True-Bred Short Rib Tacos with Authentic Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A celebration of authentic Mexican heritage featuring slow-braised short ribs and a handmade salsa that honors traditional techniques. This mexican-inspired mexican ready in about 240 minutes blends Beef short ribs, Tomatillos, Jalapeños into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.0 (13 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 210 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 480 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 1.5 kg beef short ribs with 5 g salt and 2 g black pepper, then sear in a heavy pot over high heat for 4 minutes per side until deeply browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 100 g chopped white onion to the pot, sautéing for 2 minutes until translucent, then add 300 g tomatillos and 4 jalapeños.
  3. Step 3: Simmer covered on low heat for 3.5 hours until meat is tender enough to pull apart with forks, then remove ribs and shred meat.
  4. Step 4: Blend 300 g tomatillos, 4 jalapeños, 50 g cilantro, 100 g onion, and juice of 2 limes until smooth for the salsa.
  5. Step 5: Warm 12 corn tortillas, fill with shredded short rib and 3 tbsp salsa, then serve immediately with extra lime wedges.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does True-Bred Short Rib Tacos with Authentic Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 240 minutes (30 min prep + 210 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover True-Bred Short Rib Tacos with Authentic Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in True-Bred Short Rib Tacos with Authentic Salsa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale True-Bred Short Rib Tacos with Authentic Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with True-Bred Short Rib Tacos with Authentic Salsa?

Mexican mexican like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying