10 Tangy Tomatillo Recipes

Fresh Tomatillo Salsa
Photo: © Madeleine Hill

From a grilled-tomatillo salsa verde to fish tacos with tomatillo-jalapeño salsa, here are delicious tomatillo-based recipes for soup, chicken, fish, fajitas, and more.

01 of 10

Spicy Green Pozole

Spicy Green Posole
John Kernick

This pozole from star chef Richard Blais gets amazing flavor from tomatillos, poblanos, and jalapeños. Be sure to serve the fragrant chicken stew with all of the delicious garnishes suggested.

02 of 10

Chicken Chile Verde

Chicken Chile Verde
PHOTO © JOHN KERNICK

The secret to this tangy and spicy stew by chef Deborah Schneider is the warm tomatillo-and-chile sauce; topped with creamy avocado and cool sour cream, it's an ideal meal. Schneider sometimes swaps pork, cubed tofu, or vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for the chicken.

03 of 10

Fish Tacos with Tomatillo-Jalapeño Salsa

Fish Tacos with Tomatillo-Jalapeño Salsa
© John Kernick

For her light and satisfying tacos, chef Deborah Schneider fills warm corn tortillas with meaty charred halibut and aguachiles, a brilliant, spicy, tart salsa.

04 of 10

Grilled-Tomatillo Salsa Verde

Grilled-Tomatillo Salsa Verde
© Helene Dujardin

Lightly charring the vegetables before pureeing them gives this salsa verde an alluring smokiness; fresh cilantro and tart lime juice added at the end make all the flavors pop.

05 of 10

Slow Cooker Asado de Puerco (Pork and Tomatillo Stew)

Slow Cooker Mexican Pork and Tomatillo Stew
© Helene Dujardin

Make this classic Mexican dish in your slow cooker for ease and extra flavor.

06 of 10

Chicken Fajitas with Tomatillos

Chicken Fajitas with Tomatillos
© Todd Porter & Diane Cu

Tangy tomatillos add a wonderful layer of flavor and texture to these delicious chicken fajitas.

07 of 10

Chicken-Tomatillo Fajitas

Chicken-Tomatillo Fajitas
© Christina Holmes

For chicken fajitas with a twist, make this easy, tangy and spicy green sauce, which gets its punch from a combination of tomatillos, jalapeño, cilantro, and scallions.

08 of 10

Tomatillo Salsa Cruda

Tomatillo Salsa Cruda
Photo by Victor Protasio / Food Styling by Margaret Monroe Dickey / Prop Styling by Nidia Cueva

Fermín Núñez's raw tomatillo salsa combines tart, fresh tomatillos; jalapeño and serrano chiles; tender scallions; and pungent cilantro for a juicy, refreshing salsa perfect for topping tacos, eggs, or tortilla chips.

09 of 10

Carnitas Sliders with Tomatillo-Avocado Sauce

Carnitas Sliders with Tomatillo-Avocado Sauce
Photo by Eva Kolenko / Food Styling by Carrie Purcell / Prop Styling by Jillian Knox

Perfect for entertaining, these grab-and-go sliders star tender carnitas topped with a creamy tomatillo-avocado sauce sandwiched between pillowy homemade rolls.

10 of 10

Pork Tenderloin with Charred Tomatillo Salsa

Pork Tenderloin with Charred Tomatillo Salsa

PHOTO: ANTONIS ACHILLEOS

In this recipe, grilled pork tenderloin is paired with one of Paula Disbrowe's favorite supporting players: a tangy green salsa made from blistered tomatillos, onion, garlic, and serranos, which takes on a complex, caramelized depth from all of the charred and blackened bits. Finishing the sauce with a splash of thickened cream isn’t essential, but it makes everything better, bringing the tart, bitter, and spicy flavors together beautifully.

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