When the sun dips low in the sky and the air carries a crispness that hints at the changing seasons, I find myself craving warmth and comfort in a bowl. That’s when my Spicy Pork Posole comes to the rescue—a dish that feels like a hug from the inside. The symphony of sautéed sweet onions, zesty poblano pepper, and roasted garlic fills my kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma, drawing in family and friends with the promise of something special.
What I adore about this recipe is its enchanting blend of flavors combined with the effortless preparation. Made with coarsely shredded barbecue pork—leftover from last night’s dinner perhaps—this posole is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of home cooking. The vibrant salsa verde and hearty hominy come together in a nourishing embrace, making it an ideal solution for those busy evenings when fast food just won’t cut it. Get ready to serve up a bowl of happiness, topped off with crisp cabbage, radishes, and a squeeze of lime, and watch as it becomes a new family favorite!
Why is Spicy Pork Posole a Must-Try?
Easy to Make: With just 15 minutes of cooking, you can whip up a vibrant, soul-warming dish that feels gourmet.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of tender pork, aromatic spices, and zesty salsa verde delivers a mouthwatering taste that is both comforting and exciting.
Versatile Toppings: Customize each bowl with toppings like shredded cabbage and slices of radish for added crunch, making each serving a delightful surprise.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for dinner parties or family meals, everyone will love this hearty, satisfying dish.
Leftover Hero: Utilize leftover barbecue pork to create a deliciously innovative meal, reducing waste while enjoying a hearty dish.
Spicy Pork Posole Ingredients
For the Base
- Olive oil – Essential for sautéing the vegetables to bring out their natural sweetness.
- Medium sweet onion – Adds a mild, sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices.
- Poblano pepper – Introduces a mild heat and depth, enhancing the posole’s flavor profile.
- Garlic cloves – Freshly minced garlic boosts the aromatic base for a rich taste.
For the Meat
- Coarsely shredded barbecue pork – Leftover pork adds a smoky richness to the posole, making it a perfect use for leftovers.
For the Spices
- Dried oregano – A staple seasoning that brings an earthy flavor, balancing the dish.
- Chili powder – Adds a touch of warmth; feel free to adjust based on your spice preference.
- Ground cumin – Provides a nutty, earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
For the Broth
- Jarred salsa verde – Infuses the posole with tanginess and adds an uncomplicated depth of flavor.
- Unsalted chicken stock – Keeps the dish light and allows the other flavors to shine through.
For the Hominy
- Hominy – A key ingredient that gives posole its unique texture; it becomes tender and delicious when simmered.
For Toppings
- Shredded cabbage – Adds a nice crunch and freshness to each bowl.
- Thinly sliced radishes – Offers a peppery bite and a vibrant pop of color.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese – Melts beautifully, providing a creamy texture that balances the spice.
- Lime wedges – A squeeze of fresh lime juice invigorates the dish and brightens the flavors.
- Hot sauce – For those who crave an extra kick, add a few dashes for heat.
- Cilantro leaves – Fresh cilantro lends an aromatic finish, enhancing the overall taste and presentation.
How to Make Spicy Pork Posole
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Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion, poblano pepper, and minced garlic, cooking for about 6 minutes until they’re tender and golden brown.
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Add pork and spices: Stir in the shredded barbecue pork, dried oregano, chili powder, and ground cumin. Cook while stirring for 1 minute to let those wonderful flavors meld. Then, mix in the salsa verde and let it simmer for 3 minutes.
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Combine broth and hominy: Pour in the unsalted chicken stock and add the drained hominy. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 15 minutes while the aromas fill your kitchen. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
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Serve with toppings: Ladle the posole into bowls and don’t forget the fun part—add your favorite toppings, like shredded cabbage, slices of radish, Monterey Jack cheese, lime wedges, a splash of hot sauce, and a sprinkle of cilantro to each serving.
Optional: For a burst of flavor, drizzle with extra lime juice before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Spicy Pork Posole
Fridge: Store leftovers of your Spicy Pork Posole in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the posole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To prevent freezer burn, leave a little space at the top for expansion.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Gently warm the posole on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken stock if it’s too thick, until heated through.
Serving Tip: Serve with freshly chopped toppings like cilantro and lime wedges each time you reheat for maximum flavor.
What to Serve with Spicy Pork Posole?
When cozy evenings call for something hearty and soul-warming, pair your posole with delightful accompaniments.
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Creamy Avocado Toast: Smooth, buttery avocado on toasted bread adds a creamy contrast to the spicy broth. Perfect for scooping up the posole!
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Crispy Tortilla Chips: These are the ultimate crunchy side that can be dipped into your posole, enhancing the experience with their delightful crunch.
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Mexican Street Corn: This dish brings sweet, charred corn topped with creamy sauce and spices, balancing the heat of the posole beautifully.
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Black Bean Salad: A refreshing mix of black beans, corn, and tomato adds a vibrant pop of color and texture to your meal, complementing the posole perfectly.
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Lime-Cilantro Rice: This zesty rice offers a fragrant side that pairs harmoniously with each spicy spoonful of posole and is great for soaking up the broth.
