Bolivian Fricasé Spicy Pork Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich, spicy pork stew combining tender pork shoulder with traditional Bolivian spices and ají rojo sauce for depth and warmth. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 90 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cubed, aji rojo paste, large onion, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 70 min Serves 6 Latin American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs cubed pork shoulder and brown evenly on all sides for 7-8 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large chopped onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp aji rojo paste and 2 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 3 minutes to deepen the flavors.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 cups beef broth, then add 3 peeled, cubed medium potatoes, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1 bay leaf.
  5. Step 5: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour until pork is tender and potatoes are cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve the stew hot with fresh bread or rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Bolivian Fricasé Spicy Pork Stew take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (20 min prep + 70 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Bolivian Fricasé Spicy Pork Stew?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bolivian Fricasé Spicy Pork Stew?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Bolivian Fricasé Spicy Pork Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Bolivian Fricasé Spicy Pork Stew?

Latin American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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