Missionary Style Green Chili Pork from Torchy's Tacos features tender, slow-cooked pork simmered in a vibrant green chili sauce made with roasted poblano peppers, tomatillos, and fresh cilantro, served in a warm tortilla and topped with melted cheese and diced onions for a flavorful and hearty taco experience.
Equipments
- Slow cooker or Dutch oven
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs
- Baking sheet
- Blender or food processor
- Mixing bowls
- Ladle or large spoon
- Skillet (for warming tortillas, optional)
- Aluminum foil (optional, for roasting)
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder (boneless, trimmed, cut into chunks)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large yellow onion
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1 lb tomatillos
- 4 large poblano peppers
- 2 jalapeño peppers
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup diced white onion
When preparing Missionary Style Green Chili Pork, using fresh tomatillos and roasted poblano peppers is essential to achieve the authentic vibrant green chili sauce flavor. Ensure the pork shoulder is boneless and trimmed for even cooking and tender texture during slow simmering. Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbal freshness, while ground cumin and dried oregano provide depth and warmth to the dish. You can use either corn or flour tortillas depending on your preference; warming them in a skillet helps enhance softness and flavor. Your home-cooked Missionary Style Green Chili Pork from Torchy's Tacos copycat menu will deliver a satisfying and hearty taco experience with these carefully chosen ingredients.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Remove husks from tomatillos and rinse.
- Slice poblanos and jalapeños in half; remove stems and seeds.
- Place tomatillos, poblanos, and jalapeños on baking sheet.
- Roast vegetables for 20–25 minutes until charred and softened.
- Place roasted vegetables in blender or food processor.
- Add fresh cilantro, 4 cloves garlic, cumin, oregano, lime juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Blend until smooth; set aside.
- Season pork chunks with salt and pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in Dutch oven or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear pork on all sides until browned; transfer to slow cooker or Dutch oven.
- Dice yellow onion and 1 clove garlic.
- Add diced onion and garlic to slow cooker or Dutch oven with pork.
- Pour green chili sauce over pork.
- Add chicken broth.
- Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low in slow cooker for 6–8 hours or in Dutch oven at 300°F (150°C) for 2.5–3 hours, until pork is fork-tender.
- Shred pork in the pot using tongs or forks.
- Stir meat to coat with sauce.
- Warm tortillas in skillet or wrap in foil and heat in oven.
- Spoon pork and green chili sauce onto warm tortillas.
- Top with shredded Monterey Jack cheese and diced white onion.
- Garnish with extra cilantro, if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Missionary Style Green Chili Pork from Torchy's Tacos can be adapted easily if certain ingredients are unavailable. If fresh poblano peppers are hard to find, use canned diced green chilies or roasted bell peppers as a substitute without losing much flavor. When slow cooking the pork shoulder, using a Dutch oven on low heat replicates slow cooker results but requires more attention to avoid drying out the meat. If tomatillos are unavailable, green tomatoes can work as a mild alternative, though the sauce may lack some tanginess. Your choice of tortillas--corn or flour--can be tailored to taste and dietary preferences without affecting the core dish.
Tips
Ensure all pork pieces are evenly sized to promote uniform cooking and tenderness during slow cooking. When roasting tomatillos and peppers, watch carefully to avoid burning, as excessive char can cause bitterness in the sauce. Use fresh cilantro and lime juice in the sauce to keep flavors bright and balanced, preventing a dull or flat taste. You can warm tortillas wrapped in foil in the oven to maintain softness and flexibility for proper taco assembly.
Nutritions
Missionary Style Green Chili Pork from Torchy's Tacos offers a rich source of protein from the slow-cooked pork shoulder, providing essential amino acids to support muscle repair and growth. The dish is packed with vitamins and antioxidants from roasted poblano peppers, tomatillos, jalapenos, and fresh cilantro, which contribute to immune health and reduce inflammation. The inclusion of Monterey Jack cheese adds calcium and vitamin D, promoting bone strength, while the onions supply dietary fiber and prebiotics to support your digestive system. Your overall meal balances macronutrients with flavorful, nutrient-dense ingredients that make it both satisfying and nutritious.
Storage
Store leftover Missionary Style Green Chili Pork in an airtight container to maintain its flavor and moisture. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days to keep the pork tender and the green chili sauce fresh. For longer storage, freeze the pork in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months, and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating to enjoy your tacos at their best.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute pork shoulder with boneless chicken thighs for a leaner protein option while maintaining tenderness. Roasting the vegetables under a broiler instead of the oven at 425degF can add a slightly smokier flavor to the green chili sauce. Blending in some avocado or Greek yogurt can create a creamier texture for the sauce, balancing the heat from the jalapenos. Warming tortillas on a skillet with a light brush of butter or oil enhances their flavor and pliability before assembling the tacos.
Allergies
Missionary Style Green Chili Pork contains common allergens such as dairy from the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, which may affect those with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. The use of corn or flour tortillas introduces potential gluten exposure if flour tortillas are chosen, posing a risk for individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Your best option is to verify all ingredients and consult with the restaurant or product labels if you have specific food allergies.
Why this recipe?
Missionary Style Green Chili Pork from Torchy's Tacos features tender, flavorful pork slow-cooked with tangy tomatillos, roasted green chilies, and a blend of aromatic spices, creating a perfect balance of zest and heat. The dish combines authentic Tex-Mex flavors with fresh ingredients, delivering a rich, vibrant taste that appeals to chili lovers. You will appreciate the complexity and boldness of the green chili sauce that elevates the succulent pork, making it a standout item on the menu. Replicating this recipe at home offers a satisfying way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal while customizing spice levels to your preference.