Pork Enchiladas Recipe

Alright, let’s dive into this cheesy, savory world of pork enchiladas that’s about to make our taste buds do a happy dance! 🌟 Whether you’re a seasoned enchilada enthusiast or a curious first-timer looking to spice up your dinner routine, this dish is your golden ticket to flavor town. Let’s get rolling!

I love crafting delicious dishes, and my Pork Enchiladas are a true favorite. Using tender shredded pork, wrapped in large corn tortillas, and smothered in rich enchilada sauce, this dish is simply irresistible.

I like combining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses for an ideal melt, with finely chopped onions providing a delightful bite. A perfect blend of spices, such as cumin and chili powder, elevates the flavor, and I often garnish with fresh cilantro for a fresh finish.

These enchiladas offer a comforting and satisfying meal, topped with a little sour cream if you like.

Pork Enchiladas Recipe Ingredients

• Cooked and shredded pork: Rich in protein; adds savory flavor.
• Corn tortillas: Source of carbohydrates; traditional and gluten-free.
• Enchilada sauce: Provides spicy and tangy depth; tomato-based.
• Cheddar cheese: Adds creamy texture; rich in calcium.
• Monterey Jack cheese: Mild flavor; complements spiciness; melts smoothly.
• Chopped onion: Aromatic; brings subtle sweetness; rich in vitamins.
• Ground cumin: Earthy spice; adds warmth and depth.

Pork Enchiladas Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups cooked and shredded pork
• 8 large corn tortillas
• 2 cups enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Sour cream (optional, for serving)

How to Make this Pork Enchiladas Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.

3. Stir in the ground cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder. Continue to cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. Add the cooked and shredded pork to the skillet. Mix well to combine with the onion and spices. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Spread 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce over the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.

6. Warm the corn tortillas in a microwave or on a skillet to make them pliable.

7. Fill each tortilla with a portion of the pork mixture and a sprinkle of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Roll them up tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.

8. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they are fully covered.

9. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the enchiladas.

10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve with sour cream.

Pork Enchiladas Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Large skillet
3. Microwave or additional skillet (for warming tortillas)
4. 9×13 inch baking dish
5. Cutting board
6. Chef’s knife (for chopping onion)
7. Measuring spoons (for spices)
8. Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
9. Tongs or spatula (for handling tortillas)
10. Grater (for cheese, if not pre-shredded)

FAQ

• What type of pork should I use? You can use leftover roast pork, pork shoulder, or even store-bought pulled pork for this recipe.
• Can I substitute flour tortillas for corn tortillas? Yes, you can use flour tortillas, but the texture and taste will differ slightly from traditional corn tortillas.
• Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely, you can assemble the enchiladas up to a day in advance and bake them just before serving.
• How long should I bake the enchiladas? Bake the enchiladas in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Can I make it spicier? To add more heat, include a pinch of cayenne pepper, or add chopped jalapeños to the filling.
• How do I store leftover enchiladas? Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
• What are some good side dishes to serve with pork enchiladas? Consider serving with Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Pork Enchiladas Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• For the shredded pork, use shredded chicken or cooked, shredded beef as an alternative.
• Substitute flour tortillas for corn tortillas if preferred.
• Replace enchilada sauce with a homemade blend of tomato sauce, chili powder, and seasonings if desired.
• Use pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack for a spicier kick.
• Instead of vegetable oil, use olive oil or canola oil.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Flavor with Fresh Ingredients For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding fresh minced garlic and freshly ground cumin seeds instead of garlic powder and ground cumin. This will give your enchiladas a more vibrant taste.

2. Tortilla Tip To prevent the tortillas from cracking when rolling, briefly dip them in warm enchilada sauce after warming them. This not only makes them more pliable but also adds depth of flavor throughout the dish.

3. Cheese Customization Experiment with different cheese blends to suit your taste. Adding a touch of Oaxaca or queso fresco can provide a creamy texture and authentic taste.

4. Enhance the Pork Mixture If you have the time, marinate the pork with lime juice, a bit of orange juice, and additional spices a few hours before using. This will infuse the meat with extra flavor.

5. Reheat with Care When reheating leftovers, cover the enchiladas with foil to prevent them from drying out. If they seem dry, sprinkle a bit of water over them before reheating to keep them moist.