Traditional Mexican Beef Stew (Caldo de Res)
Nourishing Mexican beef shank and marrow bone soup simmered with sweet corn, chayote, zucchini, cabbage, and aromatic fresh spearmint.
Golden crystal-clear broth with tender meat sliding off the marrow bone.
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Step-by-Step Video Guide & Creator Variants
Cocinanding Guide vs. Creator Video: Related Video — Unconfirmed Comparison (De Mi Rancho a Tu Cocina (Doña Ángela)): This public video is provided as a visual reference for the dish. Exact ratios, timings (20m prep / 100m cook), and US grocery suggestions on this page are independently standardized by Cocinanding.
Traditional Mexican Beef Stew (Caldo de Res)
De Mi Rancho a Tu Cocina (Doña Ángela)
Public YouTube video embedded as a visual technique reference. The written recipe guide, verified timings, and US grocery brand picks are independently authored by Cocinanding (not a commercial partnership).
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What to Buy & Brand Guide
Editorial US Grocery Suggestions • Zero Paid Placements
Beef Shank Cross Cuts
Standard Size: 2 lb trayWhy it matters: Rich marrow bones melt into gelatin.
Where to find in US: Fresh meat aisle.
Acceptable substitutes: Oxtail or soup chuck bones.
Why This Recipe Works
💡 Staggered Vegetables
Adding dense vegetables early and delicate vegetables late prevents mushiness.
Ingredients for 6 ServingsUS Standard Measurements
- 2 lbs Bone-in beef shank cross cuts (chamorro)
- 1.5 lbs Bone-in beef short ribs
- 12 cups Cold water
- 1 large White onion, halved
- 1 head Whole garlic head, top trimmed
- 1.5 tbsp Kosher salt
- 2 ears Fresh sweet corn ears, cut into 2-inch rounds
- 2 whole Chayote squash, peeled and cubed
- 3 medium Yukon Gold or white potatoes, quartered
- 3 medium Carrots, peeled and cut into thick chunks
- 3 whole Mexican zucchini (calabacitas), cut into thick chunks
- 0.5 head Green cabbage, cut into wedges
- 3 sprigs Fresh spearmint sprigs (hierbabuena)
- 0.5 bunch Fresh cilantro sprigs
- 2 units Key limes or Persian limes, cut into wedges (for serving)
- 12 units Warm corn tortillas (for serving)
Required Kitchen Tools
- ✓8-quart stockpot
- ✓Skimmer spoon
Step-by-Step Preparation
Prep Vegetables, Simmer & Skim
Prep all vegetables. Place beef shank (2 lbs) and beef short ribs (1.5 lbs) in an 8-quart pot with cold water (12 cups), halved white onion (1), garlic head (1), and kosher salt (1.5 tbsp). Bring to a gentle boil and skim away surface grey foam for 20 minutes.
Low Collagen Braise & Corn
Cover partially and simmer gently over low heat for 50 minutes until the beef softens, then add the sweet corn rounds (2 ears) and simmer 15 minutes more (65 minutes total).
Simmer Dense Vegetables
Add cubed chayote (2), quartered potatoes (3), thick carrot chunks (3), and green cabbage wedges (0.5 head). Simmer gently for 20 minutes until tender and beef reaches 195°F–205°F (90°C–96°C).
Finish with Zucchini, Herbs & Serve
Add zucchini chunks (3), fresh spearmint sprigs (3), and fresh cilantro sprigs (0.5 bunch); simmer 15 minutes until zucchini is tender-crisp. Ladle into deep bowls and serve hot with lime wedges (2 limes) and warm corn tortillas (12 units).
Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting
Avoid the mistakes that ruin this recipe
⚠️ Problem: Cloudy broth
Underlying Cause: Boiled at high heat without skimming.
Fix & Solution: Keep at gentle simmer and skim foam early.
Frequently Asked Culinary Questions
Specific ingredient, technique, and US grocery answers for Traditional Mexican Beef Stew (Caldo de Res)
❓ Which brand of beef shank should I look for in US grocery stores for Traditional Mexican Beef Stew (Caldo de Res)?
Editorial suggestion: Beef Shank Cross Cuts (Choice Beef). Rich marrow bones melt into gelatin. Typical aisle: Fresh meat aisle. Acceptable substitute: Oxtail or soup chuck bones.
❓ How do I fix: "Cloudy broth"?
Common cause: Boiled at high heat without skimming. Practical fix: Keep at gentle simmer and skim foam early.
The Ultimate Sunday Comfort Broth
Caldo de res is Mexico’s ultimate cure-all and weekend family centerpiece. Simple ingredients slow-cooked with fresh garden vegetables yield unforgettable flavor.
Visual Kitchen Infoguide (Print or Save to Phone)
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