This Instant Pot Red Chile Pork recipe has a sauce that adds so much flavor to shredded pork and is perfect in tacos, tamales, burritos, and more. Make this recipe in the Instant Pot or an electric pressure cooker for easy and delicious Mexican-inspired meat.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
You'll adore this Instant Pot Red Chile Pork Recipe for its tender, flavorful pork cooked in a fraction of the time, just like my Instant Pot Crispy Pork Carnitas. It's versatile, customizable, and perfect for busy nights with minimal cleanup just like the recipes found in my 15 Instant Pot Mexican Recipes.
Enjoy the authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine, and freeze leftovers for later convenience. It's a healthy, satisfying meal that's sure to become a favorite!
What Chiles to Use to Make Red Chile Pork
There are many different varieties of dried chiles out there and you can use almost any variety you want. I used a combination of California dried chiles and Guajillo dried chiles because I wanted to add a little more depth.
Another easy-to-find variety is the New Mexico dried chiles. I find my dried chiles online, in the Mexican/Hispanic aisle at the grocery store, or at my local Mexican grocery store.
How to Make Instant Pot Red Chile Pork
Strain the chili sauce from the blender over the saucepan using a spatula to push the sauce through. Cook and stir the sauce for 10 minutes.
What to Use This Pork For
I made this pork originally as a filling for tamales. I had plenty of leftovers so I also made tacos, like my Doritos Locos Tacos, nachos, and breakfast burritos. This pork would also be delicious in Air Fryer Chimichangas or in my Baked Chile Rellenos.
Recipe FAQs
Pork shoulder or pork butt are the best cuts for this recipe. They have enough fat to make the pork tender and flavorful during the cooking process.
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat it in the Instant Pot, microwave, or stovetop before serving.
Leftover shredded pork can be frozen for up to 3 months. Ensure the pork has fully cooled and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag, making sure to remove any excess air to prevent freezer burn.
If you get a chance to make this Instant Pot Red Chile Pork, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me, or leave a review below! You can also follow me on Pinterest and sign up for my e-mail list to receive more fun and delicious recipes in your inbox.
Instant Pot Red Chile Pork
Equipment
- 1 large saucepan
Ingredients
Shredded Pork
- 4 pounds pork shoulder or butt
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Red Chile Sauce
- 8 dried chile pods (California, Guajillo, or New Mexico)
- 4 cups reserved pork broth
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
Shredded Pork
- Cut the pork into 3-4" cubes and place them in the Instant Pot. Place the onion, bay leaves, garlic, oregano, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in with the pork and use a spoon to stir everything and coat the pork.
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot and close the steam valve. Pressure cook on HIGH for 90 minutes. Once complete, allow the steam to naturally release, this will take about 20-25 more minutes.
- Carefully open the lid and drain the liquid from the pork, reserving the broth for the sauce. Use tongs to shred the pork and leave it in the Instant Pot on WARM while you make the sauce.
Red Chile Sauce
- Rinse the dried chiles and remove the stems and seeds. Place the chiles in a saucepan with 4 cups (or however much you have) of the reserved pork broth. Simmer for 20 minutes and then remove the pan from the heat.
- Place the chiles and broth in a food processor or blender. Add the oregano, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, and garlic and process until smooth.
- In the same saucepan used to cook the chiles, add the vegetable oil and heat over medium heat. Add the flour and salt and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Strain the chili sauce from the blender over the saucepan using a spatula to push the sauce through. Discard any solids that don't go through. Cook and stir the sauce for 10 minutes.
- Pour the red chile sauce into the Instant Pot with the shredded pork. Stir to coat the pork. Serve immediately or allow the pork to cool completely before storing covered in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze the pork for up to 6 months.
Notes
- Pork shoulder or pork butt are the best cuts for this recipe. They have enough fat to make the pork tender and flavorful during the cooking process.
- You can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat it in the Instant Pot, microwave, or stovetop before serving.
- Leftover shredded pork can be frozen for up to 3 months. Ensure the pork has fully cooled and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag, making sure to remove any excess air to prevent freezer burn.
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
nancy says
this shredded pork recipe is so juicy and tender!!! i love this recipe
Emily says
Thanks, Nancy. I appreciate the review.😊
Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady says
I feel like this would be wonderful in soft tortillas or on nachos. Tender and full of flavour!
Emily says
I can tell you from experience it is! I hope you get a chance to try it soon.
Lilly says
SO SO GOOD!!!
Elizabeth Swoish says
So delicious and tender! I cut the amount of red chilis in half because I am sensitive to spice and it was perfect!
Emily says
That's great, Elizabeth. I'm so glad you found a way to still enjoy this recipe!
Jeannie says
so flavorful! perfect for another round of rice…
Emily says
Oh yes, great idea! Enjoy.
Gina Abernathy says
I love all of the ingredients and the flavors are wonderful!
Emily says
I'm so glad you liked it!
Jamie says
I love all the spices in this! My family loves it!
Emily says
Thanks for giving it a try Jamie. I'm so glad you and your family liked this pork.