Juicy Asado de Cerdo Recipe for Your Next BBQ
Dear fellow foodies,
Are you looking for a hearty and savory meal that packs a flavor punch and transports your taste buds to Mexico? If so, I have just the recipe for you: Asado De Cerdo, also known as Mexican pork stew. Asado de cerdo is a traditional dish in Mexican cuisine that has delighted generations with its smoky, warm notes.
In this recipe article, I’ll show you how to create an authentic asado de cerdo recipe that will impress even the most demanding palates. The recipe is straightforward, and all the ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores. And with my step-by-step instructions, tips, and recommendations, anyone can whip up this delicious meal with ease.
The secret to achieving the perfect asado de cerdo is in the ingredients – tender pork meat flavored with chili powder, cumin, garlic, and dried oregano. This dish is versatile enough to suit different preferences, whether you like it spicy or mild. And if you’re looking for a gluten-free recipe, all you have to do is swap out the flour for cornmeal or cornstarch.
This dish’s history dates back centuries and has been passed down through generations of Mexican families. In some regions of Mexico, asado de cerdo is typically served during special occasions like weddings, graduations and religious festivals where family members gather and share their cultural traditions.
Join me on this culinary journey to recreate a classic dish from the heart of Mexico – Asado de Cerdo. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you for it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a hearty and flavorful dish to satisfy your taste buds and fill your stomach? Look no further than Asado De Cerdo, also known as Mexican Pork Stew. As a chef specializing in both Brazilian and American cuisine, I can confidently say that this recipe is one of my personal favorites.
First and foremost, the combination of spices used in this recipe is unbeatable. A mixture of chili powder, cumin, and garlic adds depth and complexity to the dish, while a touch of dried oregano provides a hint of earthy flavor. The result is a deliciously savory aroma that will fill your home as it simmers on the stove.
But what truly sets this dish apart is the use of guajillo chile sauce. This traditional sauce adds a tangy and slightly sweet element to the stew, perfectly complementing the richness of the pork roast. When combined with diced pork pieces that have been well-browned in a heavy pot, you get a melt-in-your-mouth texture that will leave you craving more.
Not only does this recipe taste amazing, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve it over rice or with tortillas for a classic Mexican meal, or try out some creative pairings with quinoa or roasted vegetables for a unique twist. Plus, depending on your spice tolerance, you can easily adjust the amount of chile peppers used to make it more or less spicy.
In summary, Asado De Cerdo is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to savor the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine. From its irresistible aroma to its tender meat and rich sauce, this dish offers everything you could want in a hearty meal. Give it a try and see why it’s become a staple recipe in many kitchens around the world!
Ingredient List
Before cooking any dish, it is essential to have all the necessary ingredients ready. Here’s what you’ll need for this Asado De Cerdo Recipe:
For the Pork Stew:
- 3-4 pounds of pork roast, cut into chunks (preferably from the shoulder or leg)
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
For the Red Chile Sauce:
- 4 dried guajillo chile pepper, stemmed and seeded
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped finely
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
For Serving:
- Flour or corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Most of these ingredients can be found in your local grocery store or online if some items are harder to come by in your area. The combination of these spices and herbs creates the perfect balance of flavor for an authentic Mexican Asado recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Brown the Pork
To start this delicious dish, heat oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add your diced pork or pork roast and generously season with salt and pepper, stirring well until it is nicely browned on all sides. This is an essential step as it helps to develop the rich caramelized flavor of the meat.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Sauté
Once the pork is well-browned, add some finely chopped garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. This will infuse the dish with the savory depth of garlic.
Step 3: Make the Chile Sauce
Now it’s time to add some spice! Pour in some water to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Next, add in your chiles – you can use whichever type you prefer, but we recommend using a mixture of guajillo chile and red chile- stemmed, seeded, and chopped- or whole depending on preference.
