Asado de Puerco (Mexican Pork Stew) Recipe

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Asado de Puerco (Mexican Pork Stew) uses dried chiles with no chili powder here, featuring Guajillo chiles for authentic Mexican pork stew preparation. This traditional recipe emphasizes whole dried chile preparation over commercial powders for superior flavor development and authentic taste profiles. The Guajillo chiles create distinctive, complex heat characteristics.

Asado de puerco (mexican pork stew)

Asado de puerco is a Mexican pork stew made with dried chiles — there’s no chili powder here! Guajillo chiles add a very smoky flavor while the ancho chiles add a touch of smoky sweetness. To add another level of flavor, we always top ours with sliced onions marinated in fresh lemon juice.

Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
1 hr
Total Time:
1 hr 20 mins
Servings:
6
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Ingredients

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1x
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Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

  • 1 ½ pounds pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes

  • ½ cup water

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 4 dried guajillo chile peppers

  • 4 dried ancho chile peppers

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

  • 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon granules

  • 2 cloves garlic

  • 2 large bay leaves

  • 10 whole black peppercorns

  • 2 whole cloves

  • ½ inch stick Mexican cinnamon

  • ½ teaspoon dried Mexican oregano

  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme

  • ½ teaspoon cumin seeds

  • salt to taste

  • 1 tablespoon lard

Directions

  1. Combine pork, water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Uncover, increase the heat to medium-high, and cook, stirring constantly, until water evaporates, 2 to 3 minutes. Continue to cook until pork has browned in its rendered fat, 15 to 20 more minutes.

  2. Meanwhile, stem dried chile peppers and discard seeds. Place chiles into a large skillet over low heat just until they start to soften; don’t toast them. Transfer to a bowl of hot water and soak for 20 minutes.

  3. Transfer pork to a plate, leaving all drippings in the Dutch oven.

  4. Drain chiles and reserve soaking water. Place chiles into a blender with cilantro, bouillon, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon stick, oregano, thyme, and cumin seeds. Pour in 1 cup reserved soaking water and blend until combined. Pour in 1 more cup soaking water, season with salt, and blend until completely smooth.

  5. Place the Dutch oven over medium heat and add lard to the drippings. Very carefully add blended chile mixture, being careful as it may splatter. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil, then add pork and any accumulated juices.

  6. Reduce the heat and cover partially, leaving about 1 inch uncovered. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce has thickened and reaches the desired consistency, 15 to 20 minutes.

Recipe Tip

Cooking pork shoulder with this method ensures the meat will not dry out.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

178 Calories
10g Fat
8g Carbs
14g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 178
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 10g13%
Saturated Fat 3g17%
Cholesterol 47mg16%
Sodium 427mg19%
Total Carbohydrate 8g3%
Dietary Fiber 3g12%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 14g29%
Vitamin C 2mg2%
Calcium 35mg3%
Iron 3mg16%
Potassium 492mg10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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John Davis
John Davis

Hi, I’m John Davis!
Food has always been my favorite way to connect with people, and that’s why I started blogging about it. I love sharing quick, creative recipes that prove cooking at home can be just as exciting as eating out. Whether it’s a speedy weeknight dinner or a fun snack, I enjoy keeping things simple, flavorful, and approachable for everyone. When I’m not experimenting in the kitchen, I’m usually exploring new cuisines or hunting for fresh inspiration at local markets.

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