This Easy Chile Verde Pork is bursting with flavor! Tender pork, zesty green chilies, and a hint of spice come together for a warm and satisfying dish that is simple to prepare.
It’s perfect for busy days when comfort food is calling. I love serving it over rice or in tacos—trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 🌮😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork shoulder: This cut is ideal for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you might use pork loin, but keep in mind it won’t be as juicy.
Tomatillos: A key ingredient for that unique tart flavor. If you can’t find tomatillos, you can substitute with canned green tomatoes, though the taste will vary slightly.
Jalapeño peppers: These add a nice kick. If you want less heat, try using poblano peppers instead. For more heat, keep the seeds in or use serrano peppers.
Cilantro: This provides freshness. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley can be a good alternative for a milder flavor.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Tender Pork?
Getting the pork tender is crucial for this dish. The best method is to slow-cook it. Browning the pork first enhances the flavor, then cooking it low and slow allows it to become fall-apart tender.
- Heat oil and brown pork in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Use a lid while simmering to keep moisture in, ensuring the pork softens nicely.
- Cooking for 1.5 to 2 hours on low heat allows flavors to meld and the pork to get ultra-tender.
Don’t rush the process, and you’ll be rewarded with delicious, melt-in-your-mouth pork!
Easy Chile Verde Pork Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups tomatillos, husked and quartered
- 2-3 jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lime
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and 1.5 to 2 hours for cooking. You’ll spend a little time browning the pork and blending the sauce, and then just let it simmer until the pork gets tender. Perfect for a hassle-free dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Pork:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork cubes and brown them on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. After browning, remove the pork from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it’s softened, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can really smell it. This will give your dish a great base flavor!
3. Prepare the Tomatillo Sauce:
In a blender or food processor, combine the tomatillos, jalapeños, cilantro leaves, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Blend everything until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine and Simmer:
Pour the tomatillo mixture back into the pot with the sautéed onions and garlic. Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, return the browned pork to the pot, pour in the chicken broth, stir well, and bring it to a simmer.
5. Slow Cook the Pork:
Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This is the magic moment when your pork gets super tender and absorbs all those delicious flavors!
6. Finish and Serve:
After your pork is nice and tender, stir in the lime juice and adjust the seasoning if you need to. Serve your chile verde pork hot over rice or with warm tortillas. Enjoy every mouthful of this tasty dish!
Happy cooking! Enjoy your flavorful and easy chile verde pork!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder gives the best flavor and tenderness, you can also use pork loin for a leaner option. Just note that it may not be as juicy, so adjust your cooking time accordingly to avoid drying it out.
How Spicy Is This Dish?
The spiciness can be adjusted based on the type and amount of jalapeños you use. If you prefer a mild version, remove all seeds before adding them. For an extra kick, leave some seeds in or add more jalapeños!
Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! You can brown the pork first, then place it in the slow cooker with the slurry of sauce ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for about 3-4 hours until the pork is tender. Just be sure to add the lime juice just before serving.
What Should I Serve with Chile Verde Pork?
This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice or warm tortillas. You can also serve it with refried beans, a fresh salsa, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