Stir in ground cumin, some chili powder, dried oregano, and season with more salt and pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for an hour or so until the flavors have melded together and the liquid has reduced into a thick, flavorful sauce.
*Tip: Some people prefer making their sauce separately before adding it to the pork. It’s all up to preference!
Step 4: Add The Pork Back In and Simmer
Once your sauce has evolved into a deliciously fragrant base for your meal, return the browned pork back to the pot along with any leftover juices. Stir everything together to ensure that pork pieces are evenly coated with sauce.
Add enough water (1½ cups) to cover the pork, and bring everything to a boil once again. Reduce heat, cover, and let everything simmer for at least 1 to 2 hours until the pork is nice and tender.
Tip: For the traditional asado de cerdo* recipe, we recommend cooking over an open fire.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your Puerco Asado de Cerdo is ready! Serve hot with a side of tortillas, refried beans or rice. The smoky-sweet flavors are adorned with warm spices such as cumin and chili powder, fragrant garlic, and aromatic dried oregano- making it an excellent hearty dish for any occasion!
Variation Tip: To make a classic chile colorado* sauce, use dried New Mexico chiles in place of guajillo chiles. The result will have a milder spice level with a slightly sweeter finish.
Enjoy your delicious Mexican pork stew, known for being popular in regions such as Nuevo León and **Zacate
Substitutions and Variations
Get creative with this recipe and make it your own while still capturing the delicious essence of asado de cerdo.
– For a spicier kick, add more chili powder or try using diced jalapenos.
– If you don’t have guajillo chilies, you can substitute other mild dried chilies, such as ancho or pasilla.
– Add some sweetness with a tablespoon of brown sugar or a chopped pineapple.
– Skip the flour for gluten-free option or substitute with corn starch.
– Experiment with different cuts of pork, such as pork shoulder or pork loin roast. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
– For an outdoor cooking adventure, try making this recipe over an open fire with a whole pork roast.
– To make it vegetarian-friendly, replace the pork with diced potatoes, cauliflowers, carrots and peppers.
Overall, there is no limit to the ways you can make this recipe your own while still taking in all the flavors of a traditional asado de cerdo.
Serving and Pairing
Asado de cerdo is a hearty and flavorful dish that can be served in various ways. One of the popular ways is to serve it with Spanish rice and refried beans, which create a perfect balance of texture and flavor. The fluffy and aromatic Spanish rice complements the savory and spicy pork stew, while the creamy and earthy refried beans add a richness to the dish.
Another ideal accompaniment to asado de cerdo is warm tortillas, which make flavorful wraps or tacos. Simply heat up the tortillas on a hot griddle or pan until they’re softened, and then stuff them with the pork stew, diced onions, cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Each bite is an explosion of flavors that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
For those who love a bit of heat in their meals, try serving asado de cerdo with fresh salsa or pico de gallo. The acidic and fresh flavors of these salsas will cut through the richness of the pork stew, making each bite even more enjoyable.
If you’re feeling adventurous, pair asado de cerdo with a rich red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec. The bold tannins of these wines pair beautifully with the umami flavors of the pork stew.
No matter how you serve it, asado de cerdo is sure to impress your guests and leave them satisfied with its rich and comforting flavors.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Asado de cerdo is a dish that benefits from a bit of advance preparation, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. One great tip is to make the whole recipe ahead of time and let it cool completely before chilling it in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to meld together even more, and you can easily reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
To reheat, simply transfer the chilled asado de cerdo to a pot and cook over low heat until it is heated through. If the sauce has thickened up too much during storage, you can add a bit of chicken or vegetable broth to thin it out.
Another option is to freeze the pork stew for later use. Simply transfer the cooled leftover asado de cerdo into an airtight container, leaving some room at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen dish, remove from the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Transfer to a pot and reheat until heated through on low heat.
A good tip to keep in mind is that since asado de cerdo contains a lot of liquid, it is best reheated slowly over low heat so that everything gets warmed evenly without breaking apart any of the tender pieces of pork.
