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Adding lemon juice and seasoning to cooked mollejas de res.

Mollejas de Res Recipe

Mollejas de Res is a traditional Latin American delicacy made from tender beef sweetbreads that are soaked, cleaned, and cooked until crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. This authentic recipe is popular in Mexican street tacos and Argentine barbecue. When prepared correctly, mollejas develop a golden crust and rich buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with fresh lime, tortillas, and herbs.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Argentine, Latin American, Mexican
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Beef sweetbreads (mollejas de res)
  • For soaking Cold water
  • 1 tsp White vinegar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 3 cloves Garlic cloves (minced)
  • ½ tsp Black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice
  • 2 tbsps Fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 4-6 Corn tortillas (optional for serving)

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Frying pan or cast-iron skillet
  • Tongs
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Soak the Mollejas

    Place the beef sweetbreads in a bowl filled with cold water and vinegar. Let them soak for 30–60 minutes. This step removes excess blood and helps improve the texture.
    Raw mollejas de res soaking in cold water and vinegar before cooking.

  2. Clean the Sweetbreads

    Remove the mollejas from the soaking water and rinse them under cold running water. Carefully trim away any thin membranes, fat, or connective tissue using a sharp knife.
    Removing membrane from mollejas de res on a cutting board.

  3. Parboil the Mollejas

    Fill a saucepan with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a gentle boil and add the sweetbreads. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until they become slightly firm.
    Mollejas de res boiling in a pot of water during preparation.

  4. Cool and Slice

    Transfer the mollejas to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, slice them into bite-size pieces or thin strips.
    Cooked mollejas de res cooling in ice water after boiling.

  5. Heat the Pan

    Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat.
    Slicing mollejas de res into small cooking pieces.

  6. Sauté the Garlic

    Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
    Olive oil heating in a skillet before cooking mollejas.

  7. Cook the Mollejas

    Add the sliced mollejas to the hot pan. Cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until they develop a golden brown crust.
    Mollejas de res cooking in a skillet with garlic.

  8. Season the Dish

    Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and fresh lemon juice over the mollejas while cooking.
    Golden crispy mollejas de res cooking in a pan.

  9. Crisp the Exterior

    Continue cooking until the outside becomes crispy and caramelized, while the inside remains tender.
    Adding lemon juice and seasoning to cooked mollejas de res.

  10. Serve Hot

    Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
    Crispy mollejas de res served with tortillas and lime

Video

Notes

Golden crispy mollejas de res cooking in a pan.
Allow the mollejas to cook until the outside becomes crispy and golden.
  • Always soak mollejas before cooking to remove impurities.
  • Cooking them slowly helps create a perfect crispy exterior.
  • Cast-iron pans produce the best browning and flavor.
  • Do not overcook, or the sweetbreads may become tough.

Ingredient Notes

Beef Sweetbreads:
Fresh mollejas should be pale pink and firm. Avoid pieces that smell strong or look dark.
Vinegar Soak:
This helps remove impurities and improves the clean flavor of the sweetbreads.
Lemon Juice:
Adds brightness and balances the richness of the meat.
Nutrient Amount
Calories 250 kcal
Protein 22 g
Fat 17 g
Carbohydrates 2 g
Iron 10% Daily Value
 

Best Ways to Serve Mollejas de Res

You can enjoy mollejas in several delicious ways:
Mollejas Tacos
  • Corn tortillas
  • Chopped onions
  • Cilantro
  • Lime juice
  • Salsa
Argentine BBQ Style
  • Chimichurri sauce
  • Grilled vegetables
  • Roasted potatoes
Simple Skillet Dish
  • Garlic butter
  • Fresh parsley
  • Lemon wedges

Recipe Tips

✔ Use fresh sweetbreads for the best flavor
✔ Do not skip the soaking step
✔ Cook on medium heat to avoid burning
✔ Add lemon juice at the end for freshness
✔ Serve immediately while crispy

Storage Tips

Refrigerator:
Store cooked mollejas in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to restore crispiness.
Freezing is not recommended because it may affect texture.

Estimated Cost

This recipe typically costs $8–$12 depending on the price of sweetbreads in your area, making it an affordable gourmet dish.
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