Caldo de Res (Mexican Beef Soup) (Printer-Friendly Version)
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Beef Stock
01 -
3 pounds beef shank (or short rib or beef chuck)
02 -
8-10 cups water
03 -
1 large onion, rough chopped
04 -
2 celery stalks, rough chopped
05 -
10 cloves garlic, rough chopped
06 -
5 chile de arbol peppers (optional, or other dried pods)
07 -
3 bay leaves
08 -
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
09 -
1 tablespoon salt
→ For the Caldo de Res (Beef Soup)
10 -
3 potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
11 -
2 carrots, cut into bite-sized pieces
12 -
2 zucchinis, cut into bite-sized pieces
13 -
2 jalapeno peppers, sliced (optional)
14 -
2 ears of corn, quartered
15 -
3 medium-sized tomatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
16 -
1/4 head cabbage, chopped
17 -
8 ounces tomato sauce
18 -
Juice from 1 lime
→ For Serving
19 -
Spicy red pepper flakes
20 -
Fresh chopped cilantro
21 -
Hot sauce
22 -
Lime wedges
# Let's Cook!:
01 -
In a very large pot, add the beef shank (or other cuts of beef), water, onion, celery, garlic, chiles de arbol, bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt. Bring to a boil, cover, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, skimming any fat or foam that rises to the top. Cook until the beef is fall-apart tender.
02 -
Carefully remove the beef pieces and set them into a large bowl. Shred the beef from the bones and discard the bones. Set aside.
03 -
Strain the beef stock and discard the solids.
04 -
Add the beef stock back to the same large pot and heat to a simmer. Add more water if needed. Add the potatoes and carrots and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables start to become tender.
05 -
Add the zucchini, jalapenos, corn, tomatoes, cabbage, and tomato sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender to your preference.
06 -
Add the shredded beef back to the pot and stir in the lime juice. Heat through. Taste and adjust for salt.
07 -
Serve into bowls and garnish with red pepper flakes, fresh chopped cilantro, hot sauce, and lime wedges. Enjoy!
# Cook's Notes:
01 -
You can use other cuts of beef like oxtail or short ribs for a richer flavor.
02 -
Adjust the spiciness by adding or omitting the chiles de arbol and jalapenos.
03 -
Serve with warm tortillas or crusty bread for a complete meal.