This slow-cooked pork loin in chile verde sauce is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines tender pork with a zesty, tangy sauce made from tomatillos and jalapeños. The slow cooking process allows the pork to absorb all the rich flavors, resulting in a meal that’s both comforting and full of depth.
Serve this delicious pork dish over a bed of rice, or in soft tortillas for a taco-inspired twist. It’s the perfect meal for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to special family gatherings. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 lbs pork loin
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 large onion, chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups tomatillos, husked and chopped
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1-2 jalapeños, chopped
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1 tablespoon lime juice
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the pork loin with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano. Brown the pork loin on all sides, about 5 minutes.
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Transfer the pork loin to the slow cooker.
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In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the chopped tomatillos and jalapeños, cooking for another 3-4 minutes.
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Pour the tomatillo mixture into the slow cooker over the pork loin. Add chicken broth and lime juice. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
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Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred using two forks. Return shredded pork to the sauce and stir well.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 6-7 hours | Total Time: 6-7 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The History and Origin of Chile Verde
Chile verde is a classic Mexican dish that often consists of a flavorful green sauce made from roasted tomatillos, chilies, garlic, and onions. It’s a dish deeply rooted in Mexican cuisine, and like many traditional recipes, it has variations depending on the region. The term “verde” refers to the green color of the sauce, which comes from the tomatillos and green chilies. Over time, chile verde has evolved, and different meats, such as pork, chicken, or beef, are often cooked with this sauce to create hearty, flavorful meals.
Using a pork loin for this recipe brings a lean cut of meat into the mix, creating a rich and satisfying texture while still being easy to prepare. The slow cooking process breaks down the fibers of the pork loin, making it so tender it shreds easily, soaking up all the flavors of the chile verde sauce.
Why Slow Cooker?
Slow cookers are a kitchen game-changer for busy cooks. This recipe shines in the slow cooker because it allows the pork loin to cook at a low temperature over a long period of time. This gentle heat allows the pork to become incredibly tender and juicy while infusing it with the bold flavors of the tomatillo-based chile verde sauce. You don’t have to constantly monitor the dish, as the slow cooker does all the work for you. You can simply prepare the ingredients, set it, and come back hours later to a deliciously flavorful, comforting meal.
Not only does using a slow cooker give you perfectly tender pork, but it also helps you lock in all the flavors. The spices, the green sauce, and the tender meat blend harmoniously as they cook together for several hours, resulting in a savory and satisfying dish. Whether you’re serving it on tacos, over rice, or in a hearty bowl, the end result is a flavorful and fuss-free meal.
Flavor Profile: A Perfect Balance of Heat and Freshness
One of the standout features of Slow Cooker Pork Loin Chile Verde is its vibrant and bold flavor. The sauce is a delicious blend of tomatillos, which bring a tangy, citrusy freshness, and jalapeños, adding just the right amount of heat. The cumin and oregano in the seasoning mix help to round out the sauce with earthy, aromatic notes, while the lime juice adds a bright, zesty kick.
This balance of heat and acidity complements the natural richness of the pork, resulting in a well-rounded and flavorful dish that is never too overwhelming. The pork itself becomes juicy and tender as it absorbs the flavors from the chile verde sauce, making each bite a delightful combination of smoky, spicy, and savory goodness.
Versatility in Serving
Slow Cooker Pork Loin Chile Verde is versatile in how it can be served. Traditionally, it can be enjoyed as a hearty taco filling, where the shredded pork is placed in soft corn tortillas and topped with cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime. Alternatively, you can serve the pork on a bed of rice, creating a more filling and satisfying meal that is perfect for dinner.
You could also pair this dish with side options such as refried beans, Mexican street corn, or even a fresh avocado salad. For a lighter option, serve the chile verde pork alongside a crisp slaw, which helps balance the richness of the pork with its crunch and tang. The possibilities are endless when it comes to how you choose to serve this dish, which makes it ideal for a variety of occasions and preferences.
The Benefits of Pork Loin
Pork loin is a lean cut of meat that has a mild flavor, making it the perfect base for a dish like chile verde. Unlike fattier cuts of pork, pork loin provides a tender yet lean alternative that is still incredibly juicy when cooked properly. It also absorbs the flavors of the chile verde sauce beautifully, without becoming greasy or overly rich.
Moreover, pork loin is a great option for those looking for a healthier protein source. It’s lower in fat compared to cuts like pork belly or ribs, making it a lighter choice for your meals while still offering the satisfying taste and texture of pork. By slow cooking the pork, you ensure that it remains moist and tender without the need for excessive fat, which contributes to a more balanced and nutritious meal.
Slow Cooking: An Easy Way to Bring Out the Best Flavors
Slow cooking not only produces melt-in-your-mouth tender meat but also helps enhance the depth of flavors. With traditional cooking methods, you might need to stir, sauté, and monitor the dish constantly to prevent burning or overcooking. But with a slow cooker, you can add the ingredients, set it, and forget it. The slow, steady cooking process helps extract the natural flavors of the ingredients, resulting in a more intense and satisfying dish.
One of the beauties of this recipe is that the longer cooking time allows the tomatillos, garlic, and onions to break down and combine with the other spices, creating a rich, flavorful sauce that coats the tender pork beautifully. This is why slow cooking is the perfect method for dishes like Slow Cooker Pork Loin Chile Verde, where the flavors can evolve and develop as the dish simmers throughout the day.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are so many reasons why Slow Cooker Pork Loin Chile Verde is destined to become a household favorite. It’s easy, flavorful, and requires minimal active preparation time. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to enjoy it in a variety of ways. Whether you’re in the mood for tacos, rice bowls, or something else entirely, this dish is perfect for any occasion.
It’s also a fantastic choice for meal prep. The flavors only get better the next day, so you can enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner the following day. This makes it an excellent option for busy families or anyone looking to enjoy a quick, flavorful meal without needing to cook every single day.
Conclusion: A Comforting, Flavor-Packed Meal
In conclusion, Slow Cooker Pork Loin Chile Verde is an incredibly satisfying, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender, juicy pork and vibrant, spicy sauce, it provides a perfect balance of heat, freshness, and savory goodness. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something delicious; the slow cooker does most of the work for you. It’s a great recipe to have in your repertoire for those nights when you want a comforting, satisfying meal without all the fuss.
If you’re looking for a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that brings the best of Mexican cuisine into your home, Slow Cooker Pork Loin Chile Verde is the perfect choice. Give it a try, and enjoy the rich, tender pork and zesty verde sauce that will have everyone coming back for more.