Clay Pot Braised Pork with Oaxacan Spices

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

Tender pork braised slowly in a clay pot with traditional Oaxacan spices, creating a flavorful and aromatic dish perfect for cozy meals. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 155 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks, dried guajillo chiles, dried chipotle chiles for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 25 min Cook: 130 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Remove seeds and stems from 4 dried guajillo and 2 dried chipotle chiles, then soak them in 2 cups hot water for 15 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a clay pot or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season 2 lbs pork shoulder chunks with 1.5 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Brown the pork in batches for 5-6 minutes per side until caramelized, then set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 large quartered white onion and 6 smashed garlic cloves to the pot, sauté for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Drain the softened chiles and blend them with 1 cinnamon stick, 1 tsp dried oregano, 4 whole cloves, and 1 cup vegetable broth to make a smooth sauce.
  5. Step 5: Return the pork to the pot, pour the chile sauce over it, add remaining 2 cups vegetable broth, and bring to a simmer. Cover and braise on low heat for 2 hours until the pork is tender and the sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Clay Pot Braised Pork with Oaxacan Spices take to make?

Total time is about 155 minutes (25 min prep + 130 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 Clay Pot Braised Pork with Oaxacan Spices?

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 dried guajillo chiles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Clay Pot Braised Pork with Oaxacan Spices?

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 Clay Pot Braised Pork with Oaxacan Spices 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 Clay Pot Braised Pork with Oaxacan Spices?

Mexican 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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