Spicy Pork and Hominy Pozole Verde
A traditional Mexican stew featuring tender pork simmered with hominy and tomatillo salsa for a spicy, tangy flavor. This mexican-inspired beef ready in about 145 minutes pairs pork shoulder, olive oil, yellow onion 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs, cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, chopped yellow onion
- 5, minced garlic cloves
- 1 lb, husked and quartered tomatillos
- 1, seeded and chopped fresh jalapeño
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups, drained and rinsed canned white hominy
- 1/2 cup, chopped cilantro leaves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp black pepper
- for serving lime wedges
- 1/2 cup, for garnish thinly sliced radishes
- 1 cup, for garnish shredded cabbage
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs cubed pork shoulder and sear for 5-6 minutes until browned on all sides.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium chopped yellow onion and 5 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 4 minutes until softened and aromatic.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, blend 1 lb husked and quartered tomatillos with 1 chopped seeded jalapeño and 1/2 cup chopped cilantro until smooth. Pour this salsa verde into the pot.
- Step 4: Add 6 cups chicken broth, 2 cups drained canned white hominy, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 3/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 2 hours until pork is tender.
- Step 5: Serve hot with lime wedges, 1/2 cup thinly sliced radishes, and 1 cup shredded cabbage on the side for garnish and added crunch.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Pork and Hominy Pozole Verde take to make?
Total time is about 145 minutes (25 min prep + 120 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 Spicy Pork and Hominy Pozole Verde?
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 from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Pork and Hominy Pozole Verde?
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 Spicy Pork and Hominy Pozole Verde 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 Spicy Pork and Hominy Pozole Verde?
Mexican beef 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a keeper! The hominy and pork combination is spot on, and it's so easy to make.
- ★★★★★
The pozole was incredibly flavorful, with the perfect balance of heat and fresh tomatillo sauce. My family loved it!
- ★★★★☆
Loved the recipe, but I had to add extra broth because it was too thick for my taste.







