Mother's Day is a time for celebrating the incredible women in our lives, and what better way to show your appreciation than with a truly special meal? This year, ditch the predictable brunch and surprise Mom with a vibrant and flavorful Tender Orange Chipotle Pork. The sweet and tangy orange glaze perfectly complements the smoky heat of chipotle peppers, creating a delicious balance that will tantalize the taste buds. Imagine succulent, tender pork, glistening with a rich, reddish-orange sauce, served alongside her favorite sides. It's a dish that's both elegant and surprisingly easy to prepare.
This recipe elevates the classic pork loin to a new level of deliciousness. We'll guide you through each step, from preparing the marinade to achieving that perfect, caramelized finish. Ready to create a memorable Mother's Day feast? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and transform a simple pork loin into an unforgettable culinary masterpiece.
Tools Needed
- Casserole dish
- Molcajete (or blender)
- Knife
- Grater
Ingredients
- Pork shoulder: 700 grams
- Garlic: 2 cloves + 1-2 cloves
- Onion: ½ small
- Salt
- Cinnamon stick: 1 small piece
- Cloves: 1-2
- Black pepper
- Mexican oregano
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- Bay leaf: 1
- Orange peel: grated
- Orange juice: freshly squeezed
- Water
- Potatoes: 2 medium
- Carrots: 2
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Pork and Aromatics
- Cut pork shoulder into pieces. Season generously with salt and let it rest for at least half an hour.
- Finely chop garlic and onion. Place meat in a casserole dish with a little water. Add chopped garlic.
- In a molcajete (or blender), grind garlic, salt, cinnamon, cloves, pepper, oregano, and chipotle peppers.
Step 2. Braising the Pork with Chipotle Paste
- Bring to a boil, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- After the meat has cooked for a little over an hour, remove the lid to evaporate excess liquid. Add chopped onion and fry for 5-6 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
- Add bay leaf and the chipotle paste to the meat.
- Pour in orange juice, water, and orange zest. Continue cooking until meat is very soft.
Step 3. Adding Vegetables and Finishing
- Add peeled and cubed potatoes and carrots (without soaking water). Season vegetables with salt if needed. Cover and cook for 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Step 4. Serving the Tender Orange Pork
- Serve the tender orange pork with rice, corn, and rajas.
Read more: Quick & Easy Pantry Mexican Rice with Rotel
Tips
- Use a molcajete to intensify flavors.
- Avoid the white part of the orange peel as it's bitter.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pork for this recipe?
While a pork loin works best for its tenderness, you can substitute with pork tenderloin or even pork shoulder, adjusting cooking time accordingly. Pork shoulder will require a longer cooking time.
2. What can I serve with the Tender Orange Chipotle Pork?
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes or asparagus, rice, or a fresh salad. Consider a side of creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce!
This Tender Orange Chipotle Pork is more than just a recipe; it's a gesture of love and appreciation, perfectly suited for celebrating the special women in your life. With its vibrant flavors and surprisingly simple preparation, it’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Happy Mother's Day!