🇲🇽 Mexico · Food
Costillas en Salsa Verde
By eatmundo · August 3, 2026
🇲🇽 MXTender pork ribs simmered in a vibrant, tangy green tomatillo sauce. A classic Mexican dish that balances fatty pork with acidic salsa.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Sear the 800g of pork ribs in a large pot with 1 tbsp of lard over medium-high heat until golden brown.
- 2
Add half the onion and 2 cloves of garlic to the pot, sautéing for 3 minutes until aromatic.
- 3
Cover the ribs with water, add a pinch of salt, and simmer covered for 30 minutes until tender.
- 4
While the ribs simmer, boil the green tomatillos and serrano peppers in a separate small pot for 10 minutes.
- 5
Blend the boiled tomatillos, serranos, remaining garlic, remaining onion, and cilantro until smooth.
- 6
Drain most of the water from the rib pot, leaving the meat behind.
- 7
Pour the green salsa over the ribs and simmer together for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to marry.
- 8
Check for salt, adjust to taste, and serve immediately with warm tortillas and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pork loin instead?+
Pork loin is much leaner and will dry out quickly; ribs are preferred for their fat content which creates a richer, more authentic sauce.
How do I ensure the tomatillos aren't bitter?+
Boil them just until they change color from bright green to olive green; if you overcook them, they tend to become bitter.
Is it very spicy?+
The spice level depends on the peppers; remove the seeds from the serranos if you prefer a milder version.
What is the best way to serve this?+
This dish is traditionally served with Mexican red rice or pinto beans, and fresh, hot corn tortillas are absolutely essential.
