Father's Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate the amazing dads in your life than with a hearty and flavorful meal? This year, ditch the predictable and impress everyone with these oven-baked marinated pork shanks, known as Chamorros. Tender, juicy, and bursting with rich, savory flavors, these succulent pork shanks are a true culinary delight. The perfect balance of sweet and savory marinade infuses the meat, creating an unforgettable taste experience. Prepare for rave reviews!
This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks. We'll guide you through every step, from preparing the flavorful marinade to achieving perfectly tender pork shanks. Ready to create a memorable Father's Day feast? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions to make these incredible oven-baked marinated Chamorros.
Tools Needed
- Blender
- Saucepan
- Oven
Ingredients
- Guajillo chiles: 20
- Round tomatoes: 2
- Garlic cloves: 3
- Onion: 1 large
- Chamorros (pork shanks): 6 (cut in half vertically)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Allspice scallions: 10
- Powdered ginger: 1 teaspoon
- Avocado leaves: 3
- Water
- Oil
- Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Granulated bouillon: 2 tablespoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Rich Guajillo Chile Marinade
- Boil 20 guajillo chiles, 2 round tomatoes, 3 garlic cloves, and half an onion.
- In a blender, combine a quarter of a large onion, 10 allspice scallions, 1 teaspoon of powdered ginger (from the boiled mixture), 3 garlic cloves, the boiled tomatoes, 3 avocado leaves, and water. Blend until smooth.
- Strain the marinade through a saucepan with a little oil.
- In a separate blender, blend the hydrated guajillo chiles with a cup of water. Strain.
- Combine the strained guajillo chile mixture with the other marinade. Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar and 2 tablespoons of granulated bouillon. Simmer until well-fried. Add 2 more avocado leaves for extra flavor.
Step 2. Marinate and Prepare the Pork Shanks
- Marinate the pork shanks in the mixture for at least 2-3 hours (preferably overnight).
Step 3. Oven Bake the Chamorros
- Bake the marinated chamorros in the oven at 200 degrees for 3 hours.
- After 2 hours, flip the shanks, add remaining marinade on top and bake for another half an hour at 250 degrees.
Step 4. Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve with grated onion, lemon, salt, pepper, and warm tortillas.
Read more: Quick & Easy Pantry Mexican Rice with Rotel
Tips
- Using fresh avocado leaves enhances the flavor of the marinade.
- Marinating the pork shanks overnight will result in more tender and flavorful meat.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 600-700 per serving
- Fat: 40-50g
- Carbs: 15-20g
- Protein: 50-60g
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of pork instead of pork shanks?
While pork shanks are ideal for their tenderness, you can substitute with a bone-in pork shoulder or even a large pork chop. Adjust cooking time accordingly, as these cuts may cook faster.
2. How long can I marinate the pork shanks?
For the best flavor, marinate the pork shanks for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight in the refrigerator. Longer marinating times will result in more intense flavor.
3. What should I serve with the Chamorros?
Chamorros pair beautifully with simple sides like rice, roasted vegetables (potatoes, carrots, etc.), and a fresh salad. A vibrant salsa or chimichurri sauce also complements the rich flavor of the pork.
These oven-baked marinated Chamorros are sure to be a Father's Day hit, impressing both seasoned cooks and enthusiastic novices alike. The tender, flavorful pork shanks will leave everyone wanting more, making this recipe a new family favorite. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and prepare to create a truly unforgettable meal!