Guy Fieri's Quick Pork Chile Verde
Guy Fieri's Quick Pork Chile Verde is a medium Mexican recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Food Network on YouTube.
Prep: 35 min | Cook: 58 min | Total: 1 hr 48 min
Cost: $17.94 total, $2.99 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 lb Pork Butt, Boneless (trimmed, cut into 1½‑inch cubes)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
- 1 tsp Salt (kosher or sea salt)
- ½ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 lb Tomatillos (husks removed, rinsed)
- 2 Poblano Peppers (stem removed, lightly roasted)
- 2 Anaheim Peppers (stem removed, lightly roasted)
- 3 Pasilla Chilies (Dried) (stems and seeds removed, rehydrated in hot water)
- 1 large Onion (diced)
- 4 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- ½ cup White Wine (Sauvignon Blanc) (dry, for deglazing)
- 1 cup Chicken Stock (low‑sodium)
- 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar (adds bright acidity)
- 1 tsp Ground Cumin
- 1 tsp Mexican Oregano (crushed)
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 2 tbsp Masa Harina (mixed with ¼ cup water to form a slurry)
- ¼ cup Fresh Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
- 2 Lime (cut into wedges for serving)
- 12 Corn Tortillas (warmed)
Instructions
Cube and Season Pork
Trim any excess fat from the pork butt, cut into roughly 1½‑inch cubes, and season evenly with salt and black pepper.
Time: PT10M
Sear Pork in Pressure Cooker
Add olive oil to the pressure cooker on medium‑high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the pork cubes in a single layer and brown on all sides, working in batches if needed.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: medium‑high heat
Preheat Oven and Roast Vegetables
While the pork browns, preheat the oven to 500°F. Place tomatillos, poblano and Anaheim peppers on a baking sheet, drizzle with a little olive oil, and roast until the skins blister and begin to blacken, about 10 minutes.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 500°F
Rehydrate Pasilla Chilies
Place the dried pasilla chilies in a bowl of hot water and let soak until softened, about 10 minutes. Drain and discard stems and seeds.
Time: PT10M
Sauté Onion and Garlic
Remove the pork and set aside. Add a little more oil to the pot if needed, then sauté the diced onion over medium heat until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute, being careful not to burn.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Add Roasted Veggies and Chilies
Rough‑chop the roasted tomatillos and peppers, add them to the pot along with the rehydrated pasilla chilies (chopped). Stir to combine.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Deglaze with Wine and Add Liquids
Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add chicken stock, apple cider vinegar, ground cumin, Mexican oregano, and the bay leaf. Return the seared pork to the pot and add enough liquid (stock + soaking water) to cover the ingredients by about 1 inch.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Pressure Cook
Secure the pressure‑cooker lid, set to high pressure (usually “Manual/Pressure” setting 1), and cook for 35 minutes.
Time: PT35M
Release Pressure and Check Pork
Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release for any remaining steam. Open the cooker and test the pork for tenderness; it should pull apart easily. If not, reseal and cook an additional 15 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Thicken with Masa Slurry
Remove the pork (shred if desired) and set aside. In a small bowl whisk masa harina with ¼ cup water to a smooth slurry. Return the pork to the pot, stir in the masa slurry, and simmer for 5 minutes until the broth thickens slightly.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra vinegar if needed. Ladle the chili verde into bowls, garnish with chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and serve with warm corn tortillas.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 25g
- Carbohydrates
- 20g
- Fat
- 18g
- Fiber
- 4g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free, Nut‑Free
Allergens: None
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Pork Butt, Boneless: Pork shoulder, Pork loin
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Tomatillos: green tomatoes
- Instead of Poblano Peppers: Anaheim peppers
- Instead of Anaheim Peppers: Poblano peppers
- Instead of Pasilla Chilies (Dried): Ancho chilies
- Instead of Onion: shallots
- Instead of Garlic Cloves: garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of White Wine (Sauvignon Blanc): dry sherry, extra‑virgin olive oil + extra vinegar
- Instead of Chicken Stock: vegetable stock
- Instead of Apple Cider Vinegar: white wine vinegar
- Instead of Ground Cumin: coriander powder
- Instead of Mexican Oregano: regular oregano
- Instead of Masa Harina: cornstarch (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Fresh Cilantro: parsley
- Instead of Corn Tortillas: flour tortillas
Equipment Needed
- Pressure Cooker
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Whisk
- Immersion Blender (optional) (optional)
- Slotted Spoon
- Tongs
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Season and brown the pork cubes to develop flavor
- Roast tomatillos and peppers until blistered for depth
- Do not fill the pressure cooker above the 2/3 line
- Proper pressure release to avoid over‑cooking
- Thicken the broth with masa slurry without over‑mixing
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use Mexican oregano instead of regular oregano for authentic flavor.
