Mexican Shredded Pork Tinga

Transform your dinner into a vibrant Mexican feast with this easy-to-make Pork Tinga. This dish combines rich, shredded pork with traditional spices and is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or a casual get-together.

Ingredients

• For the Tostadas:
  • 12 (6-inch) corn tortillas
  • Vegetable oil spray
• For the Tinga:
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 lb boneless pork butt, trimmed and cubed
  • 2 onions (1 quartered, 1 minced)
  • 5 garlic cloves (3 peeled and smashed, 2 minced)
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 15 oz canned tomato sauce
  • 15 oz canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tbsp ground chipotle powder
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tostadas:
   • Adjust oven racks to upper-middle and lower-middle positions and preheat to 450°F.
   • Arrange tortillas on baking sheets, spray both sides with vegetable oil, and bake until crisp, about 8-10 minutes, rotating halfway through.
2. Cook the Pork:
   • In a large saucepan, bring water, pork, quartered onion, smashed garlic, and thyme to a simmer over medium-high heat. Skim any foam, then reduce heat and partially cover, cooking until meat is tender, about 1¼ to 1½ hours.
   • Drain pork, reserving 1 cup of liquid. Discard onion, garlic, and thyme. Return pork to pan and mash to shred.
3. Make the Tinga:
   • Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add shredded pork and minced onion; cook until pork is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Add minced garlic and oregano; cook until fragrant, then stir in reserved liquid, tomato sauce, beans, chipotle powder, and bay leaves.
   • Simmer until liquid is nearly evaporated, remove bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve:
   • Spoon tinga onto each tostada and garnish with red onion, shredded cheese, cilantro, and a dash of Tabasco.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pork Tinga is a robust and hearty dish that brings the flavors of Mexico to your table. It’s not only easy to prepare but also budget-friendly and perfect for feeding a crowd. The pork is tender and flavorful, enhanced by the smoky heat of chipotle and the freshness of cilantro and lime.

Tips for Perfect Pork Tinga

• Properly Season: Ensure the pork is well-seasoned before cooking to enhance its flavors.
• Simmer Slowly: Allow the pork to cook slowly for the best texture.
• Crisp the Tortillas: Ensure your tortillas are crisply baked to hold up the juicy tinga without getting soggy.

How to Serve Pork Tinga

Serve the spicy pork on crisp tostadas, topped with red onion, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, lime, and a dash of Tabasco for extra zest. Pair with sides like Mexican rice or refried beans, some chips and guacamole, or take it to the next level with a skillet of choriqueso. And enjoy with a chilled margarita or cold beer to complement the rich flavors of the dish.

This Pork Tinga recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves flavorful, deeply satisfying meals. Perfect for a casual dinner or as part of a larger Mexican-themed feast, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!