Tomatillo

Physalis philadelphica Fruit, Vegetable (culinary use), Produce

Tomatillo Fruit, Vegetable (culinary use), Produce

At a Glance

  • Category Fruit, Vegetable (culinary use), Produce

The Forktionary Angle

"The tangy, vibrant heart of authentic salsa verde, bringing a unique brightness and depth to Mexican dishes."

Definition

A small, green, fruit from the nightshade family, encased in a papery husk, offering a tart, slightly citrusy flavor essential in Mexican cuisine.

Science: Waxy Coating Sticky residue under husk
Storage: Refrigeration 2-3 weeks (in husk)
Usage: Culinary Role Base for Salsa Verde

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Tomatillo are:

Tart acidic citrusy slightly earthy green

Chef’s Secret

Before using, remove the papery husks and rinse tomatillos thoroughly under warm water to remove their sticky, natural waxy coating.

Best Substitutes

Green Tomatoes

less tart, sweeter
Ratio 1:1

Tart Green Apples

for tartness in some sauces, not texture
Ratio 1:1

Canned Tomatillos

Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose firm, green tomatillos with tight-fitting, dry husks. Avoid soft or shriveled ones.

Recipes Using Tomatillo

4 Hours Or Less Main Ingredient 4 Hours Or Less Beef

Beef Flautas

Crispy, golden Beef Flautas with a vibrant tomatillo salsa verde! This recipe, inspired by Taste of Home's Cooking for Two magazine (Fall 2006), delivers a flavor explosion in every bite. Tender shredded beef is nestled in warm tortillas, then fried to perfection. The homemade salsa verde adds a zesty, fresh counterpoint that will leave you wanting more. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer!

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Cheese Eggs Dairy Time To Make Main Ingredient

Austin Mac N Cheese Rachael Ray

Spice up your weeknight with this Southwestern twist on classic mac & cheese! This recipe, inspired by Rachael Ray's fiery cooking style, blends creamy cheeses with zesty tomatillo salsa for a flavor explosion. Get ready for a cheesy, gooey, and slightly spicy masterpiece that's easy to make and guaranteed to impress. We've added a helpful tip: add chorizo for extra protein and flavor! Don't forget the vibrant garnish of red peppers or green onions for the perfect finishing touch. (Caution: This recipe may involve a slightly fiery broiler experience!)

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Preparation Main Dish Cuisine Mexican

Baked Shrimp With Tomatillos

This vibrant Baked Shrimp with Tomatillos recipe is a fiesta for your taste buds! Sweet and tangy tomatillos roast alongside succulent shrimp, creating a dish bursting with Mexican flavors. Easy to make and ready in under an hour, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. Get ready to experience a delicious explosion of taste!

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Tex Mex American Taste Mood Preparation

Avocado And Tomatillo Dip

This vibrant Avocado and Tomatillo Dip is bursting with fresh flavor and incredibly easy to make! Perfect as a healthy appetizer, snack, or side dish, this recipe combines creamy avocados with tangy tomatillos for an unforgettable taste sensation. Ready in under 10 minutes, it's the perfect last-minute addition to any gathering.

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One Dish Meal Spring Occasion Easy

Alaska Salmon W Tomatillo Sauce Fresh Corn Poblano Chile

A vibrant and healthy dairy-free recipe featuring succulent Alaska salmon, a zesty tomatillo salsa, sweet charred corn, and smoky poblano peppers. This recipe from Whole Foods Market is perfect for a light yet satisfying weeknight meal or a special occasion dinner. Impress your guests with this stunning dish, bursting with fresh flavors and textures!

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Vegetables Shellfish 60 Minutes Or Less Bacon

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp With Chunky Tomatillo Salsa And Tomato Vina

Fire up your taste buds with this Southwestern-inspired masterpiece! Tyler Florence-inspired, succulent bacon-wrapped shrimp are elevated to the next level with a vibrant tomatillo salsa and a tangy tomato vinaigrette. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a sizzling summer BBQ, this recipe is bursting with flavor and surprisingly easy to make. Prepare the salsa and vinaigrette ahead of time for effortless assembly. Grill or pan-fry the shrimp for ultimate deliciousness. Serve with margaritas or your favorite beer for a truly unforgettable meal!

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Mexican Cuisine Dietary Time To Make

Avocado Tomatillo Taco Truck Sauce

Authentic Mexican street food flavor in your kitchen! This creamy, vibrant green avocado tomatillo sauce is a top secret recipe, adapted from Sandra A. Gutierrez's "Latin American Street Food." A little tangy, a whole lot creamy, it's the perfect topping for tacos, totopos (tortilla chips), chilaquiles, and more! The tomatillos' acidity keeps the avocados fresh and bright green for up to three days, refrigerated. Make this restaurant-quality sauce at home in minutes!

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Dietary Main Ingredient Mexican Main Dish

Aztec Pie

A Southwestern twist on a Texas classic! This rich and flavorful Aztec Pork Pie, inspired by King Ranch Casserole, features tender pork, vibrant poblano peppers, and creamy tomatillo sauce. Enjoy it as a comforting casserole or individual enchiladas – the choice is yours! This recipe, adapted from Texas Monthly magazine, offers a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for family gatherings or a weeknight dinner.

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North American Meat Taste Mood Preparation

Authentic Mexican Pork Chile Verde

Experience the explosion of flavors in this authentic Mexican Pork Chile Verde! This recipe delivers fall-apart tender pork simmered in a vibrant, spicy tomatillo sauce. Perfect for a cozy night in or a festive gathering, your taste buds will thank you.

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Course 3 Steps Or Less Easy Appetizers

Avocado Cilantro Salsa

Spice up your life with this vibrant Avocado Cilantro Salsa, inspired by a Tabasco recipe! This quick and easy recipe combines creamy avocado, zesty cilantro, and a touch of Tabasco heat for an unforgettable flavor explosion. Perfect as a dip with tortilla chips, a topping for tacos, or a side to grilled meats. Get ready for a taste of sunshine!

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Number Of Servings 4 Hours Or Less Stove Top North American

Authentic Chili Verde Pork And Green Tomatillo Stew

Dive into the vibrant flavors of Mexico with this Authentic Chili Verde Pork and Green Tomatillo Stew! Tender pork simmered in a rich sauce of tomatillos, fiery chiles, and aromatic spices creates a culinary masterpiece. This recipe is perfect for burrito bowls, tacos, or simply enjoyed with warm tortillas. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will transport your taste buds straight to Mexico!

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North American Poultry Cuisine Main Dish

Authentic Enchiladas Verde

Unleash your inner chef with this authentic Enchiladas Verde recipe, passed down through generations of the Valadez family! This vibrant dish features tender shredded chicken simmered in a rich, smoky tomatillo salsa verde. Learn the secrets to perfectly fried tortillas and a mouthwatering sauce that will leave you craving more. Get ready for a fiesta of flavor!

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Mexican Main Ingredient Low Sodium Meat

Authentic Mexican Enchiladas Verdes

Dive into the vibrant flavors of Mexico City with this authentic Enchiladas Verdes recipe! Passed down from a Mexico City native, this recipe yields 24 delicious enchiladas—perfect for a crowd or freezing for later. The rich tomatillo sauce and tender shredded chicken filling will transport your taste buds straight to Mexico. While time-consuming (but worth it!), you can prep the sauce and filling ahead of time. Get ready for an unforgettable culinary experience!

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