Chipotle Adobo Pork Shanks - Chamorros de Cerdo en Adobo de Chipotle

Recipe by Pati Jinich

• Ingredients

  4 pork shanks, about 1 pound each

  ½ cup all-purpose flour

  1½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided

  1½ teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper, divided

  2 La Costeña® chipotles in adobo sauce, finely chopped

  3 tablespoons sauce from the La Costeña® chipotles in adobo sauce

  2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 

  1 tablespoon tomato paste

  1 teaspoon dried oregano

  2 tablespoons vegetable oil

  1 cup chopped white onion

  1 cup chopped celery

  1 cup chopped carrots

  3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

  1 cup beer

  3 cups chicken broth

• Directions

  Preheat oven to 350°F with a rack in the bottom third. On a plate, mix the flour with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper, and dredge and coat the pork shanks in the mixture, shaking off excess flour. 

  In a small bowl, combine the chipotles in adobo, chipotles in adobo sauce, vinegar, tomato paste, oregano, and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and pepper.  

  Heat the oil in a large ovenproof casserole over high heat. Once hot, brown the shanks a couple minutes per side, about 8 to 10 minutes altogether. Transfer to a bowl or platter. 

  Reduce heat to medium, add the onion, celery and carrots and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and beginning to brown. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the beer and bring to a simmer, scraping up the bits and pieces from the bottom of the casserole with a wooden spoon. Simmer for about 3 minutes until the alcohol cooks off. 

  Pour in the broth, bring to a simmer, and add the chipotle mixture and stir well. Add the browned pork shanks, spooning some of the cooking sauce and vegetables over them. Cover and place in the oven for 2½ to 3 hours, until the meat is completely tender and falling apart.  

  Remove from the oven and serve with warm corn tortillas and guacamole. 

• Notes

  Estimated Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  Chamorros de Cerdo en Adobo de Chipotle
  Serves 4

  • Calories: ~720–780 kcal

  • Total Fat: ~48–52 g

    • Saturated Fat: ~16–18 g

  • Cholesterol: ~185–200 mg

  • Protein: ~55–60 g

  • Total Carbohydrates: ~18–22 g

    • Dietary Fiber: ~3–4 g

    • Total Sugars: ~5–6 g

  • Sodium: ~950–1,100 mg

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  Nutritional Context

  This is a protein-forward, hearty dish designed for satiety and depth of flavor rather than lightness. Most calories come from the pork shank’s natural fat and collagen, while vegetables and chipotle adobo contribute modest carbohydrates and fiber. Pairing it with corn tortillas and guacamole adds additional carbs and healthy fats depending on portion size.