25 Best Tomatillo Recipes

The tomatillo (physalis) is a close relative of the gooseberry, but resembles a green tomato in appearance and taste. For thousands of years, it has remained an important part of Mexican cuisine, and is most often used in preparing salsaHowever, these tart fruits can be used in many more dishes. We've compiled the best and most original recipes featuring the vegetable physalis—from traditional Mexican dishes to fun, unusual cocktails and even pizza.

Tacos with chicken and Mexican tomatoes

Bobby Flay brings flavor to any party with these easy and simple tacos. All you need is some grilled vegetables for the salsa, as the recipe calls for pre-roasted grilled chicken; it's perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Latin American-Style Shrimp with Rice

This is an adaptation of a Latin American dish prepared in one form or another in all Spanish-speaking countries. It's a rice dish with broth, thick enough to be considered a soup, but much thinner than pilaf. Mexican tomatoes give it its distinctive bright color and flavor.

Chili with pork and Mexican tomatoes

If you're used to chili with ground meat, this recipe will surprise you. It's a variation of chili verde, popular in Colorado and the American Southwest. Pork shoulder is slow-simmered with roasted tomatillos, roasted chiles, and jalapeños—you'll get a delicious and filling treat.

Shakshuka with Mexican tomatoes

This sophisticated dish blends Mexico and North Africa. Shakshuka is a hearty egg dish from Morocco that has also become popular in Israel. Traditionally, it's made with tomatoes, but our version substitutes them with their green relatives, Mexican tomatoes! Enjoy shakshuka for Sunday breakfast or any time you want to serve something unique.

Salmon with baked vegetable physalis

Most recipes call for puréed tomatillos, but Marcela Valladolid offers a taste of the texture of this Mexican ingredient. Rich salmon is complemented with chopped tomatillos, red onion, and fresh herbs—this simple dish will change the way you think about fish.

Salsa with Mexican tomatoes and tequila

Tequila is great for more than just cocktails. See for yourself by trying this smoky salsa, which features a shot of tequila. When paired with aged tequila, the caramel notes combine with roasted chili peppers and roasted tomatillos for an unforgettable flavor profile.

Enchilada Suizas

Although the name suggests Switzerland, this enchilada actually originated in Mexico, at a restaurant in the Sanborns shopping center. This luxurious, tender dish can be ordered at almost any Sanborns location, but if you can't make the trip to Mexico City, our recipe will allow you to make this treat at home.

Chicken Enchiladas with Chili Salsa and Roasted Tomatillos

Tomatillo sauce is a popular addition to traditional Mexican enchiladas. The subtle tartness of the green fruit perfectly complements the rich filling and abundance of melted cheese.



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Steak tacos with pineapple salsa and tomatillo sauce

Churrasco (skirt steak) and tomatillos are a match made in culinary heaven. These meaty tacos combine the delicious duo with sweet pineapple salsa and creamy avocado inside a corn tortilla—probably one of the most delicious tacos you'll ever try.

Bloody Mary with Mexican tomatoes

This green version of the traditional savory cocktail is a brilliant invention by Geoffrey Zakarian. Instead of tomato juice, the drink is based on pureed tomatillos with a hint of horseradish, brine, and cucumber.

Sea scallop ceviche with physalis vegetables

This variation of Mexican ceviche requires no cooking—at least not in the traditional sense. The tart tomatillo is combined with the tart lime juice to marinate sliced ​​scallops until tender. Stock up on tortilla chips for scooping up this delicious dish.

Guacamole with physalis vegetables

Tart tomatillos and tender avocado create a delicious bouquet in this guacamole. Jalapeño adds freshness and heat, while crushed garlic makes the dip incredibly flavorful. Sprinkle the simple dip with ground cumin for a natural nutty flavor.

Braised Pork with Salsa Verde

Add tomatillos to your grocery list next week! This sliced ​​pork shoulder is simmered in a broth with jalapeños and tomatillos—we're sure your family will be asking you to make this again and again.

Quesadilla with goat cheese, asparagus, mushrooms and green salsa

This recipe captures the flavors of a traditional Mexican quesadilla made with crispy, fried corn tortillas. This is a lighter, vegetarian version with fresh vegetables. Serve with tomatillo salsa for dipping.

Shrimp cocktail with horseradish and tomatillo sauce

Another original recipe from Southwestern master Bobby Flay. This time, he makes a classic shrimp cocktail, adding the vibrant flavors of Mexican tomato, which is combined with horseradish for a spicy kick.

Al pastor pizza with tomatillo salsa

Tacos al pastor, pizza, and tomatillo salsa? Too good to be true—but Molly Yeh masterfully prepares this ingenious combination. Tacos al pastor, originally from Mexico City, feature spit-roasted pork and grilled pineapple. The ingredients are added to a homemade crust atop a generous layer of Mexican tomato salsa; the pizza is then baked in the oven under a layer of gooey Oaxacan cheese.

Pork on the bone with green and Mexican tomato relish

Make Guy Fieri's signature breaded pork cutlets. Tomatillos are added to this sweet and savory Southern-style relish; they're sure to become a favorite.

Beef nachos with baked tomatillos

Most nachos recipes feature beef seasoned with a typical spice mix and maybe some tomato. If you're tired of regular nachos but still crave a Tex-Mex twist, try this version from Eddie Jackson: the recipe is quite simple, but you'll be surprised how delicious it is!

Salad with fried corn and physalis

This salad is a symphony of flavors—like a stroll through the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, but for your taste buds! Toasted corn is tossed with tomatillo salsa and a creamy dressing, then finished with tangy cotija cheese.

Baked eggs with salsa verde

Readers note that this recipe is "simple and delicious"—a dish that even picky eaters will love. Best of all, you'll make more salsa than you'd need for eggs, meaning you can use it for tacos, tortilla chips, and more.

Cracklings with green salsa (chicharrones en salsa verde)

This is a favorite filling for Mexican tacos, as well as pupusas (a Salvadoran dish made with stuffed corn tortillas). Simply take a package of grocery-store pork rinds, mix them with emerald green sauce, and you have a quick, savory taco filling.

Fried vegetable physalis with apple and ham

If you're a fan of fried green tomatoes, try this recipe for fried tomatillos. Tart green tomato slices are soaked in seasoned buttermilk, then dipped in a cornbread crumb and fried until crispy. Sautéed apples and ham add a vibrant flavor.

Braised Chicken with Jalapeños and Tomatillos

Anne Burrell's chicken stew is based on traditional Mexican cooking techniques: tomatillos are roasted until lightly charred, then puréed to create a luxurious sauce. The finishing touch is a refreshing sour cream with a hint of lime.

Chicken in green pepian sauce

Pipian (or pepian) is a Latin American dish with many variations. This Mexican version features a thick, rich sauce made from tomatillo puree and pumpkin seeds. Marcela Valladolid recommends drizzling the sauce over baked chicken breasts, but there's nothing stopping you from enjoying it with chips.









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