Pork Rib Stew in Green Salsa Recipe (Costillas de Puerco en Salsa Verde)

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This Pork Rib Stew in Green Salsa is a traditional Mexican comfort dish made with tender pork ribs simmered in a bright, flavorful green salsa made from roasted tomatillos, green chiles, cilantro, and spices. The slow-cooked ribs become juicy and tender while absorbing the tangy, spicy flavors of the salsa.


Ingredients

For the Pork Ribs

  • 3 lbs (1.4 kg) pork ribs, cut into individual pieces
    (baby back ribs or country-style ribs work well)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or lard
  • 1ยฝ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup water or chicken broth

For the Green Salsa

  • 10 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
  • 4โ€“6 roasted Hatch green chiles or Anaheim chiles, peeled and chopped
  • 2โ€“3 jalapeรฑos or serrano peppers (adjust heat to taste)
  • 1 large white onion, quartered
  • 6 cloves garlic
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp Mexican oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Optional Additions

  • 2 medium potatoes, cubed
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 cup nopales (cactus strips)
  • ยฝ cup green peas
  • 1 avocado for serving
  • Queso fresco for topping

Instructions

1. Brown the Pork Ribs

  1. Season pork ribs with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat oil or lard in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  3. Brown ribs on all sides until golden, about 8โ€“10 minutes.
  4. Add water or chicken broth, cover, and simmer for 45โ€“60 minutes until the ribs begin to become tender.

2. Prepare the Green Salsa

  1. Roast tomatillos, onion, garlic, and jalapeรฑos under a broiler or on a grill until lightly charred.
  2. Transfer roasted vegetables to a blender.
  3. Add Hatch green chiles, cilantro, lime juice, cumin, oregano, salt, and chicken broth.
  4. Blend until smooth.

3. Simmer the Pork in Green Salsa

  1. Pour the green salsa over the partially cooked ribs.
  2. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Add potatoes or vegetables if using.
  4. Cover and cook for another 45โ€“60 minutes until the pork is tender and the salsa has thickened.

4. Finish & Serve

  1. Taste and adjust salt and spice level.
  2. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
  3. Serve hot with your favorite Mexican sides.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Pork Rib Stew in Green Salsa (Costillas de Puerco en Salsa Verde) with:

  • Warm corn tortillas
  • Mexican rice
  • Refried beans
  • Pinto beans
  • Fresh avocado
  • Queso fresco
  • Pickled onions
  • Lime wedges

Tips for the Best Pork Rib Stew

  • Brown the ribs first to add a deeper, richer flavor.
  • Roasting the tomatillos gives the salsa a smoky, balanced taste.
  • Use a mix of mild and hot green chiles for better flavor control.
  • Slow cooking makes the pork ribs tender and allows the salsa to soak in.
  • The stew tastes even better the next day.

Storage

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop until hot.

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Pork Rib Stew in Green Salsa Recipe (Authentic Costillas de Puerco en Salsa Verde)

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