If you’re craving a traditional Mexican comfort dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and rich in culture, this Menudo Rojo recipe is for you! Made with tender beef tripe, savory calf’s foot (or beef shank), hominy corn, sweet potatoes, and a bold red chili broth, this spicy beef tripe soup is a must-try!
Ingredients for Menudo Rojo:
600g beef tripe (cleaned)
300g calf’s foot (or substitute with beef shank for less gelatin)
300g hominy corn (drained)
200g sweet potato, diced
150g white onion, sliced
10g garlic, minced
40g dried guajillo peppers (about 4), deseeded
1.5L beef broth
2g Mexican oregano
2g ground cumin
4g smoked paprika
8g salt
2g black pepper
1 lime, cut into wedges
50g red onion, chopped (for garnish)
20g fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Menudo Rojo (Step-by-Step):
1. Prepare the Guajillo Chili Base
Rehydrate deseeded guajillo chilies in 200ml of boiling water for 15 minutes. Blend the softened peppers with minced garlic to create a smooth red chili puree.
2. Simmer the Beef Tripe & Calf’s Foot
In a large pot, combine beef tripe, calf’s foot, beef broth, salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika. Bring to a boil, skimming off any foam. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour 30 minutes until tripe is tender.
3. Add Hominy & Sweet Potatoes
Stir in the hominy and sweet potato cubes. Cook for an additional 30 minutes until soft.
4. Incorporate the Chili Puree
Add the blended guajillo chili sauce, mix well, and simmer for another 20 minutes to let the flavors fully develop. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Serve & Garnish
Ladle hot menudo rojo into bowls. Garnish with chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, and a wedge of lime for brightness.
Helpful Tips for the Best Menudo Rojo
Time-Saver Tip: Cook tripe in a pressure cooker for 40 minutes the day before to cut down cooking time.
Ingredient Swap: Prefer less gelatinous broth? Use beef shank instead of calf’s foot.
Flavor Boost: Add a splash of white vinegar at the end to brighten and balance the rich, spicy flavors.
Perfect for a Hearty Weekend Meal
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving bold Mexican flavors, this traditional spicy beef tripe soup with hominy delivers comfort in every bite. It’s perfect for cold days, family dinners, or even as a hangover remedy!
MenudoRojo, MexicanTripeSoup, AuthenticMexicanSoup, SpicyBeefTripeStew, HominySoup, TraditionalMexicanRecipe, GuajilloPepperSoup, HeartySoupRecipe, ComfortFood
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes