• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Mexico In My Kitchen
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Index
  • About
    • Contact
    • Testimonials
  • Cookbook
  • Meal Menu
  • Español
  • In our kitchen
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Index
  • About
    • Contact
    • Testimonials
  • Cookbook
  • Meal Menu
  • Español
  • In our kitchen
×

You are here: Home » Beef » Braised Short Ribs in Tomatillo Sauce | Receta de Costillas de Res en Salsa Verde

Braised Short Ribs in Tomatillo Sauce | Receta de Costillas de Res en Salsa Verde

Published: Oct 6, 2011 · Updated: Aug 12, 2018 by Mely Martínez

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Braised Short Ribs in Tomatillo Sauce

As soon as the weather starts getting cool my memories take me back to the city of Toluca. But particularly to a small restaurant, we used to go for brunch on Sundays. They only served stews made from all kinds of meats with Tomatillo sauce. The stew was served in a bowl which has about a ½ cup of pinto beans with its broth at the bottom and the stew of meat and tomatillo sauce on the top.

Braised Short Ribs in Tomatillo Sauce | Receta de Costillas de Res en Salsa Verde

Add a spoon and stack of handmade corn tortillas and you are in heaven. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. This is a very versatile recipe because you can also use pork or chicken, as well as add vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or any other vegetable you have on hand.
Braised Short Ribs in Tomatillo Sauce | Mexican Recipes

And why do I think about Toluca when it starts getting cold?  Well, the city has this sort of “sweater” climate almost year around. Toluca is a city in the Estado de México. Very close to the other México, the city, the capital of the country. The City of Toluca sits at an altitude of 8,973 Ft above sea level and has an average temperature of 54 degrees Fahrenheit, it varies from mild, cool, cold and very cold depending on the season. The city is famous for the red and green chorizos made in the region.

How to make Braised Short Ribs in Tomatillo Sauce

JUMP TO FULL INSTRUCTIONS Braised Short Ribs in Tomatillo Sauce | detailed step by step delicious tutorial

Instructions:

  • Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the avocado leaves if using. Slightly toast them for a few seconds per each side, they will release their aroma and turn a little brown. The addition of the leaves will give enhance the flavor of the stew. Remove from the pot to add the ribs. (Please check the ingredients list below)
  • Add the short ribs to the pot and brown well on all sides, place the dry and toasted avocado leaves back into the pot. Add  ½ cup of water and place the lid. Cook over medium heat for about 1 ½ hours or until meat is fork tender.

Braised Short Ribs in Tomatillo Sauce | enjoy this traditional recipe with a step by step photo tutorial.
Braised Short Ribs in Tomatillo Sauce | Learn how to do make it todayBraised Short Ribs in Tomatillo Sauce | Visit our site to check out the full recipeBraised Short Ribs in Tomatillo Sauce | Learn step by step how to make recipe today

  • While the meat is cooking, prepare the sauce.Place a griddle over a medium-high heat and roast the tomatillos and garlic cloves turning occasionally until they are charred about 10 minutes. Place the Arbol peppers on the griddle and lightly toasted them. This will take a few seconds. Place the chopped cilantro, peppers, garlic peel removed, tomatillos and the meat juices in a blender. Process until combined and smooth.

Braised Short Ribs in Tomatillo Sauce | A delicious and elegant dish that’s perfect for a nice dinnerBraised Short Ribs in Tomatillo Sauce | step by step instructions with photos of the process

  • Remove the meat pieces from your pot and add the sauce, simmer the sauce for 5 minutes and bring back the ribs to the pot. Keep cooking for 8 more minutes. Add some beef stock if needed. With the help of 2 forks shred the meat a bit and incorporate with the sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve with warm corn tortillas and white rice or pinto beans.

