This dish lives or dies on the pork and the tomatillos, so both should be good. The move that matters is browning the cubed shoulder hard in batches before it braises, because those fond bits are where the depth comes from.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep25 min
Cook2 hr
Makes6 servings
CuisineMexican
Cost$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for6servings
Pork shoulder
Fatty, collagen-rich shoulder shreds instead of drying out over a long braise.
Brown the porkPat 3 lb cubed shoulder dry, salt it, and sear in a heavy pot over high heat in batches until deeply browned, about 4 min per side. Crowding steams it, so give the cubes room.
Roast the sauceBroil tomatillos, poblanos, half the onion, and garlic on a sheet pan until charred and blistered, 8 to 10 min, turning once.
BlendPeel the poblanos, then blend all the roasted vegetables with the cilantro and cumin until mostly smooth.
BraiseReturn the pork to the pot, pour the sauce over, and simmer covered at a bare bubble until the meat pulls apart, about 90 min.
FinishUncover and reduce 15 min to thicken. Taste for salt and a squeeze of lime.
Can you make Chile Verde in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert
Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.
Can you freeze Chile Verde? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make Chile Verde ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Is Chile Verde gluten-free? — Yes
Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.
Is Chile Verde vegan? — No
No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.
Community Notes
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