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Spiced Hot Chocolate: For a warm drink, this indulgent treat complements the flavors of the posole while satisfying your sweet tooth.
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Churros for Dessert: These fried pastries, dusted with cinnamon sugar, offer a sweet finish, making your cozy meal feel extra special.
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Margaritas: Refreshing and vibrant, a classic margarita enhances the meal and is perfect for sharing with friends.
With these delicious pairings, your Spicy Pork Posole will shine as the centerpiece of a truly memorable meal!
Make Ahead Options
These Spicy Pork Posole bowls are a meal prep dream! You can sauté the onions, poblano pepper, and garlic up to 24 hours in advance. Simply refrigerate the mixture in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Additionally, you can shred the barbecue pork and combine it with the spices, storing it separately for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your posole, just heat the sautéed vegetables, add the pork mixture, salsa verde, chicken stock, and hominy, bringing it to a simmer for about 15 minutes. This way, you savor a delicious homemade meal without the fuss on busy nights!
Spicy Pork Posole Variations
Feel free to explore different twist and turns for your posole adventure, transforming each bowl into a unique masterpiece!
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Vegetarian: Substitute shredded barbecue pork with black beans for a protein-packed vegan option. The flavors will still shine brightly!
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers while sautéing for an extra layer of heat and a delightful crunch.
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Creamy Addition: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or crema before serving. This will add creaminess and balance the spices beautifully.
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Corny Delight: Swap hominy with fresh corn kernels for a sweet pop of flavor and a touch of summer freshness.
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Cilantro-Lime Twist: Blend fresh cilantro with lime juice to create a tangy drizzle that will elevate your dish with every bite.
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Broth Enrichment: Use a combination of chicken stock and bone broth for a richer, more complex flavor base that’s deeply satisfying.
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Grain Boost: Serve over quinoa or brown rice instead of hominy. This adds a nutty texture while increasing the nutritional value of your meal.
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Crunchy Toppings: Top with fried tortilla strips for added texture. They provide a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender ingredients.
Now, let your culinary creativity flow, and enjoy discovering your own version of Spicy Pork Posole!
Helpful Tricks for Spicy Pork Posole
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Ingredient Prep: Chop your vegetables in advance. This not only saves time but enhances the overall cooking experience for your Spicy Pork Posole.
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Meat Choice: Use shredded barbecue pork without sauce. This way, you get that delicious smoky flavor without overwhelming the dish.
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Adjust the Spice: Feel free to tweak the chili powder based on your taste. Start with less if you’re unsure, as you can always add more!
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Simmering: Don’t rush the simmering step! Allowing the Spicy Pork Posole to cook a little longer allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Topping Creativity: Experiment with your toppings! Try avocado or jalapeños to shake things up and fully enjoy the comforting nature of this posole.
Spicy Pork Posole Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe poblano peppers?
When selecting poblano peppers, look for firm ones with a smooth skin and a deep green color. Avoid any that have dark spots or shrivelled skin, as these may indicate that they are past their prime. A fresh poblano should feel heavy for its size—this usually means it’s packed full of flavor!
How long can I store leftover Spicy Pork Posole in the fridge?
You can keep your Spicy Pork Posole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing to lock in the flavors and freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I freeze Spicy Pork Posole? If so, what’s the best method?
Absolutely! To freeze your Spicy Pork Posole, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space at the top for expansion—this helps prevent freezer burn. You can store it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and gently warm it on the stove, adding a splash of chicken stock if needed.
What should I do if my posole is too thick or too spicy?
If your posole turns out to be thicker than you’d like, simply add a little more chicken stock or water to thin it out. For spice adjustments, if it’s too spicy, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of Monterey Jack cheese can help balance the heat! Adjusting the toppings is a fun way to customize each bowl too.
Is this recipe safe for people with allergies?
While this Spicy Pork Posole recipe is delicious, always be cautious about dietary restrictions. The dish contains pork and some people may have allergies to certain spices or ingredients. Always read labels of items like salsa verde and hot sauce to ensure they don’t contain allergens. If you’re serving guests, it’s thoughtful to ask about any food allergies beforehand.
How can I make this dish more kid-friendly?
To make your Spicy Pork Posole more appealing for kids, consider reducing the amount of chili powder and omitting hot sauce from their servings. You can also encourage them to add their favorite toppings like shredded cheese and lime, letting them get creative with their own version of this flavorful dish!
Irresistible Spicy Pork Posole: Comfort Food Done Right
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion, poblano pepper, and minced garlic, cooking for about 6 minutes until tender and golden brown.
- Stir in the shredded barbecue pork, dried oregano, chili powder, and ground cumin. Cook while stirring for 1 minute to meld flavors, then mix in the salsa verde and let it simmer for 3 minutes.
- Pour in the unsalted chicken stock and add the drained hominy. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 15 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Ladle the posole into bowls and add your favorite toppings like shredded cabbage, radishes, Monterey Jack cheese, lime wedges, hot sauce, and cilantro.
