TORTAS AHOGADAS DELICIOSA RECETA

TORTAS AHOGADAS DELICIOSA RECETA is a medium Mexican recipe that serves 8. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Rogelio Lara on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 2 hrs 30 min | Total: 3 hrs 20 min

Cost: $19.40 total, $2.43 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3 lb Pork Shoulder (trimmed, cut into 2‑inch pieces)
  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil (for searing and sauce)
  • 5 cups Water (hot water for simmering)
  • 7 cloves Garlic Cloves (4 for broth, 3 for sauce)
  • 6 pieces Whole Black Peppercorns (4 for broth, 2 for sauce)
  • 6 pieces Whole Cloves (4 for broth, 2 for sauce)
  • 2 pieces Onion (1 medium quartered for broth, 1 small for sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon Salt (plus extra for seasoning)
  • 1.5 teaspoons Dried Oregano (divided between broth and sauce)
  • 2 pieces Bay Leaves (for simmering pork)
  • 4 pieces Ripe Tomatoes (roughly 1½ lb, for sauce)
  • 1 small Red Onion (thinly sliced for pickled topping)
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice (for pickling onions)
  • 6 pieces Radishes (thinly sliced for garnish)
  • 8 pieces Bolillos (Mexican Rolls) (sturdy rolls; substitute French baguette if unavailable)
  • 1 cup Refried Beans (optional, for spreading inside roll)
  • 5 pieces Dried Chile de Árbol (optional, for extra heat in sauce)

Instructions

  1. Season and Prepare Pork

    Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder, cut into 2‑inch chunks, and season generously with 1 tablespoon salt and freshly ground black pepper.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Sear the Pork

    Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium‑high heat. Add the pork pieces in a single layer and sear until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  3. Add Aromatics and Simmer

    Add 5 cups hot water, 4 whole garlic cloves, 4 whole peppercorns, 4 whole cloves, 1 quartered onion, 1 Tbsp salt, and 1 tsp dried oregano. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a low simmer.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Low simmer

  4. Cook Pork Until Tender

    Add 2 bay leaves, cover, and let the pork simmer for 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, or until the meat falls apart easily. Add more hot water if the level drops too low.

    Time: PT2H

    Temperature: Low simmer

  5. Prepare Tomato‑Tomatillo Sauce

    While the pork cooks, combine 4 tomatoes, 3 garlic cloves, 1 small onion, 2 peppercorns, 2 cloves, and a pinch of oregano in a blender with about 1 cup of the hot pork broth. Blend until smooth.

    Time: PT10M

  6. Cook the Sauce

    Strain the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a skillet. Add 1 Tbsp olive oil and simmer over medium heat for 12 minutes, adjusting salt if needed. If you like heat, add the optional dried chile de árbol.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: Medium

  7. Pickle Red Onion & Prepare Radish Garnish

    Thinly slice the red onion and toss with 2 Tbsp lime juice, a pinch of oregano, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes. Slice radishes thinly for garnish.

    Time: PT10M

  8. Toast Bolillos

    Slice each bolillo lengthwise, leaving a hinge on one side. Lightly toast the interior on a dry skillet or under a broiler until lightly golden, about 3 minutes total.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  9. Shred Pork and Assemble

    Remove pork from the pot, shred with two forks, and return to the pot to keep warm. Spread a thin layer of refried beans (if using) inside each bolillo, add a generous mound of shredded pork, then ladle hot tomato broth over the sandwich until it is “ahogada” (drowned). Top with pickled onions and radish slices.

    Time: PT10M

  10. Enjoy

    Serve the tortas ahogadas hot, with extra lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
620
Protein
32 g
Carbohydrates
68 g
Fat
22 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: Contains pork, Contains gluten

Allergens: Wheat (bolillo), Potential soy (if refried beans contain soy oil)

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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TORTAS AHOGADAS DELICIOSA RECETA

Recipe by Chef Rogelio Lara

A traditional Guadalajara street‑food favorite: pork tortas ahogadas soaked in a rich tomato‑tomatillo broth, topped with pickled red onion, radish and lime. Crispy bolillos hold tender, shredded pork and optional refried beans for a hearty, flavorful sandwich.

MediumMexicanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
45m
Prep
2h 27m
Cook
23m
Cleanup
3h 35m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$19.40
Total cost
$2.43
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Searing the pork to develop flavor
  • Simmering pork until it is fall‑apart tender
  • Straining and cooking the tomato‑tomatillo sauce
  • Assembling the sandwich while the broth is hot

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw pork with separate cutting board and wash hands thoroughly after contact.
  • Hot oil can splatter; use a splatter guard when searing.
  • The broth is boiling hot – use oven mitts when ladling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Tortas Ahogadas in Guadalajara cuisine?

A

Tortas Ahogadas originated in the early 20th century as a street‑food staple of Guadalajara. The name means “drowned sandwich” because the bolillo is soaked in a spicy tomato‑tomatillo broth, reflecting the region’s love for bold, wet‑style tacos and sandwiches.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Tortas Ahogadas in the state of Jalisco?

A

In Jalisco the classic version uses pork shoulder, a bright tomato‑tomatillo broth, and pickled red onion. Some towns add chicharrón crujiente or use beef instead of pork, while the broth may be spicier with added chile de árbol.

cultural
Q

How is a traditional Tortas Ahogada served in Guadalajara?

A

The sandwich is split open, the interior is lightly toasted, then filled with shredded pork (and optional refried beans). It is completely drenched with hot broth, topped with pickled onion and radish, and eaten with the hands or a fork and knife.

cultural
Q

On what occasions are Tortas Ahogadas traditionally eaten in Mexican culture?

A

Tortas Ahogadas are popular as a quick lunch or late‑night snack, especially after festivals, fairs, or a night out. They are also served at family gatherings in Guadalajara as a comforting, hearty street‑food favorite.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Tortas Ahogadas versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include pork shoulder, bolillos, tomato‑tomatillo broth, dried oregano, and pickled red onion. Substitutes can be pork butt for the meat, French baguette for the roll, and canned diced tomatoes if fresh are unavailable.

cultural
Q

What are common mistakes to avoid when making Tortas Ahogadas at home?

A

Common errors include not searing the pork, which reduces flavor; under‑cooking the meat so it stays tough; using too much water, resulting in a bland broth; and failing to toast the bolillo, causing it to fall apart when soaked.

technical
Q

Why does this Tortas Ahogadas recipe sear the pork before simmering instead of starting directly in the broth?

A

Searing creates a caramelized crust that adds depth and richness to the broth through the fond left in the pot. This step builds the characteristic smoky‑savory flavor of authentic tortas ahogadas.

technical
Q

Can I make Tortas Ahogadas ahead of time and how should I store the components?

A

Yes. Cook and shred the pork a day ahead, storing it in its broth in the refrigerator. The tomato‑tomatillo sauce can also be made ahead and reheated. Keep the pickled onions refrigerated; toast the bolillos just before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the broth for Tortas Ahogadas is finished?

A

The broth should be a vivid reddish‑orange, slightly thickened from the blended tomatoes, and fragrant with oregano and garlic. It should coat the back of a spoon but still be pourable enough to soak the bread.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Chef Rogelio Lara specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Chef Rogelio Lara focuses on traditional Mexican home cooking, showcasing classic street‑food recipes, regional specialties, and practical tips for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Chef Rogelio Lara's approach to Mexican cuisine differ from other Mexican cooking channels?

A

Chef Rogelio Lara emphasizes authentic techniques, uses minimal equipment, and often shares cultural anecdotes, making his tutorials feel like a family kitchen in Guadalajara, whereas many other channels focus on modern twists or high‑end plating.

channel

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