Slow-Braised Pork Tostadas with Chipotle
Experience the rich, savory flavors of Mexico with these Slow-Braised Pork Tostadas. Tender pork cooked to perfection and infused with aromatic spices makes these tostadas a standout dish. Ideal for preparing in advance, the pork can be frozen and used when needed, while tortillas can be store-bought for added convenience. The vibrant freshness of lettuce, tomatoes, and cilantro completes this delectable meal.
8
Servings
400
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
pork loin
2 lbs (cut into 1 inch cubes)
onion
2 medium (1 quartered and 1 diced)
garlic cloves
5 (3 peeled and smashed, 2 minced)
thyme
4 sprigs (fresh)
salt
to taste
olive oil
1 tablespoon
oregano
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
diced tomatoes
1 (14.5-ounce) can
chipotle powder
1 tablespoon (dried)
bay leaves
2
corn tortillas
8 (6 inch) (store-bought or homemade)
canola oil
for toasting tortillas
lettuce
4 cups (shredded)
light sour cream
optional
fresh tomato
optional (diced)
cilantro
optional (chopped)
Instructions
1
Place the pork cubes, quartered onion, smashed garlic cloves, thyme sprigs, and a generous pinch of salt in a large saucepan. Add 6 cups of water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
2
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and partially cover the saucepan. Allow the pork to simmer gently for 60 to 90 minutes, until tender.
3
Drain the pork, reserving one cup of the cooking liquid. Use a potato masher to break apart the pork until shredded.
4
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange corn tortillas on two baking sheets. Lightly brush both sides of each tortilla with canola oil, then sprinkle with a pinch of salt. To keep them flat while baking, place upside-down cooling racks on top of the tortillas. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until lightly browned, swapping the positions of the baking sheets halfway through. Keep a close eye on them to avoid over-browning. Let the tostadas cool after baking.
5
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shredded pork, diced onion, and oregano. Cook until the pork is browned with crisp edges, about 10 minutes.
6
Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute more.
7
Add the canned tomatoes, chipotle powder, reserved cooking liquid, and bay leaves to the skillet. Stir well and cook over medium heat until most of the liquid has evaporated, creating a thick, flavorful pork mixture.
8
To assemble, top each tortilla with about 1/2 cup of shredded lettuce and a portion of the pork mixture. Garnish with optional toppings like light sour cream, diced fresh tomatoes, and chopped cilantro for added freshness.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
42.5g
Carbs
25g
Protein
5g
Fiber
3g
Sugar
475mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow-Braised Pork Tostadas with Chipotle?
It is a savory Mexican dish featuring tender pork loin simmered with aromatic spices, shredded, and served on crispy baked corn tortillas with fresh toppings.
What cut of pork is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of pork loin cut into 1-inch cubes.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
How long does the pork need to simmer?
The pork should simmer gently for 60 to 90 minutes until it is tender.
What temperature should the oven be for the tortillas?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C) to bake the tortillas.
How do I keep the tortillas flat while baking?
Place upside-down cooling racks on top of the tortillas on the baking sheets to keep them flat.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 25g of protein in each serving.
Can I make the pork in advance?
Yes, the slow-braised pork can be prepared in advance and even frozen until needed.
How do I shred the pork?
You can use a potato masher to break apart the cooked pork until it is shredded.
Should I save the pork cooking liquid?
Yes, you should reserve one cup of the cooking liquid to use later in the pork mixture.
What kind of tortillas are used?
The recipe uses 8 six-inch corn tortillas.
What spices are used for the initial braise?
The initial braise uses thyme sprigs, garlic, onion, and salt.
How much chipotle powder is required?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of dried chipotle powder.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 15g of fat.
What are the recommended toppings for assembly?
Shredded lettuce, light sour cream, diced fresh tomatoes, and chopped cilantro are recommended.
How long do the tortillas bake?
Bake the tortillas for 10 to 15 minutes, or until lightly browned.
What type of oil is used for the tortillas?
Canola oil is used to lightly brush both sides of the tortillas before baking.
How much sodium is in this dish?
There is 475mg of sodium per serving.
What kind of tomatoes are used in the pork mixture?
One 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes is used.
How much fiber is in each serving?
Each serving provides 5g of dietary fiber.
How many garlic cloves are needed in total?
A total of 5 garlic cloves are used: 3 smashed for braising and 2 minced for the skillet.
What type of onion preparation is required?
You need 2 medium onions: one quartered for braising and one diced for the skillet.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
There is 3g of sugar per serving.
What is the first step in cooking the pork?
Place pork, onion, garlic, thyme, and salt in a saucepan with 6 cups of water and bring to a boil.
What should I do if foam forms on the water?
Skim off any foam that forms on the surface of the water once it starts boiling.
How do I know when the skillet mixture is ready?
Cook the mixture until most of the liquid has evaporated, creating a thick, flavorful sauce.
Are bay leaves used in this recipe?
Yes, 2 bay leaves are added to the skillet when simmering the pork with tomatoes.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 42.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What herbs are used in the skillet cooking phase?
Dried oregano and bay leaves are added during the skillet phase.