Stewed Pork in Red Oaxacan Mole with Toasted Sesame
Slow-cooked pork shoulder simmered in a fragrant and slightly spicy red mole, enriched with toasted sesame seeds and dried chilies for a layered flavor profile. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 140 minutes pairs cut into 2-inch cubes pork shoulder, dried guajillo chilies, dried ancho chilies 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs, cut into 2-inch cubes pork shoulder
- 4 pieces dried guajillo chilies
- 3 pieces dried ancho chilies
- 1 medium, sliced white onion
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 medium, chopped tomato
- 3 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 piece cinnamon stick
- 3 whole cloves cloves
- 4 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Toast 4 dried guajillo and 3 dried ancho chilies in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes until fragrant, then soak in hot water for 20 minutes to soften.
- Step 2: Heat 4 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Season 2 lbs cubed pork shoulder with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Sear pork cubes in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same pot, add 1 medium sliced white onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 5 minutes until softened and golden.
- Step 4: Add 2 chopped medium tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until pulpy.
- Step 5: Drain chilies and blend with 3 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, 1 cinnamon stick, 3 whole cloves, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 cup chicken broth until smooth.
- Step 6: Pour blended mole sauce into the pot and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes until thickened and aromatic.
- Step 7: Return pork to the pot, add remaining 1 cup chicken broth, cover, and simmer on low heat for 1 1/2 hours until pork is tender and sauce coats the meat.
- Step 8: Serve hot with warm corn tortillas or rice, garnished with extra toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stewed Pork in Red Oaxacan Mole with Toasted Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 140 minutes (30 min prep + 110 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 Stewed Pork in Red Oaxacan Mole with Toasted Sesame?
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 chilies from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stewed Pork in Red Oaxacan Mole with Toasted Sesame?
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 Pork in Red Oaxacan Mole with Toasted Sesame 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 Stewed Pork in Red Oaxacan Mole with Toasted Sesame?
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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