As always when reheating food, be sure to check if it has reached an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Whether making ahead or reheating leftovers, remember that asado de cerdo has a rich and savory flavor that will only get better with time!
Tips for Perfect Results
Before you get started on your asado de cerdo recipe, let me give you some tips to help you achieve that perfect dish that will wow your guests and your tastebuds. Here are a few things you should keep in mind:
1. Use the right cut of pork
For this recipe, it’s essential to use a pork roast that has enough fat to keep the meat tender and juicy during the long and slow cooking process.
2. Brown the pork well
Make sure to brown the pork well on all sides before adding any liquids to the pot. This extra step adds a depth of flavor and helps to create that deliciously rich browned liquid that is characteristic of a good asado de cerdo.
3. Toast the dried chiles
Before using dried chiles in your recipe, take a few extra minutes to toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant. This step will help to release their essential oils and make them more flavorful.
4. Let it cook slowly
Don’t rush the cooking process by cooking on high heat or opening the lid too often. The magic of an asado de cerdo lies in its slow cooking process and allowing time for all those flavors to meld together.
5. Adjust seasoning as needed
Throughout the cooking process, taste your dish and adjust seasoning as necessary with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin or other spices that fit your taste buds
Remember these tips as you prepare your asado de cerdo recipe, and you’ll be sure to impress everyone at your table with an authentic Mexican Pork stew packed with rich flavors hard not to like!
FAQ
Now that you have made your delicious asado de cerdo recipe, you may have some questions or concerns about the ingredients, process, or variations. Here are some frequently asked questions and tried-and-true answers to help you achieve perfect results every time.
What meat is used for asado?
An asado is a traditional feast in which various meats such as beef, pork, chicken, chorizo, and morcilla are cooked to perfection over an open flame on a parrilla or grill. Alongside the savory meats, side dishes like salads and red wine are served to complement the flavors of the main dishes. The asador or parrillero is the chef responsible for preparing the meats to juicy, smoky perfection.
What is puerco asado made of?
When it comes to flavorful pork dishes, puerco asado or lechón asado is an absolute crowd-pleaser. This dish involves marinating and roasting either a whole pig, pierna, or pernil with our unique blend of spices until the meat is tender and the skin is perfectly crispy and golden brown.
How many calories are in a asado de puerco?
This dish is packed with nutrients, providing 178 calories with a healthy dose of 14g protein. The nutritional value is up-to-date as of February 15, 2023.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Asado De Cerdo recipe is the perfect way to add a touch of Mexican cuisine to your table. With its rich and savory flavors, tender pork, and vibrant colorado chile sauce, it’s not hard to see why this dish has become a staple in Latin American kitchens.
By following the simple recipe instructions and tips provided above, you too can achieve restaurant-worthy results that will leave your taste buds singing with delight. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions as well, as this dish is highly versatile and can be tailored to suit different tastes and preferences.
So what are you waiting for? Get ready to embark on a culinary journey and transport yourself straight to the streets of Mexico with this delicious Asado De Cerdo recipe. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, it’s sure to be a hit among family and friends alike. Hacer asado de cerdo nunca habÃa sido tan fácil y delicioso como ahora! (Making pork stew had never been so easy and delicious!).
Asado De Cerdo Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork roast, cubed
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 -5 tablespoons chili powder
- salt
- pepper
- 3 cups water
Instructions
- Heat oil in a heavy pot.
- Add pork, salt and pepper, stirring until well browned and most of the liquid is evaporated.
- Add garlic and saute 1 minute more.
- Add flour, stirring until thoroughly coated.
- Add water all at once.
- Add cumin and chili powder.
- Stir thoroughly until gravy is dark and velvety smooth.
- Add more chili powder to taste.
- Bring to boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes, or until pork is tender.
- Serve with rice and tortillas.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Dora
Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.