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
- 4โ6 roasted Hatch green chiles or Anaheim chiles, peeled and chopped
- 2โ3 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
- Season pork ribs with salt and black pepper.
- Heat oil or lard in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Brown ribs on all sides until golden, about 8โ10 minutes.
- Add water or chicken broth, cover, and simmer for 45โ60 minutes until the ribs begin to become tender.
2. Prepare the Green Salsa
- Roast tomatillos, onion, garlic, and jalapeรฑos under a broiler or on a grill until lightly charred.
- Transfer roasted vegetables to a blender.
- Add Hatch green chiles, cilantro, lime juice, cumin, oregano, salt, and chicken broth.
- Blend until smooth.
3. Simmer the Pork in Green Salsa
- Pour the green salsa over the partially cooked ribs.
- Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add potatoes or vegetables if using.
- Cover and cook for another 45โ60 minutes until the pork is tender and the salsa has thickened.
4. Finish & Serve
- Taste and adjust salt and spice level.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro.
- 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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