If you are craving a vibrant, comforting, and wildly flavorful dish, look no further than this Instant Pot Pork Chili Verde Recipe. This recipe brings together tender chunks of pork shoulder simmered in a zesty blend of tomatillos, poblano, Anaheim, and jalapeño peppers, along with fresh herbs and spices. Thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot, you get rich, deeply melded flavors in under an hour—not to mention a luscious sauce perfect for spooning over crispy tortillas or rice. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish brings bold Mexican-inspired sunshine to your table with minimum fuss and maximum taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of straightforward ingredients, this Instant Pot Pork Chili Verde Recipe shines because each item plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the earthy cumin to the bright fresh cilantro, every component works harmoniously to create that classic chili verde brightness and heartiness.
- 4 lbs. pork shoulder (boneless, cut into 2″ chunks): The star protein, tender and juicy after pressure cooking.
- 4 tomatillos (quartered, husks removed): They add a tart, tangy base essential to the green sauce.
- 2 poblano peppers (seeds & stems removed, roughly chopped): Provide a mild smoky flavor with just a little kick.
- 2 Anaheim peppers (seeds & stems removed, roughly chopped): Contributes subtle sweetness and mild heat to balance the dish.
- 2 jalapeño peppers (seeds & stems removed, roughly chopped): Adds a lively punch of moderate spiciness.
- 1 can green chiles (4.5 oz. can): Perfect for enhancing green chile flavor with minimal effort.
- 1 white onion (peeled & roughly chopped): Builds savory depth and a touch of natural sweetness.
- 6 cloves garlic (peeled): A must for aromatic complexity and mouthwatering richness.
- 1-2 tsp kosher salt: Season to taste, essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors.
- 1 tbsp ground cumin: Brings warmth and earthiness classic to Mexican cuisine.
- 1 tbsp dried Mexican oregano (optional): Adds herbal brightness and a hint of bitterness to cut richness.
- ¾ cup fresh cilantro (chopped): Stirred in at the end for fresh, lively flavor and gorgeous green color.
- 8 corn tortillas: Crispy, golden bowls to hold all that saucy goodness or served on the side to enjoy traditionally.
- 1 tbsp canola oil: For frying the tortillas until perfectly golden and crisp.
- Sour cream, fresh cilantro, cotija cheese, lime wedges: Classic garnishes that add creaminess, tang, and a refreshing finish.
How to Make Instant Pot Pork Chili Verde Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Ingredients
Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté setting, allowing it to get hot. Then add your pork chunks alongside the tomatillos, poblano, Anaheim, and jalapeño peppers, canned green chiles, chopped onion, garlic, cumin, kosher salt, and oregano. This step starts to mingle all those fresh and dried flavors, and the slight browning you get here intensifies the taste of the pork and veggies.
Step 2: Pressure Cook the Chili Verde
Once everything is sautéed together for a bit, seal the Instant Pot and set it to manual pressure cook for 25 minutes. This timing is just right to break down the pork shoulder, making it melt-in-your-mouth tender, while allowing the tomatillos and peppers to release their bright green essence into the sauce. When the timer is up, let the pressure release naturally for best texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Tortilla Bowls
While the chili cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place a corn tortilla in the pan and cook until golden and bubbly on the bottom, then flip to heat the other side. Use each warm tortilla to press into a serving bowl, shaping a crispy tortilla bowl that will beautifully cradle your chili verde. Make a couple of extras because these are dangerously delicious for scooping up every last bite.
Step 4: Remove the Pork from the Instant Pot
When the pressure has fully released, carefully open the Instant Pot and transfer the pork chunks to a plate using tongs. This step allows you to give the sauce a quick blitz without chunks, resulting in a smoother consistency and better coating on the meat.
Step 5: Blend the Sauce and Adjust Seasonings
Add the chopped fresh cilantro to the remaining ingredients in the Instant Pot and blend until smooth using an immersion blender or transfer to a countertop blender. This gives the chili verde a stunning green hue and fresh brightness. Taste and adjust salt if needed—you want a perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and savory.
Step 6: Combine the Pork and Sauce
Return the tender pork pieces back to the pot and gently stir to coat them in the vibrant green sauce. This combination allows every bite of pork to be infused with the spicy, tangy, and herby flavors you worked so hard to create.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the pork chili verde into your crispy tortilla bowls or onto warm tortillas. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, extra fresh cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, and a wedge of lime for squeezing. These garnishes add cool creaminess, saltiness, and fresh acidity that elevate the dish to true celebration status.
How to Serve Instant Pot Pork Chili Verde Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnishes are crucial to making this dish sing. Sour cream adds a luscious, cooling contrast to the heat and tang, while cotija cheese lends a salty, crumbly note. A handful of chopped fresh cilantro scattered on top brightens the whole plate, and a squeeze of lime juice adds that perfect final pop of acidity.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh cabbage slaw. The rice and beans soak up the chili verde sauce wonderfully, creating a balanced and filling meal. For a lighter touch, serve with a crisp salad dressed simply with lime and olive oil.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to surprise your guests, try serving the chili verde over crispy tostadas or stuffed inside warm flour tortillas for quick pork verde tacos. Another fun idea is to spoon the chili verde over creamy mashed potatoes or polenta for a comforting twist. No matter how you serve it, this recipe adapts nicely and looks gorgeous on the plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover Instant Pot Pork Chili Verde Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 4 days, allowing the flavors to intensify even more overnight. This makes for an easy, delicious meal to enjoy later in the week.
Freezing
This chili verde freezes beautifully. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. When stored properly, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover pork chili verde gently on the stove over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, covered, until hot.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is ideal for its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking, you can use pork butt or even pork stew meat for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if using smaller pieces.
How spicy is this Instant Pot Pork Chili Verde Recipe?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the combination of poblanos, Anaheim, and jalapeños. You can scale the spice up or down by adjusting the quantity of jalapeños or leaving in some seeds for more heat. Removing seeds altogether will keep it mild and family-friendly.
Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
Yes! You can cook this chili verde on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. On the stovetop, simmer gently for 2 to 3 hours until the pork is tender. In a slow cooker, cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
Is it necessary to blend the sauce?
Blending the sauce is what gives this chili verde its signature silky texture and bright green color. If you prefer a chunkier stew, feel free to skip blending or only partially blend for texture.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! This recipe tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop further. Prepare it the day before, refrigerate, and gently reheat before serving. It’s a crowd-pleaser and perfect for entertaining.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Pork Chili Verde Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorite go-to meals to share with family and friends. It’s incredibly satisfying, packed with fresh flavors, and so easy to make thanks to the Instant Pot. Once you dive into that tender pork bathed in bright, tangy green sauce with just the right amount of kick, I promise you’ll be reaching for this recipe time and again. So go ahead, fire up your Instant Pot and treat yourself to a bowl of delicious, homestyle chili verde magic.