Braised Short Ribs in Tomatillo Sauce | Mexican Recipes

BRAISED SHORT RIBS IN TOMATILLO SAUCE

Mely Martínez - Mexico in my Kitchen
Braised Short Ribs in Tomatillo Sauce, this is a very versatile recipe because you can also use pork or chicken, as well as add vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or any other vegetable you have on hand. A delicious and elegant dish that’s perfect for a nice dinner.
4.84 from 25 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Add to Collection Go to Collections
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6 generous servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Lbs. Short ribs
  • 4 avocado leaves Optional
  • 1 Lb. and 6 oz. Tomatillos. About 8 medium size tomatillos
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 0.5 oz. árbol peppers about 5 peppers
  • 1 cup chopped cilantro about 1 bunch
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • ½ cup of meat juices after it is cooked

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the avocado leaves if using. Slightly toast them for a few seconds per each side, they will release their aroma and turn a little brown. The addition of the leaves will give enhance the flavor of the stew. Remove from the pot to add the ribs.
  • Add the short ribs to the pot and brown well on all sides, place the dry and toasted avocado leaves back into the pot. Add ½ cup of water and place the lid. Cook over medium heat for about 1 ½ hours or until meat is fork tender.
  • While the meat is cooking, prepare the sauce.Place a griddle in a medium-high heat and roast the tomatillos and garlic cloves turning occasionally until they are charred about 10 minutes. Place the Arbol peppers into the griddle and lightly toasted them. This will take a few seconds. Place the chopped cilantro, peppers, garlic peel removed, tomatillos and the meat juices in a blender. Process until combined and smooth.
  • Remove the meat pieces from your pot and add the sauce, simmer the sauce for 5 minutes and bring back the ribs to the pot. Keep cooking for 8 more minutes. Add some beef stock if needed. With the help of 2 forks shred the meat a bit and incorporate with the sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve with warm corn tortillas and white rice or pinto beans.

Notes

Discard the avocado leaves, I also remove the rib’s bones after they are cooked.
Keyword braised short ribs in tomatillo sauce, costillas de res recetas, costillas en salsa verde recipe
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

And now... who wants to join me for dinner?

¡Buen provecho!
Mely,

More recipes:
Alphabet Soup Recipe
How to Make Red Pozole

Previous Post: « Tamales Huastecos in Banana Leaves
Next Post: Beef Tongue Barbacoa Tacos »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Elsa

    October 06, 2011 at 1:42 am

    This looks delicious. I love to cook with short ribs.

    Reply
    • Kat

      October 16, 2020 at 7:13 pm

      5 stars
      Wow this recipe is great. My store didn't have beef short ribs so I used chuck roast and some chamorro instead. It turned out great. The fatty beef goes so well with the tomatillo sauce.

      Reply
      • Mely Martínez

        October 17, 2020 at 2:08 pm

        Hello Kat,
        Thank you for trying the recipe and for sharing the cuts of meat you used to make it. Great tip!

        Reply
  2. girlichef

    October 06, 2011 at 1:21 pm

    5 stars
    Oh my goodness, I would DEFINITELY be in heaven if I was sitting at a table with this meal in front of me. It's making me so hungry just looking at it. I think I need to visit Toluca...my kind of weather and in the heart of the country whose food I adore. I'll talk to mi esposo 😉 Delicious, Mely =)

    Reply
  3. Pily

    October 06, 2011 at 2:20 pm

    Wow! ésto me encantaaaaaa!!! son de los platillos favoritos de mi marido!!
    Qué delicia Mely, ya extrañaba tu cocina!
    Saludos querida Mely , un besote

    Reply
  4. kirby

    October 06, 2011 at 2:52 pm

    I'm in the moods for short ribs. I'm not sure why, but I always think pork when making green tomatillo sauces. I'll try it Saturday with beef short ribs.

    Reply
  5. Maria Ontiveros

    October 06, 2011 at 5:07 pm

    5 stars
    I would love to join you for dinner! AS much as I've enjoyed your guest posters, it seems that it's your recipes that always bring me back to a place of comfort (and hunger!).
    Thank-you,
    Rinda

    Reply
  6. Prieta

    October 07, 2011 at 6:37 pm

    5 stars
    Mely, I love this dish, it is my absolutely favorite! My mom and sister prepare this all the time and just looking at your pictures made me think of them and I'm drooling all over my keyboard. This is great!

    Reply
  7. Mexico in my kitchen

    October 10, 2011 at 12:35 am

    @ Elsa,

    I like short ribs too! They are so tasty.

    @Girlichef,

    I hope you visit Toluca next time you are in Mexico. The weather if always cool. Well almost always. 🙂

    @ Hola Pily,
    Entonces tu marido es de guisados, como el mio.
    Saludos,

    @Hello Kirby,
    If you make them let know if you like them.

