Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a culinary journey to Mexico! This Slow Cookers Spicy Mexican Pork Stew is not just a meal; it's an experience that warms the soul and ignites the senses. With tender, juicy pork shoulder simmered to perfection in a rich, spicy sauce, this dish is the ultimate comfort food that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend gathering, this recipe is easy to prepare and even easier to love. Dive into the flavors of Mexico and discover how this hearty stew can transform your dinner table into a fiesta!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork shoulder, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 jalapeños, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut into 1-inch cubes, ensuring relatively uniform size for even cooking.
- Season the cubed pork generously with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of cumin, thoroughly coating each piece to enhance flavor penetration.
- Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic cloves, and carefully dice the jalapeños, removing seeds if you prefer less heat.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the pork cubes in batches, creating a rich caramelized exterior that will add depth to the stew.
- Transfer the browned pork to the slow cooker, layering the pieces evenly across the bottom.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onions and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker, along with the chopped jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and remaining cumin.
- Stir all ingredients to combine, ensuring the pork is well-coated with the tomato and spice mixture.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat, cooking for 7-8 hours until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Once cooking is complete, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Let the stew rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or served over rice.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut of Meat: Opt for pork shoulder for its perfect balance of fat and meat, which will keep the stew moist and flavorful during the long cooking process.
- Sear the Meat: Don’t skip the browning step! Searing the pork cubes in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker enhances the stew's flavor by creating a delicious caramelized crust.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder stew, remove the seeds from the jalapeños. For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the stew to rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together and thickens the sauce for a more satisfying texture.
- Garnish for Flavor: Serve your stew with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or even avocado slices to add a refreshing contrast to the spicy flavors.
- Perfect Pairings: This stew pairs wonderfully with warm tortillas, rice, or a side of refried beans, making it a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg
