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

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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.

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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