📖 Instructions

1. Gather Your Ingredients: It's always a good idea to start by laying out all the ingredients on your workspace. This makes the whole process smoother and helps prevent you from forgetting anything.
2. Prep the Tangerines: Gently wash the tangerines under cool water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Carefully peel each tangerine, removing as much of the white pith as possible. This will help to avoid any bitterness in your salsa. Then, segment the tangerines by pulling apart the sections, and roughly chop the tangerine segments into smaller, bite-sized pieces. You want them to be small enough to easily scoop up with a chip, but not so small that they turn into mush.
3. Dice the Red Onion: Peel the red onion and cut it in half through the root end. Place one half flat-side down on your cutting board. Make horizontal cuts, without cutting all the way through the root end. Then, make vertical cuts, again without cutting through the root. Finally, slice across the onion to create small, even dice. Dicing the red onion evenly ensures a consistent flavor distribution throughout the salsa.
4. Mince the Jalapeño: Wearing gloves (optional but recommended!), remove the stem from the jalapeño. Slice the jalapeño in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds and membranes to reduce the heat. Mince the jalapeño very finely. Remember, you can always add more jalapeño if you want it spicier, but you can't take it away!
5. Chop the Cilantro: Rinse the cilantro under cold water and pat it dry. Gather the cilantro into a bunch and chop it finely. Cilantro adds a fresh, vibrant flavor to the salsa, so don't skimp on it!
6. Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the chopped tangerines, diced red onion, minced jalapeño, and chopped cilantro. Give everything a gentle toss to distribute the ingredients evenly.
7. Add Lime Juice and Season: Squeeze the juice from one lime over the mixture. Use a fork to remove any seeds that may fall into the bowl. Season the salsa with a pinch of salt and a grind of black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want a little more lime juice for extra tang, or a touch more salt to bring out the flavors.
8. Let the Flavors Meld: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salsa for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and intensifies the overall taste. Trust me, it makes a difference!
9. Serve and Enjoy: Once the salsa has chilled, give it one last gentle stir. Transfer it to a serving bowl and garnish with a few extra cilantro sprigs, if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite tortilla chips, grilled meats, or as a topping for tacos and salads. Get ready for a burst of flavor!