Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. pork shoulder, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp. dried oregano
- 2 tsp. ground cumin
- 2 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 12 tostada shells
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the pork shoulder, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, water, garlic, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the pork.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork mixture and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is browned and cooked through.
3. While the pork is cooking, prepare the tostada shells according to package instructions.
4. To assemble the tostadas, spread a layer of refried beans on each tostada shell. Top with a spoonful of the cooked pork, shredded lettuce, crumbled queso fresco, and chopped cilantro.
5. Serve the tostadas with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 12 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat
Serving size:
- Makes 12 tostadas
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Protein: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pork shoulder can be substituted with chicken or beef.
- Queso fresco can be substituted with feta cheese.
Variations:
- Add diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, or pickled red onions to the tostadas for extra flavor and texture.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to cook the pork until it is browned and cooked through for the best flavor and texture.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked pork from the skillet to avoid excess oil.
Storage Instructions:
- Store any leftover pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat the pork in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Arrange the tostadas on a platter and garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a colorful and festive presentation.
Garnishes:
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges
Pairings:
- Serve the tostadas with a side of Mexican rice and black beans for a complete meal.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Mexican rice and black beans
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the pork is not browning evenly, stir it more frequently to ensure even cooking.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the pork to an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food History:
- Chilorio is a traditional Mexican dish from the state of Sinaloa. It is typically made with pork that is marinated in a mixture of vinegar, spices, and chiles, then slow-cooked until tender.
Flavor Profiles:
- The chilorio pork is savory and slightly tangy from the vinegar, with smoky and earthy notes from the spices.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the tostadas with a cold beer or a margarita for a refreshing and festive drink.
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Region: Mexican