Costillas ala mexicana

Oh my goodness, you HAVE to try this recipe for Costillas a la Mexicana! It's one of my absolute favorite comfort foods, and every time I make these Mexican ribs, my kitchen smells incredible. I remember the first time I tasted authentic Costilla Mexicana; it was an explosion of savory, slightly spicy flavors that I knew I had to recreate at home. Now it's a staple in my family, and I'm so excited to share my go-to Costillas a la Mexicana recipe with you! So, what exactly are Costillas a la Mexicana? Essentially, they are Mexican spare ribs (usually pork, though beef short ribs work wonderfully too) slow-simmered in a delicious, vibrant sauce made from fresh tomatoes, chiles (like jalapeños or serranos for a kick!), onion, and garlic. Some people simply call them ribs Mexican style, and no matter what you call them, they are incredibly tender and packed with flavor. If you're wondering what are Mexican ribs called in general, this is a prime example of a beloved dish! This particular Costillas ala mexicana style is rustic, comforting, and utterly delicious. Making this Costillas a la Mexicana recipe is easier than you might think. Here’s how I prepare my favorite version of Mexican Costillas: Ingredients You'll Need: 2-3 lbs pork spare ribs or country-style ribs, cut into individual pieces 2 tbsp vegetable oil 1 lb ripe Roma tomatoes, roughly chopped 1-2 jalapeño or serrano peppers (adjust to your spice preference), stemmed ½ white onion, roughly chopped 2 cloves garlic 1 cup chicken broth Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish Step-by-Step Instructions: Prepare the Ribs: Pat the rib pieces dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Sear the Ribs: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ribs in batches (don't overcrowd the pot) and sear until nicely browned on all sides. This step is crucial for developing flavor! Remove the browned ribs and set them aside. Make the Sauce: In a blender, combine the chopped tomatoes, jalapeño/serrano peppers, ½ white onion, and garlic. Blend until you have a smooth sauce. If it's too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. Sauté the Sauce: In the same pot (you can drain off excess fat if needed), pour in the blended sauce. Bring it to a simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce darkens slightly and thickens. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Combine and Simmer: Return the seared ribs to the pot with the sauce. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Make sure the ribs are mostly submerged in the sauce. If not, add a little more broth or water. Cook Until Tender: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the costillas de res ala mexicana (if using beef) or pork ribs are incredibly tender and practically falling off the bone. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Finish with Cilantro: Once the ribs are tender, stir in the fresh cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serving Suggestions: These tender Mexican costillas are perfect served with warm corn tortillas, fluffy Mexican rice, and some refried beans. A sprinkle of extra fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice always brightens up the dish. This mexican costillas recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser and makes for a fantastic family dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Give it a try, and let me know what you think!