Spicy Ancho Shredded Pork Tacos
Transform your leftover shredded pork into a vibrant dish with these Spicy Ancho Shredded Pork Tacos. Rich in flavor, the dish features a luscious sauce made from reconstituted ancho chilies, complemented by the heat of fresh serranos and the earthy undertones of various herbs. Perfect for filling tacos or burritos, this recipe not only revitalizes your leftover meat but also ensures each bite bursts with tangy and spicy goodness. It keeps well in the fridge, making it an ideal choice for meal prep or an easy weeknight dinner. Inspired by the culinary genius of Diana Kennedy, this dish invites you to embrace Mexican flavors and enjoy the art of cooking with confidence.
6
Servings
300
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Shredded pork
2 lbs (Prepared and ready for use)
Ancho chilies
2 large (Reconstituted, deseeded, and deveined)
Chicken broth
1/4 cup
Garlic cloves
4 large (Peeled)
Fresh serranos
4 (Sliced (optional, recommended))
White wine vinegar
1/4 cup
Water
1/2 cup
Fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon (Chopped)
Fresh savory
1 tablespoon (Chopped)
Fresh basil
1 tablespoon (Chopped)
Fresh oregano
1 tablespoon (Chopped)
Cumin
1 teaspoon
Salt
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Pepper
To taste
Instructions
1
Rehydrate the ancho chilies by soaking them in hot water for about 15-20 minutes. Once softened, deseed and devein the chilies.
2
In a blender, combine the reconstituted ancho chilies, chicken broth, garlic cloves, serranos (if using), white wine vinegar, water, cilantro, savory, basil, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Blend until the mixture is smooth and thick. If the sauce is too thin, simmer it in a saucepan over low heat until it thickens.
3
Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Once the oil is hot but not smoking, pour in the blended sauce. Fry the sauce for about 1 minute until it becomes slightly reduced.
4
Add the shredded pork to the skillet and stir thoroughly to coat the meat with the sauce. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pork is heated through and well mixed with the sauce.
5
Serve the spicy carnitas in warm tortillas with your choice of toppings such as pico de gallo, sour cream, or avocado.
Nutrition Information
15
Fat
9.2
Carbs
30
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Ancho Shredded Pork Tacos?
Spicy Ancho Shredded Pork Tacos is a dish that revitalizes leftover pork with a rich sauce made from ancho chilies, fresh herbs, and spices.
How do I rehydrate the ancho chilies?
Soak the ancho chilies in hot water for approximately 15 to 20 minutes until they become soft.
What should I do after the ancho chilies are softened?
Once softened, you must deseed and devein the chilies before blending them into the sauce.
What ingredients are blended to make the sauce?
The sauce includes ancho chilies, chicken broth, garlic, serranos, white wine vinegar, water, cilantro, savory, basil, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
How can I thicken the sauce if it is too thin?
Simmer the sauce in a saucepan over low heat until it reaches your desired thickness.
What type of vinegar is used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 1/4 cup of white wine vinegar.
How much pork is needed for this recipe?
You will need 2 pounds of prepared shredded pork.
Are the serranos mandatory?
No, the 4 sliced fresh serranos are optional, though they are recommended for extra heat.
How long do I fry the sauce in the skillet?
Fry the blended sauce in hot oil for about 1 minute until it is slightly reduced.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 30 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 15 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in these tacos?
There are 9.2 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Which fresh herbs are used in the sauce?
The recipe uses fresh cilantro, savory, basil, and oregano.
How long does it take to cook the pork with the sauce?
Cook the pork and sauce together for 5 to 7 minutes until the meat is heated through.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the culinary style of Diana Kennedy.
What are some suggested toppings for these tacos?
Suggested toppings include pico de gallo, sour cream, and avocado.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is an ideal choice for meal prep as it keeps well in the refrigerator.
Can I use this pork for something other than tacos?
Yes, this spicy shredded pork is also perfect for filling burritos.
What is the preparation for the garlic cloves?
The 4 large garlic cloves should be peeled before being added to the blender.
What type of oil should be used?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of oil, heated until hot but not smoking.
What is the spice profile of the ancho chilies?
Ancho chilies provide a rich, earthy flavor and a mild to medium heat.
How much cumin is added to the sauce?
One teaspoon of cumin is added to the blender mixture.
Does the recipe include fiber or sugar information?
No, fiber and sugar data are not provided for this recipe.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 14 ingredients used in this recipe.
How much water is added to the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of water in the blender.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and pepper should be added to the blender mixture according to your personal taste.
What is the primary flavor of the dish?
The dish features tangy and spicy flavors with earthy herbal undertones.
How do I serve the meat?
Serve the spicy pork in warm tortillas with your preferred toppings.