Stewed Mexican Pork with Chili and Tomatillo Sauce
Tender pork simmered slowly in a vibrant globally-inspired sauce combining dried chili peppers and fresh tomatillos for a balanced smoky and tangy flavor. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 130 minutes blends cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder, medium, husked and rinsed tomatillos, small, quartered white onion 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 380 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder
- 3 pieces, stemmed and seeded dried guajillo chilies
- 5 medium, husked and rinsed tomatillos
- 1 small, quartered white onion
- 4 cloves garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped, for garnish fresh cilantro
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Toast 3 dried guajillo chilies in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes until fragrant, then place in a bowl and cover with hot water to soak for 15 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: In a pot of boiling water, add 5 rinsed tomatillos and boil for 5 minutes until softened and color changes to a dull green.
- Step 3: Drain chilies and transfer to a blender with boiled tomatillos, 1 small quartered white onion, and 4 garlic cloves. Blend until smooth to create the sauce.
- Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season 1 lb cubed pork shoulder with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp cumin powder, and 1/2 tsp dried oregano. Brown the pork in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden on all sides.
- Step 5: Pour the blended sauce over the browned pork, add 2 cups chicken broth, stir well, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 1.5 hours until pork is tender and sauce thickens.
- Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving with warm tortillas or rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stewed Mexican Pork with Chili and Tomatillo Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 130 minutes (20 min prep + 110 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Stewed Mexican Pork with Chili and Tomatillo Sauce?
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 Stewed Mexican Pork with Chili and Tomatillo Sauce?
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 Stewed Mexican Pork with Chili and Tomatillo Sauce 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 Stewed Mexican Pork with Chili and Tomatillo Sauce?
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.
