Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico, where every bite tells a story of tradition, flavor, and culinary passion. Our Pork in Tomatillo Sauce is not just a recipe—it's a gastronomic journey that transforms humble ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece. With its tangy green sauce and melt-in-your-mouth pork, this dish promises to revolutionize your home cooking and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Pork shoulder
- Tomatillos
- Onion
- Garlic
- Cilantro
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by washing the tomatillos and removing their papery husks. Roughly chop the onion and peel the garlic cloves.
- Cut the pork shoulder into large, uniform chunks of approximately 2-inch pieces, trimming excess fat if desired.
- Season the pork chunks generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the pork chunks in batches, allowing each piece to develop a deep golden-brown crust. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove the browned pork and set aside. In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the tomatillos to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing them to soften and begin to break down.
- Return the browned pork to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. The liquid should partially cover the meat.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let the pork braise slowly for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the meat is extremely tender and can be easily shredded.
- Once the pork is tender, use two forks to shred the meat directly in the sauce. The sauce should be slightly thickened and have a vibrant green color from the tomatillos.
- Chop fresh cilantro and sprinkle over the dish just before serving for added freshness and flavor.
- Serve hot with warm tortillas, rice, or your preferred side dish. The rich, tangy sauce pairs beautifully with the tender, slow-cooked pork.
Tips
- Choose a well-marbled pork shoulder for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Take time to brown the meat properly—this step builds a rich, deep flavor foundation.
- Use fresh tomatillos for the brightest, most authentic taste.
- Don't rush the braising process; slow cooking is key to achieving fork-tender meat.
- For extra depth, consider adding a small amount of cumin or Mexican oregano to the seasoning.
- Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld together.
- Fresh cilantro is non-negotiable—it adds a crucial fresh note to the rich sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 353kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 80mg
