Puerco en Salsa Verde (Pork in Tomatillo Sauce)

Puerco en salsa verde is a Mexican-style pork guisado where tender pieces of pork shoulder are cooked in a vivid green tomatillo sauce. The tomatillos bring natural acidity, while jalapeño, coriander, onion and garlic give the salsa its fresh, savoury character. As the pork simmers, the sauce softens from sharp and raw-tasting to rounded and lightly thickened, coating the meat without becoming heavy. It is the kind of dish that works well with steamed rice, warm corn tortillas and extra lime at the table, making it equally useful for a straightforward dinner or a relaxed sharing meal.
Cuisine style Mexican home cooking
Flavor profile Tangy • Savoury • Fresh green chilli
Spice level Medium
Techniques Browning • Blending • Simmering
Cooking style One-pot cooking • Make-ahead friendly • Freezer-friendly
Time commitment Under 2 hours

Why this recipe works

  • Built-in savoury depth: Browning the pork first adds richness before it simmers gently with onion, garlic and stock.
  • Bright but rounded sauce: Tomatillos bring natural sharpness, while the long simmer softens their raw edge and lime freshens the finish.
  • Tender, sauce-coated pork: Pork shoulder becomes yielding as it cooks, and the reduced salsa verde clings to each piece.

Get the most out of this recipe

Adjust the heat

  • For a milder stew: Remove the jalapeño seeds and white pith before blending, then taste the finished sauce before adding any extra chilli.
  • For more heat: Use serrano in place of jalapeño, or leave some of the chilli seeds in the salsa verde.
  • Keep the flavour in balance: Add extra lime only at the end; acidity can make chilli taste sharper if added too early.

Authenticity notes

  • Home-style guisado: This is the kind of saucy Mexican braise commonly served with rice, beans or tortillas rather than as a dry main.
  • Tomatillos matter: Tomatillos give salsa verde its distinctive tart, green flavour; they are not the same as unripe green tomatoes.
  • Classic serving: Warm corn tortillas are ideal for scooping up the pork and sauce, while rice turns it into a fuller plate.

Make-ahead tips

  • Even better after resting: The sauce settles and the pork absorbs more flavour after a night in the fridge.
  • Reheat gently: Warm in a saucepan with a splash of water or stock, stirring occasionally until piping hot.
  • Freezer-friendly: Cool fully before freezing in sealed portions, then defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Common mistakes

  • Crowding the pork: If the pieces are packed too tightly, they steam instead of browning; work in batches if needed.
  • Stopping the sauce too soon: The salsa verde should simmer uncovered until it tastes cooked and lightly thickened, not raw or watery.
  • Boiling too hard: Keep the pot at a gentle simmer so the pork becomes tender without the sauce reducing too aggressively.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Cut the pork into 3 to 4 cm chunks. Roughly chop the onion, and peel the garlic. Halve the jalapeno and remove the seeds if you want a milder heat.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning, until lightly browned in places. Stir in half the onion and 2 cloves of the garlic, and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the chicken stock and add 1 tsp of the fine sea salt. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook over low heat for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is starting to turn tender.
  4. Meanwhile, rinse the tomatillos well to remove any sticky residue, then halve them. Blend the tomatillos with the remaining onion, remaining garlic, jalapeno, and most of the fresh coriander, reserving a little coriander for serving. Blend until smooth.
  5. Stir the blended salsa verde into the pot. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring now and then, until the pork is very tender and the sauce tastes cooked and slightly thickened. Taste and season with the remaining 1 tsp fine sea salt if needed.
  6. Squeeze in the lime juice and stir through. Serve hot, topped with the reserved fresh coriander. If you like, add extra lime at the table.

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Recipe notes

Serving suggestions

This recipe pairs well with:

Steamed rice Warm corn tortillas

Tips

  • For a smoother, brighter sauce, blend the tomatillos thoroughly, then simmer the salsa in the pot until it loses its raw edge before judging the seasoning.
  • If you prefer a milder stew, remove the jalapeno seeds and white pith before blending.
  • If serving vulnerable groups, ensure the pork is cooked until piping hot throughout and the sauce is simmered properly.

Substitutions

  • Replace chicken stock with vegetable stock for a lighter, pork-forward flavour.
  • Replace jalapeno pepper with serrano pepper for a hotter salsa verde.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan with a splash of water or stock until piping hot. Freeze for up to 3 months; defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Total time: 1h 35min (25min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Mexican
Beginner friendly With serving suggestions One pot Freezer friendly

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