    @ Maria Ontiveros,

    Thanks Maria, I really appreciate your kinds words.

    @Prieta,
    Now, is the time for you to make it friend.

    Saludos a todas y gracias por sus comentarios,

    Mely

    Reply
  8. Nora

    October 10, 2011 at 8:01 pm

    Con res o con cerdo, me encanta este guiso con salsa de tomatillo. Probaré con chile de árbol Mely! Besos.

    Reply
  9. Velva

    October 12, 2011 at 12:59 am

    This looks absolutely amazing. Delicious. A definite comfort dish.

    Cheers.
    Velva

    Reply
  10. MyCookingTime

    October 13, 2011 at 6:54 pm

    Simplemente... mmmmmmm

    Salu2

    Reply
  11. tom | tall clover farm

    October 15, 2011 at 1:43 pm

    Mely, I'm late in canning tomatillo salsa this year. Your recipe is a nice reminder to get my kitchen act together -- I can't go a year without it!

    Reply
  12. Karen

    October 17, 2011 at 8:12 pm

    I will join you for sure, Mely! I made Chile Verde last week with short ribs... one of my favorites. This sounds really good!

    Reply
  13. La Dama

    October 20, 2011 at 5:21 pm

    Mmmmm.. Mi Ama las hace en salsa rojo, pero quiero probar en salsa verde. Que delicia!

    Reply
  14. Chris

    October 22, 2011 at 6:54 pm

    5 stars
    You are making me crave tomatillos and a fire roasted salsa verde. I like the way you did these short ribs.

    Reply
  15. Miz Helen

    October 22, 2011 at 8:15 pm

    Hi Mely,
    I have some short ribs in my freezer from the beef that we had slaughtered and this sounds like a perfect recipe for those ribs. Thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday. Hope you are having a great week end and come back soon!
    Miz Helen

    Reply
  16. Mexico in my kitchen

    October 23, 2011 at 2:11 am

    Thank Everybody! I am glad you all stopped by.

    Mely

    Reply
  17. Shannon

    October 26, 2011 at 9:27 pm

    Love it! I miss Mexican food (we moved to Colorado from Texas, it's not the same).

    Thanks for linking up to Momtrends.com this week!

    Reply
  18. Julieth

    December 08, 2011 at 10:16 pm

    5 stars
    It's my first time cooking ribs and I think this recipe will work for me let's see how it turns out thanks for posting it!

    Reply
  19. Lisa Vargas

    August 30, 2013 at 10:46 pm

    5 stars
    I have to say this is one of my favorite recipes. My husband loves this sauce and any leftover is great with eggs the next day. This recipe is one of the top reasons I have a huge bag of árbol peppers and tomatillo plants. I actually think your website is the reason my husband tells everyone I'm such a great cook! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Mely

      August 30, 2013 at 11:00 pm

      Hello Lisa,

      Thank you for letting me know that this recipe is working out for you. The men in my house also love this dish.
      You know, your husband is right. Because no one can add the right amount of seasoning to his food like you do.
      If you check my recipes, I do not mention amount of salt. The cook does that magic.

      Happy cooking and again thank you for your kind comment.

      Reply
  20. pennyflyers

    May 25, 2014 at 10:48 pm

    5 stars
    My wife and i had my parents over for lunch today, I made Receta de Costillas de Res en Salsa Verde for them,,Everyone enjoyed it,Your site is AWESOME. (:(:(:

    Reply
    • Mely

      May 27, 2014 at 3:59 pm

      Thanks pennyflyers for your comment. I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Happy cooking!

      Reply
  21. Laura

    August 27, 2015 at 4:03 am

    5 stars
    So happy I found ur web site Mely made the Costilla de Res in salsa verde for my family & loved it very much lots of flavor will definitely try more of ur recipes ????????????

    Reply
  22. Unknown

    September 14, 2015 at 12:42 pm

    5 stars
    I'm an american cook and now cooking for two Mexican men. They both appreciate your web page since it gives them a taste of home. Instructions are easy to follow. Thanks, Ann

    Reply
  23. Unknown

    November 16, 2015 at 8:19 pm

    5 stars
    Made this for dinner last night and before we where done eating my 5y/o was asking if we could have leftovers tomorrow! The recipe is very simple and easy. Going to put this one in the regular rotation for dinner. Thanks for sharing. .

