Chilorio(Pork Filling For Burritos)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Mexican

Chilorio is a flavorful Mexican pork filling with smoky ancho chilies and bold spices, perfect for burritos, tacos, or sandwiches, offering a savory and slightly spicy taste.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. pork shoulder or butt
  • 5 dried ancho chilies
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/8 teaspoon cumin
  • Vinegar or white wine

Instructions

  1. Cut the pork into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Cover the pork with water and cook for 45 minutes or until the water has evaporated and the meat is barely browned.
  3. Remove the meat from the pan and shred it with the tines of two forks.
  4. Save the fat that remains.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider marinating the pork shoulder in vinegar or white wine overnight before cooking. If dried ancho chilies are unavailable, smoked paprika can work as a substitute, although the flavor will differ. Adjust the seasoning to your taste and add more garlic or spices if desired, as this recipe is quite versatile. Serve with tortillas for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Chilorio makes a delicious filling for burritos, and pairs beautifully with Pork Burritos (Low-Fat Recipe). Serve it with warm tortillas, fresh salsa, and avocado for a satisfying meal. For sides, consider rice, beans, or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the pork. It can also be used in tacos or served over nachos for a fun twist.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover chilorio in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chilorio(Pork Filling For Burritos) contains roughly 845 calories, with 31g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (145% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (93% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 26g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

845 kcal 42% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 31.3g 63% DV
Total Fat 45.3g 58% DV
Carbs 107.5g 39% DV
Fiber 25.9g 93% DV
Sugar 35.4g 71% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 312.9mg 14% DV
Potassium 2927.6mg 62% DV
Cholesterol 9.2mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 368.8mcg 41% DV
Vitamin C 36.4mg 40% DV
Vitamin D 4.3mcg 22% DV
Calcium 1888.2mg 100% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other cuts like pork loin or tenderloin, but keep in mind that they may result in a leaner filling. Pork shoulder or butt is preferred as it has more fat, which contributes to the richness and flavor of the chilorio.

How spicy is this chilorio recipe?

The heat level largely depends on the dried ancho chilies used. Anchos are mild to medium in spice. If you prefer a spicier filling, consider adding a few dried chipotle chilies or a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.

Can I make chilorio ahead of time?

Absolutely! Chilorio can be made a day or two in advance. In fact, the flavors deepen and improve after sitting. Just store it in the fridge, and when you're ready to serve, reheat it as mentioned before for the best results.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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