Smoky Ancho Chili Braised Pork with Roasted Corn Salsa
A rich, slow-braised pork shoulder infused with smoky ancho chili powder, served alongside a vibrant roasted corn salsa with fresh lime and cilantro. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 200 minutes blends pork shoulder, ancho chili powder, ground cumin into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder
- 2 tbsp ancho chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups roasted corn kernels
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Rub 2 lbs pork shoulder all over with 2 tbsp ancho chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add pork shoulder and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until deeply browned and fragrant.
- Step 3: Remove pork and sauté 1 medium diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves in the same pot over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until translucent and aromatic.
- Step 4: Return pork to the pot and pour in 1 cup chicken broth. Cover and braise in the preheated oven for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until the pork is tender and shreds easily.
- Step 5: While pork cooks, prepare roasted corn salsa: In a bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups roasted corn kernels, 1 small diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 tbsp fresh lime juice. Season with a pinch of salt and stir well.
- Step 6: Once pork is done, shred it using two forks, mixing in the cooking juices from the pot to keep it moist.
- Step 7: Serve the smoky ancho chili braised pork topped with a generous scoop of the vibrant roasted corn salsa.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Ancho Chili Braised Pork with Roasted Corn Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Smoky Ancho Chili Braised Pork with Roasted Corn Salsa?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Ancho Chili Braised Pork with Roasted Corn Salsa?
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 Smoky Ancho Chili Braised Pork with Roasted Corn Salsa 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 Smoky Ancho Chili Braised Pork with Roasted Corn Salsa?
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.
