yucatán cuisine who published two praised cookbooks, most notably Yucatán: Recipes from a Culinary Expedition, which got two James Beard awards.
Pico de Gallo with Xoconostle
READY IN 10minThe following recipe gives instructions on how to prepare pico de gallo with xoconostle, a cactus fruit similar to a prickly pear cactus. Remove the seeds and veins from the serrano pepper if you want to cut back on the heat.
Pico de gallo Authentic recipe
The following gives instructions on how to prepare a basic pico de gallo salsa consisting of only tomatoes, serrano pepper, onion, coriander, lime, and salt. The recipe makes for three cups.
WHERE TO EAT The best Pico de gallo in the world (according to food experts)
