Mexican Pork in Red Chile Sauce – A Traditional Mexican Comfort Dish
If you love hearty, flavorful Mexican food, this Pork in Red Chile Sauce is going to be a new favorite. Tender cubes of pork are simmered in a rich, smoky, and slightly spicy sauce made from dried guajillo and ancho chiles, garlic, onion, and warm spices.
This dish is the definition of Mexican comfort food—perfect with tortillas, rice, or beans, and just as good for family dinners as it is for special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
- Authentic flavors – the dried guajillo and ancho chiles bring smoky, earthy, and mildly spicy depth.
- Tender pork – slow simmering makes the meat juicy and fall-apart delicious.
- Simple ingredients – just pork, dried chiles, and pantry staples.
- Versatile serving options – enjoy with rice, beans, or wrapped in tortillas.
Ingredients 🛒
For the Pork:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 5 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
- 2 dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 2 cups chicken broth
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
1️⃣ Prepare the Chiles
- Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
- Toast the guajillo and ancho chiles for 1–2 minutes, flipping occasionally until fragrant.
- Transfer them to a bowl and cover with hot water. Soak for about 15 minutes until softened, then drain.
2️⃣ Make the Sauce
- In a blender, combine soaked chiles, garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, and chicken broth.
- Blend until smooth.
- Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve for a silky consistency.
3️⃣ Cook the Pork
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season pork cubes with salt and pepper.
- Sear the pork until browned on all sides.
4️⃣ Simmer in Sauce
- Pour the chile sauce over the seared pork. Stir well.
- Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is tender and the sauce thickens.
5️⃣ Serve
- Serve hot with warm tortillas, fluffy rice, or creamy beans.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for brightness.
Tips & Variations 🌟
- Adjust spice level: Add a pasilla chile for smokiness or a chile de árbol for more heat.
- Add depth: Mix in a splash of apple cider vinegar or a square of Mexican chocolate to round out the flavors.
- Different protein: Substitute with chicken thighs or beef chuck for a tasty twist.
- Make ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.
Serving Suggestions 🍴
- Spoon over Mexican rice for a hearty plate.
- Serve with refried or charro beans for a traditional combo.
- Use as a filling for tacos, burritos, or gorditas.
- Pair with warm corn tortillas and fresh salsa.
Storage & Reheating 🥡
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
✨ This Mexican Pork in Red Chile Sauce is a true taste of tradition—bold, rich, and deeply satisfying. Whether you serve it with tortillas, rice, or beans, it’s guaranteed to bring warmth and flavor to your table.