    Reply
    • mmartinez

      November 16, 2015 at 10:42 pm

      Wow! A five year old with a really good taste! 😉

      Happy cooking!

      Reply
  24. Unknown

    November 22, 2015 at 6:09 pm

    5 stars
    Just discovered your website and tried this recipe last night as I love salsa verde. This was an amazing recipe. Will make it again when having friends over for dinner. Can't wait to try some other recipes. Thank you.

    Reply
  25. Danny Ferguson

    June 07, 2016 at 4:10 pm

    5 stars
    This one turned out awesome. Thanks Mely!

    Reply
  26. Anonymous

    June 15, 2017 at 7:41 am

    OMG this was a staple in our house, I use get tired of eating this homemade meal with fresh flour tortillas . I use to my mom not to make it anymore, I would rather eat a Hamburger lol

    Reply
  27. Anonymous

    June 15, 2017 at 7:41 am

    OMG this was a staple in our house, I use get tired of eating this homemade meal with fresh flour tortillas . I use to my mom not to make it anymore, I would rather eat a Hamburger lol

    Reply
  28. Vikki

    May 08, 2019 at 11:55 am

    Are the arbol peppers dried or fresh?

    Reply
    • mmartinez

      May 08, 2019 at 5:32 pm

      Hello Vikki,

      They are dried arbol peppers.

      Reply
  29. Claudia

    November 04, 2019 at 4:04 pm

    5 stars
    Ahorita mismo me pongo ! Como siempre un gusto seguir tus recetas Mely . 🙏

    Reply
    • Mely Martínez

      November 05, 2019 at 2:02 pm

      Saludos Claudia!

      Reply
  30. Amber

    January 09, 2020 at 12:50 pm

    5 stars
    Turned out great! I did mine a little different but I still used the same ingredients and it was amazing.

    The only things I did differently was I slow cooked the boneless beef ribs for 8 hours in all the ingredients and I added it to the beef while it was cooking. It had so much flavor. I ate it with homemade pinto beans with a little of that juice and rice on the side.

    Reply

Leave a Reply & Rating Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

ABOUT ME

Mexico in my kitchen | Mely Martinez

Hi, I'm Mely Martinez, a former Mexican school teacher, home cook, and food blogger. I moved to the United States about ten years ago, after living in Mexico my whole life. Now I love to share home-style recipes for authentic Mexican food.

Read more...

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

HOW TO MAKE CAPIROTADA?

Mexican bread pudding capirotada

Mexican Lent Season Food

  • Cod Crispy Fish Tacos
  • Salmon in Tomato Sauce
  • Mexican Lent Recipes
  • Mexican Squash with Cheese

Popular

  • How to make Rosca de Reyes Recipe
  • Mexican Buñuelos Recipe
  • Champurrado
  • Mexican Hot Chocolate and Homemade Mexican Chocolate Mix Recipes

AS FEATURED IN:

JOIN OUR FREE NEWSLETTER




Categories

Footer

MEXICO IN MY KITCHEN IS A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR SITES TO EARN ADVERTISING FEES BY ADVERTISING AND LINKING TO AMAZON.COM. SOME OF THE OUTGOING LINKS ON THIS WEBSITE ARE AFFILIATE LINKS. IF YOU BUY A PRODUCT AFTER CLICKING AN AFFILIATE LINK, I MAY RECEIVE A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE SALE FOR REFERRING YOU, AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU.

COPYRIGHT © 2021 · MEXICO IN MY KITCHEN. ALL CONTENT, RECIPES AND PHOTOGRAPHS ARE COPYRIGHTED TO MELY MARTÍNEZ AND ARE THE PROPERTY OF MEXICO IN MY KITCHEN. THEY MAY NOT BE REPUBLISHED IN PART OR WHOLE WITHOUT PERMISSION AND PROPER CREDIT. CONTACT ME TO SEEK REPUBLISHING AND SYNDICATION RIGHTS.

PRIVACY POLICY · USER SERVICE AGREEMENT