Adobada is a general term that refers to meat (often pork) that is marinated in a very thick, flavorful, chile-based mixture. When cooked in a hot pan—note, this is key, your pan needs to be hot— the meat will develop a delightfully charred, crisp exterior while maintaining a succulent interior. This flavor-packed pork recipe is an amazing start for tacos; simply spoon the meat into warm corn tortillas and serve with minced onion, cilantro, and lime juice. If you want to prep ahead, the marinade mixture can be made up to 5 days in advance. While set sauce may seem like an out-of-place addition, it delivers just the right hit of salty umami to balance out the bittersweet chiles. Guajillo and
ancho chiles can be found in most groceries stores. Anchos are mild with a slightly bitter, yet sweet flavor. Guajillos offer a
slightly fruity flavor. They also have a thinner flesh and therefore, produce less puree (which is why there are more in the recipe). As far as the cut of meat, we’d definitely recommend sticking with pork shoulder here. Rich and fatty, pork shoulder will not dry out or take on an unpleasant chewy texture after resting in the acidic marinade.
How to Make It
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium. Tear ancho and guajillo chiles into flat pieces. Toast chiles, turning occasionally, until blistered and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Places toasted chile pieces and bay leaf in a medium bowl. Add boiling water, and let stand until softened, about 30 minutes. Drain, and discard liquid and bay leaf.
Add garlic cloves to skillet. Cook over medium, stirring occasionally, until very soft and charred, about 10 minutes. Cool completely, and peel garlic cloves. Combine garlic, drained chiles, vinegar, soy sauce, oregano, thyme, cumin, honey, and 1 teaspoon of the salt in a high-powered blender. Process until smooth, adding 1 tablespoon tap water if necessary.
Combine pork and chile mixture in a medium bowl. Toss to coat. Cover and chill 4 hours.
Heat oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium high. Place pork on a work surface lined with paper towels, and press with additional paper towels to remove excess marinade. Sprinkle pork evenly with remaining 1 teaspoon salt. Cook pork in a single layer, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred and cooked through, about 6 minutes. Serve in Tortillas de Harina with desired toppings.