Green Chile Pork Taco from Torchy's Tacos features tender, slow-cooked pork infused with smoky green chiles, topped with fresh cilantro and diced onions, all nestled in a warm, soft corn tortilla for a flavorful and satisfying bite.
Equipments
- Slow cooker or Dutch oven
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Skillet or frying pan (optional, for warming tortillas)
- Aluminum foil (optional, for keeping tortillas warm)
- Serving platter
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large yellow onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups (475ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240g) roasted, peeled, and chopped green chiles (e.g., Hatch or Anaheim)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) tomatillo salsa or salsa verde
- Corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup diced white onion
Pork shoulder is the key ingredient for the Green Chile Pork Taco, providing tender and flavorful meat when slow-cooked. Using roasted and peeled green chiles, such as Hatch or Anaheim, adds the signature smoky heat essential to the dish. Fresh cilantro and diced white onion enhance the texture and brightness, balancing the rich pork and spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Opt for soft corn tortillas to retain authenticity and enhance the overall taste experience. Your Green Chile Pork Taco from Torchy's Tacos copycat menu will shine with these carefully selected ingredients and proper preparation.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Trim excess fat from pork shoulder and cut into large chunks.
- Dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic.
- Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear pork chunks on all sides until browned; transfer to slow cooker.
- Sauté diced onion in same oil until softened; add minced garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Add cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper; stir to combine.
- Transfer sautéed onion mixture to slow cooker.
- Add chicken broth, green chiles, and tomatillo salsa to slow cooker.
- Stir to combine ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until pork is fork-tender.
- Remove pork, shred with slotted spoon or tongs, and return to cooking liquid; mix well.
- Warm corn tortillas in a skillet or on a griddle, or wrap in foil and heat in oven.
- Fill each tortilla with green chile pork mixture.
- Top with diced white onion and fresh cilantro leaves.
- Serve immediately on a platter.
Substitution
The Green Chile Pork Taco from Torchy's Tacos copycat recipe calls for slow-cooked pork shoulder simmered with roasted green chiles and aromatic spices. If Hatch or Anaheim chiles are unavailable, substitute with poblano or jalapeno peppers for a similar smoky heat, adjusting the quantity to your spice tolerance. When tomatillo salsa or salsa verde is missing, use fresh tomatillos blended with lime juice and jalapeno for a homemade version. To keep your corn tortillas warm and pliable, wrap them in aluminum foil and heat gently in a low oven or skillet before serving. You can use a slow cooker or Dutch oven interchangeably based on your kitchen equipment and timing preferences.
Tips
Make sure to trim excess fat from the pork shoulder to prevent greasy tacos and ensure even cooking. You should brown the pork chunks thoroughly to develop rich flavor through the Maillard reaction before slow cooking. Avoid skipping the step of sauteing the onions and garlic to bring out their sweetness and deepen the dish's complexity. When warming tortillas, keep them wrapped in foil or covered in a skillet to maintain softness and prevent drying out.
Nutritions
Your Green Chile Pork Taco from Torchy's Tacos provides a rich source of protein from the slow-cooked pork shoulder, essential for muscle repair and growth. The inclusion of green chiles and tomatillo salsa contributes vitamins A and C, supporting immune health and skin vitality. Corn tortillas offer fiber and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, while fresh cilantro and diced onions add antioxidants and trace minerals. This nutrient-dense combination makes your taco both flavorful and beneficial for a balanced diet.
Storage
Store leftover Green Chile Pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain its smoky flavor and tenderness. For longer storage, freeze the shredded pork in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months, ensuring you squeeze out excess air to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently in a skillet or microwave, then pair with freshly warmed corn tortillas for the best taste.
Variation or Alternatives
For a spicier variation, swap roasted green chiles with pickled jalapenos or add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to elevate smoky heat. You can substitute pork shoulder with boneless pork butt for a slightly fattier and more tender texture after slow cooking. Consider using fire-roasted tomatillo salsa instead of mild salsa verde to deepen the flavor profile. Warm your tortillas directly on an open flame for a charred, authentic taco experience.
Allergies
Your Green Chile Pork Taco contains pork, chicken broth, and corn tortillas, which may trigger allergies in individuals sensitive to pork or corn. The fresh cilantro and diced onions can cause reactions in people with allergies to these specific herbs or vegetables. Always check for potential cross-contamination or ingredient substitutions if you have multiple food sensitivities.
Why this recipe?
Green Chile Pork Tacos from Torchy's Tacos are beloved for their tender, slow-cooked pork infused with smoky roasted green chiles, creating a perfect balance of heat and savoriness. The combination of fresh cilantro, tangy queso fresco, and a squeeze of lime brightens each bite, making this taco a flavorful delight. Fans appreciate the authentic Tex-Mex flair and bold seasoning that Torchy's consistently delivers, giving you a genuine taste experience at home. Attempting the copycat recipe lets you recreate this iconic dish, saving money while customizing spice levels to suit your palate.