Best Easy Asado de Boda Recipe

Zacatecas wedding-style pork stew in a rich, chile-and-chocolate-laced sauce. This protein-rich family celebration dish delivers complex, deeply satisfying flavors worthy of a special occasion.

Cook 180 min Difficulty HARD 383 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
Image coming soon
Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • pork shoulder (cut into 2-inch cubes) 2.5 lbs
  • dried guajillo chiles (seeded and stemmed) 6 pieces
  • dried ancho chiles (seeded and stemmed) 3 pieces
  • dried pasilla chiles (seeded and stemmed) 2 pieces
  • white onion (quartered) 1 pieces
  • garlic cloves 5 cloves
  • day-old bolillo or French bread (torn) 2 slices
  • mexican chocolate 1.5 oz
  • vegetable oil 2 tbsp
  • chicken broth 2 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • whole cumin seeds 1 tsp
  • whole black peppercorns 1 tsp
  • whole cloves 4 pieces
  • dried oregano 1 tsp
  • bay leaf 1 pieces
  • apple cider vinegar 2 tbsp
  • salt 2 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 22 g 23%
Protein 36 g 38%
Fat 14 g 39%
Serving size 240g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Toast dried guajillo, ancho, and pasilla chiles in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes per side until fragrant, then soak in 1 cup hot chicken broth for 20 minutes.

  2. 2

    In the same skillet, add whole cumin seeds, black peppercorns, and cloves, and toast for 1 minute over medium, stirring frequently; transfer to a blender.

  3. 3

    Fry sliced bread in 1 tbsp vegetable oil until golden, then add garlic and onions and cook for another 3 minutes; add to the blender with softened chiles, oregano, vinegar, chocolate, and 1 cup chicken broth.

  4. 4

    Blend all sauce ingredients until very smooth. Pass through a fine sieve into a bowl for a refined, lump-free sauce.

  5. 5

    Heat remaining oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high. Season pork cubes generously with salt, sear until browned all over (in batches if needed), then return all meat to pot and pour in the sieved chile sauce.

  6. 6

    Add bay leaf, bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 2.5 hours, stirring every 30 minutes and checking moisture. Skim excess fat if needed.

  7. 7

    Uncover pot, taste and adjust salt as needed, and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes to thicken the sauce and intensify flavors before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Best Easy Asado de Boda Recipe?
The pork shoulder is the essential ingredient that provides richness and robust flavor, complemented by the dried guajillo, ancho, and pasilla chiles, which give the stew its complex and deep chile-forward identity. Mexican chocolate adds unique balance, while the mix of spices and aromatics delivers signature Zacatecas wedding flair.
Q. Which cooking steps are most important for developing flavor in Asado de Boda?
Toasting the chiles and spices at the start is crucial — this enhances their aroma and deepens the stew's flavor. Searing pork cubes until browned creates savory depth, and simmering gently for hours allows the sauce to meld and tenderize the pork perfectly, resulting in rich, celebratory complexity.
Q. How can I prevent dry or tough pork in this recipe?
Use pork shoulder and sear it well, then maintain a gentle simmer throughout cooking for 2.5 hours. Stir regularly and check for moisture; add a splash more broth if needed. Covering the pot ensures the pork stays moist and becomes tender, while prolonged gentle heat prevents overcooking or dryness.
Q. How many calories, protein, and carbs are in a serving?
Each 240g serving of this Asado de Boda contains 383 kcal, 36g protein (38% of calories), 22g carbohydrates (23%), and 14g fat (39%). It's a protein-rich, balanced dish that provides satisfying nutrition for a celebratory meal.
AI 채팅 아이콘