Best Easy Encacahuatado de Puerco Recipe

Pork simmered in a creamy peanut-chile sauce until tender and richly coated. This protein-packed family dish brings Mexican nut-based sauce traditions to a hearty, comforting meal.

Cook 90 min Difficulty NORMAL 390 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • pork shoulder 2 lbs
  • peanuts, unsalted roasted 1 cup
  • roma tomato 2 pieces
  • white onion 1 small
  • garlic clove 3 cloves
  • dried ancho chiles 2 pieces
Seasonings/Sauce
  • vegetable oil 2 tbsp
  • salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • chicken broth 2 cups
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 12 g 12%
Protein 29 g 30%
Fat 24 g 58%
Serving size 220g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Pat pork shoulder dry and cut into 2-inch chunks for even braising.

  2. 2

    Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat; brown pork pieces on all sides, working in batches. Set aside.

  3. 3

    Add remaining oil, sauté diced onion and garlic until fragrant, about 3 minutes, then stir in anchos and roast for 1 minute (do not burn).

  4. 4

    Transfer vegetables and chiles to a blender; add tomatoes and peanuts. Blend with 1 cup chicken broth until ultra-smooth.

  5. 5

    Return pork and sauce to the pot. Add remaining broth, season with salt and pepper, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally for even sauce adherence.

  6. 6

    Uncover and simmer 10–15 minutes more to thicken the sauce as desired before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
Peanuts and pork shoulder are the stars of this encacahuatado. Roasted peanuts provide the signature creamy texture and distinctive nutty flavor, while pork shoulder delivers rich, tender meat that absorbs the sauce and defines the dish’s identity.
Q. What’s the most important cooking tip for success?
Proper browning of the pork pieces is crucial—do this over medium-high heat to develop depth of flavor. Also, simmering gently on low after reintroducing the sauce ensures the meat becomes fork-tender and the sauce thickens without burning.
Q. How do I prevent a grainy sauce or tough meat?
Blend the peanut-chile mix until ultra-smooth for a velvety sauce texture, and maintain a consistent low simmer during braising—high heat can make the pork tough, while a gentle simmer makes it tender and moist.
Q. How many calories are in each serving?
Each 220g serving contains about 390 kcal, with 29g protein (30%), 24g fat (58%), and 12g carbohydrates (12%), making this dish rich in protein and flavor.
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