- A splash of Sauvignon Blanc adds bright acidity without overwhelming the dish.
- If you don’t have a pressure cooker, sear the pork, then braise covered in a Dutch oven at 300°F for 2‑2½ hours.
- Add a handful of fresh green onions just before serving for extra crunch.
Troubleshooting
Pork is still tough after pressure cooking
Perform an additional 10‑15 minute pressure cook cycle; ensure the cooker reached full pressure before timing.
Sauce is too thin
Stir in a little more masa slurry (1 tbsp masa + 2 tbsp water) and simmer until desired thickness.
Sauce is too salty
Add a splash more chicken stock or water and a teaspoon of sugar to balance.
Peppers taste raw
Make sure the peppers are fully blistered in the oven; you can finish them under a broiler for extra char.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in freezer‑safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The chili verde freezes beautifully; portion into freezer bags and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- For meal‑prep, shred the pork after cooking and store separately from the broth; combine when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Pork Chili Verde in Mexican cuisine?
Pork Chili Verde is a traditional Mexican stew that showcases the region’s love for tangy tomatillos and smoky chilies. Historically, it was a way to stretch pork cuts by simmering them with abundant local greens, creating a hearty, flavorful dish served at family gatherings and festivals.
What are the traditional regional variations of Chili Verde in Mexican cuisine?
In central Mexico, the stew often uses pork shoulder and fresh tomatillos, while in the north, beef or chicken may replace pork and poblano peppers are swapped for serrano chilies. Some regions add pumpkin seeds (pepitas) for extra texture.
How is authentic Pork Chili Verde traditionally served in Mexico?
It is typically ladled over warm corn tortillas or rice, garnished with fresh cilantro, sliced radishes, and a squeeze of lime. In many households, it is accompanied by refried beans and a side of pickled onions.
During which celebrations is Pork Chili Verde commonly prepared in Mexican culture?
Pork Chili Verde appears at holiday feasts such as Día de los Muertos, Christmas posadas, and family birthday celebrations, where its bright green color symbolizes renewal and abundance.
What makes Pork Chili Verde special within Mexican cuisine?
The combination of smoky roasted chilies, bright tomatillos, and tender pork creates a balance of heat, acidity, and richness that is uniquely Mexican. The use of masa harina to thicken the broth adds a subtle corn flavor and silky texture not found in many other stews.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Pork Chili Verde?
Common errors include over‑filling the pressure cooker, which can cause excess steam; under‑roasting the chilies, resulting in a flat flavor; and adding the masa slurry too early, which can make the broth gummy. Follow the critical steps for best results.
Why does this Pork Chili Verde recipe use a pressure cooker instead of a traditional Dutch oven?
A pressure cooker dramatically reduces cooking time while still breaking down the connective tissue in pork butt, delivering tender meat and infused flavors in under an hour—something that would take 2‑3 hours in a Dutch oven.
Can I make Pork Chili Verde ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Cool the stew completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of stock if the sauce has thickened too much.
What texture and appearance should I look for when Pork Chili Verde is done?
The pork should be fork‑tender and easily pull apart, while the broth should be a vibrant green with a slightly thickened, velvety consistency from the masa. Small pieces of roasted peppers and tomatillos should be visible throughout.
How do I know when Pork Chili Verde is fully cooked in the pressure cooker?
After the natural release, test a piece of pork; it should slide off the bone (if any) and shred with a fork. The broth should coat the back of a spoon without running off too quickly.
What does the YouTube channel Food Network specialize in?
The YouTube channel Food Network showcases a wide range of cooking shows, celebrity chef demonstrations, and quick‑turnaround recipes aimed at home cooks, covering everything from comfort food to international cuisines.
How does the YouTube channel Food Network's approach to Mexican cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Food Network often blends classic Mexican techniques with modern, fast‑paced home‑cooking methods—like using a pressure cooker for Chili Verde—making authentic flavors accessible without lengthy prep or specialized equipment.
Last updated: August 30, 2026








