Print Recipe
Chile-Braised Pork Shoulder Tacos
 
recipe image
Prep Time: 60 Minutes
Cook Time: 180 Minutes
Ready In: 240 Minutes
Servings: 8
Recipe by the Bon Appétit Test Kitchen. May 2011 Bon Appetit. Serve this succulent spiced pork at the table with a pair of tongs (perfect for pulling off small hunks to stuff into tortillas), or shred it in the kitchen and place on a platter.
Ingredients:
4 large dried ancho chiles, stemmed, seeded (about 3/4 oz.)
2 large dried chilies, stemmed, seeded (chiles de ƒ rbol or japones chiles)
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 -5 lb boneless pork shoulder (boston butt)
kosher salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped (about 2 cups)
3 large garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
2 bay leaves
2 teaspoons dried oregano, preferably mexican
2 teaspoons ground coriander
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1 (12 ounce) bottle dark beer (negro modelo)
24 inches corn tortillas (or more)
4 radishes, trimmed, thinly sliced
Directions:
1. Place chiles in a medium bowl. Add enough boiling water to cover, and set a small plate or bowl on chiles to keep submerged. Let soak until softened, about 30 minutes. Drain chiles, reserving 1 cup soaking liquid.
2. Preheat oven to 350°. Place chiles, sugar, lime juice, and 1/4 cup reserved soaking liquid in a blender. Purée chile mixture, adding more soaking liquid as needed to form a smooth paste. Season pork shoulder generously with salt and spread paste over pork. DO AHEAD Can be rubbed 1-2 days ahead. Cover and chill. Let come to room temperature before continuing.
3. Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, bay leaves, oregano, coriander, cumin, and allspice. Cook, stirring often, until onion is soft, about 8 minutes. Add beer; bring to a boil. Add pork to pot; cover and transfer to oven.
4. Braise pork, basting occasionally with pan juices, until very tender, about 2 1/2 hours. DO AHEAD Can be made 2 days ahead. Let cool slightly. Chill uncovered until cold, then cover and keep chilled. Rewarm before continuing.
5. Transfer pork to a large platter. Let cool slightly. Pour pan juice mixture over pork; cover and keep warm. (Alternatively, shred the pork with 2 forks and pour pan juice mixture over pork.).
6. Meanwhile, working in batches, cook tortillas in a large heavy skillet over low heat until toasted, about 1 minute per side. Transfer to a large sheet of foil; wrap to keep warm.
7. Serve pork with tortillas, radishes, both salsas, pickled onions, and chopped cilantro, encouraging guests to fill and garnish tacos as desired.
By RecipeOfHealth.com