Best Easy Asado de Boda Zacatecano Recipe

The iconic Zacatecas pork stew in an ancho chile sauce enriched with chocolate and spices. This high protein family dish is traditionally served at weddings and major celebrations.

Cook 120 min Difficulty NORMAL 370 kcal
#high protein #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • boneless pork shoulder 2 lbs
  • ancho chiles 6 pieces
  • onion 1 cup
  • garlic cloves 4 cloves
  • chicken broth 2 cups
  • dark chocolate 1 oz
Seasonings/Sauce
  • cinnamon stick 1 piece
  • cloves 4 pieces
  • bay leaf 2 pieces
  • ground black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • salt 2 tsp
  • vegetable oil 2 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 18 g 20%
Protein 28 g 30%
Fat 18 g 50%
Serving size 220g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then brown pork shoulder pieces in batches, ensuring a golden crust forms on all sides.

  2. 2

    Remove stems and seeds from ancho chiles. Toast chiles in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes, being careful not to burn, to release aroma.

  3. 3

    Submerge toasted chiles in hot chicken broth and let soak for 20 minutes. Puree with onion, garlic, and chocolate in a blender until completely smooth.

  4. 4

    Return browned pork to the pot, pour in the chile-chocolate sauce, and add cinnamon stick, cloves, bay leaves, ground black pepper, and salt.

  5. 5

    Simmer covered on low heat for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally. Uncover the last 15 minutes for sauce to reduce slightly and deepen in color and flavor.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Best Easy Asado de Boda Zacatecano Recipe?
Pork shoulder is the main ingredient, as it provides robust flavor and hearty texture, complemented by the signature ancho chiles, which add depth and subtle heat to the stew. Chocolate also enriches the sauce for a unique regional taste.
Q. How is heat controlled when cooking Asado de Boda Zacatecano?
The recipe uses medium-high heat to brown the pork for a flavorful crust, followed by low heat simmering to allow the meat to become tender and the sauce to fully develop and reduce. This careful heat management prevents burning and ensures a rich texture.
Q. How can I prevent the pork from becoming dry in this recipe?
Browning the pork quickly seals in juices, while extended low simmering with the sauce keeps the pork moist. Stirring occasionally and covering the pot during simmering helps retain moisture and prevents overcooking.
Q. What makes this dish high in protein and how many calories does it have per serving?
Each serving contains 28g of protein and 370 kcal, making it a high protein meal. The protein comes mainly from the pork shoulder, while moderate carbs and fat balance the recipe for family-friendly nutrition.
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