Pan-Seared Pork Chunks with Quinoa and Aymara-Spiced Potatoes

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

Tender pork seared to a golden crust served alongside fluffy quinoa and potatoes seasoned with traditional Aymara spices. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 45 minutes pairs quinoa, rinsed, water, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, 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: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and 2 cups water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
  2. Step 2: While quinoa cooks, toss 2 medium peeled and diced potatoes with 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and 1 tsp salt.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned potatoes and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly crispy on edges.
  4. Step 4: In a separate skillet, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Season 1 pound pork shoulder chunks with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then add to skillet.
  5. Step 5: Sear pork chunks for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides and cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Serve the pork alongside the cumin-spiced potatoes and fluffy quinoa with fresh lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chunks with Quinoa and Aymara-Spiced Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Pan-Seared Pork Chunks with Quinoa and Aymara-Spiced Potatoes?

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 quinoa, rinsed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork Chunks with Quinoa and Aymara-Spiced Potatoes?

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 Pan-Seared Pork Chunks with Quinoa and Aymara-Spiced Potatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Pan-Seared Pork Chunks with Quinoa and Aymara-Spiced Potatoes?

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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