This Easy Pork in Tangy Tomatillo Salsa is a fun dish that’s packed with flavor! The juicy pork mixes perfectly with the zesty tomatillo salsa for a mouthwatering experience.
Honestly, the tangy goodness of the tomatillo salsa takes this dish to the next level. I love serving it with rice or tortillas—it’s perfect for sharing with family and friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder or Loin: This recipe calls for pork shoulder for its rich flavor and tenderness when cooked. If you’re looking for a leaner option, pork loin works well too. A great substitute is chicken thighs for a lighter dish.
Tomatillos: Tomatillos give this dish its unique tanginess. If you can’t find them, green tomatoes or a mix of green bell peppers and lime juice can be used as a substitute. Just add a bit more lime for that zing!
Jalapeño Peppers: For added heat, jalapeños work perfectly. If you want less spice, seed them or swap them out for a milder pepper like banana peppers or omit them entirely.
Olive Oil: I love using olive oil for browning the pork. However, avocado oil or vegetable oil can easily be substituted if desired. Use what you have on hand!
How Do I Ensure the Pork is Tender and Flavorful?
The key step is browning the pork before baking. This adds a deep flavor that mixes beautifully with the tomatillo salsa. To achieve this:
- Heat your oil over medium-high heat before adding the pork.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed to achieve nice browning.
- After browning, ensure you cover the skillet tightly before baking to maintain moisture.
This method guarantees your pork will be fall-apart tender and packed with flavor!
How to Make Easy Pork in Tangy Tomatillo Salsa
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 lbs pork shoulder or pork loin, cut into chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lb tomatillos, husked and rinsed
- 1 small white onion, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1-2 jalapeño peppers, seeded if less heat desired
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
- Optional garnishes: chopped cilantro, sliced radishes, avocado slices, lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and another 1.5 to 2 hours to bake in the oven. So, in total, you can expect around 2 to 2.5 hours to make this delicious dish. Perfect for a lazy weekend dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Getting it nice and warm is key before we start baking everything together!
2. Season the Pork:
In a bowl, take your pork chunks and sprinkle them with ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix them well to make sure all the pieces are evenly coated with spices. This will add tons of flavor!
3. Brown the Pork:
In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned pork chunks and brown them on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Browning adds delicious flavor, so don’t skip this step!
4. Make the Tomatillo Salsa:
While the pork is browning, grab a blender or food processor. Add the husked tomatillos, roughly chopped white onion, garlic, jalapeños, cilantro leaves, lime juice, and water or chicken broth. Blend everything until it’s smooth and lovely.
5. Combine Pork and Salsa:
Once the pork is browned, carefully pour the tomatillo salsa over the pork in the skillet. Stir it a little to combine everything.
6. Bake It:
Cover the skillet with a lid or some foil. This keeps the moisture in! Now, pop it in the preheated oven and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours. The pork should get nice and tender and shred easily.
7. Shred the Pork:
When it’s done, carefully take the skillet out of the oven. Use two forks to shred the pork right in the salsa. It should be super tender!
8. Taste and Adjust:
Give the dish a taste! If it needs more seasoning, sprinkle in some salt or a bit of lime juice to brighten it up.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Time to eat! Serve the pork hot, garnished with extra cilantro, sliced radishes, or avocado slices if you like. This dish pairs wonderfully with warm tortillas, rice, or beans for a complete meal.
Enjoy your delicious Easy Pork in Tangy Tomatillo Salsa!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is ideal for its tenderness, you can use pork loin or even chicken thighs if you prefer a leaner protein. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since different cuts can vary in cooking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the salsa thickens too much during storage, you can add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up!
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Yes! If you like more heat, keep the seeds in the jalapeños or add an extra pepper. For additional spice, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced serrano peppers to the salsa for an extra kick.
What Should I Serve with This Dish?
This dish pairs beautifully with warm tortillas, rice, or beans. For a lighter meal, serve it over a bed of greens or with a simple salad on the side. Don’t forget the garnishes—they add fresh flavor and color!
