Rating: 3.81
(171)

Pork Pozole

August 30, 2023

Pork pozole is a rich and comforting soup that has deep roots in Mexican cuisine. Known for its heartiness and vibrant flavors, this dish is the perfect balance of tender pork, hominy, and a savory, spiced broth. Often served during celebrations or family gatherings, pozole brings people together with its warmth and deliciously complex flavors.

At the heart of pork pozole is the hominy, which is made from dried corn kernels that have been treated with alkali. These chewy, nutty kernels soak up the flavorful broth, giving pozole its signature texture. The pork, typically shoulder or belly, is simmered until it becomes tender and pulls apart easily. The broth is made with a base of chili peppers, like guajillo and ancho, which give the soup its rich red color and smoky heat. Along with garlic, onion, and various spices like cumin and oregano, the broth becomes a savory, spicy backdrop to the pork and hominy.

What makes pork pozole so special is the way it’s served. It’s typically garnished with fresh toppings such as shredded cabbage, radishes, cilantro, lime wedges, and crispy tostadas. These add brightness, crunch, and freshness to each bowl, creating a perfect balance with the rich and flavorful soup. Some people like to drizzle a bit of oregano and chili powder for an extra kick.

Pork pozole is not only incredibly flavorful but also highly versatile. It can be customized to your liking by adjusting the spice level or changing up the garnishes. You can also make it ahead of time, as the flavors improve the longer it sits. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, pork pozole is always a crowd-pleaser.

With its rich history and comforting flavors, pork pozole is a dish that invites everyone to gather around the table and enjoy something truly delicious.

Pork Pozole
Pork Pozole
3.81 from 171 votes
A delicious and hearty Mexican soup made with pork and hominy.
Servings 8 people
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds pork shoulder cut into 2-inch cubes
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cans hominy 15 ounces each, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • cilantro chopped fresh

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the pork cubes to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes.
  • Stir in the dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
  • Add the drained and rinsed hominy and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 2-3 hours, until the pork is tender and the flavors have melded together.
  • Serve the pork pozole hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced radishes, lime wedges, and diced avocado.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 22gFat: 19gFiber: 3g
Calories: 350kcal
Meal Type: Soup
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: mexican, Mexican Cuisine, mexican food, pork, soup
Cooking Method: Boiled
Time: >45 Min
Level: Moderate
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar titus.koelpin says:

    2 stars
    What even is hominy? Is it necessary? Gonna try with regular corn instead.

  2. User avatar kimberli.wilderman says:

    5 stars
    Delicious recipe! I added a bit more cumin, and it turned out fantastic!

    1. User avatar edison.schamberger1974 says:

      5 stars
      I love that you added more cumin! It really can enhance the flavor. Can’t wait to try it! 🌮

  3. User avatar maurice.yundt1966 says:

    3 stars
    I followed it pretty closely but I swear my pork took way longer than 2 hours to get tender. Like almost 3.5. Still tasty, but the timing might be optimistic depending on the cut.

  4. User avatar Yasmin Carroll Sr. says:

    4 stars
    Easy to follow! I added some jalapeños for a kick and it turned out great. Will make again!

  5. User avatar rosalina.schaden92 says:

    3 stars
    The instructions are clear, but I wish you mentioned the radishes/lime/avocado in ingredients. I almost forgot to prep toppings, and then it felt kinda sad without them.

    1. 5 stars
      Good catch! The ingredient list omits radish/lime/avocado even though the instructions say to top with them. I’ll update that next time—those toppings totally make the bowl feel “finished.”

    2. User avatar voncile.corkery52 says:

      4 stars
      I agree—when I was reading I only saw cilantro and thought, wait… where do the radishes/lime/avo go? I ended up scrambling at the store. Tbh it still tasted good but kinda sad like you said 😅

  6. 4 stars
    Easy to follow and it turned out great! Used leftover pork from a roast and it worked fine. Yum!

  7. 4 stars
    I used beef instead of pork, hope that’s ok? Tasted different but still yummy.

  8. User avatar lavern.lesch says:

    4 stars
    Less than 2 hours cooking, more like 5 hours to get it nice. Worth the wait tho!

    1. 5 stars
      I totally agree! It’s so much better when you let it simmer longer. The flavors really come together!👏

    2. User avatar kina.smith2 says:

      2 stars
      5 hours? That seems a bit much. I thought this was supposed to be a quick recipe. 🤔

  9. User avatar Flame Atronach says:

    5 stars
    so good!!! i kinda used dried cilantro bc i was out and it still worked lol. next time will add radishes for sure

  10. User avatar curtis.lindgren93 says:

    4 stars
    I added some jalapeños for extra heat, and it turned out great! Thanks for the base recipe!

  11. User avatar rosenda.denesik1966 says:

    4 stars
    Great recipe! I added some jalapeños for spice and it was a hit at the family dinner. 🌶️❤️

    1. 5 stars
      Jalapeños sound like a delicious addition! I might try that next time. Thanks for the tip! 😊

  12. User avatar liana.hettinger74 says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious! The flavors were so rich and hearty. Will definitely make again!

  13. 5 stars
    5 stars for comfort. I simmered until the pork was fork-tender and the whole pot smelled amazing. My family asked for seconds—no notes.

  14. User avatar hannelore.gulgowski13 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is absolutely delicious! The flavors are amazing and my family loved it.

    1. User avatar gabriel.stark92 says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! This pozole recipe is a game changer. My family devoured it too!

  15. 4 stars
    2 hours was not enough for my pork shoulder—had to simmer closer to 3.5 hours. Still tasty, just plan for patience.

    1. User avatar ha.corkery99 says:

      5 stars
      Good to know—my pork shoulder always takes forever too. I’ll plan for ~3 hours at least next time. The flavor sounds worth the wait.

  16. User avatar kurtis.wehner46 says:

    1 star
    Took forever to cook and my pork didn’t tenderize like I thought it would. Disappointed 🙁

    1. User avatar darlena.fay53 says:

      4 stars
      Sorry to hear that! Maybe it needed more time? I’ve had better luck cooking my pork for longer. Definitely worth a try!

  17. 5 stars
    So delicious! Can’t believe I made this at home. My family loved it! A recipe I’ll keep!

  18. User avatar fabian.daugherty says:

    1 star
    Too many steps for me, I got lost halfway. I’ll stick to simpler recipes.

  19. User avatar Questular Rontok says:

    4 stars
    It’s good but I think I would add more spices next time. But still a solid meal.

    1. User avatar Donnell O'Hara says:

      5 stars
      I agree, more spices would definitely elevate the flavor! Have you tried adding chili powder or maybe some cayenne for heat?

  20. User avatar magan.lakin says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely loved it! The flavors were amazing. Will make again for sure!

    1. User avatar Duncan Idaho says:

      5 stars
      So glad you loved it! The flavors are just perfect. What toppings did you use?

  21. User avatar Super Saiyan 2 Vegeta says:

    4 stars
    Yum! I added some jalapeños for heat, it turned out great!

  22. User avatar anamaria.hyatt7 says:

    5 stars
    My first time making pozole and it came out way better than expected. The smell while it simmered was amazing. I served it with extra cilantro and nobody complained.

  23. User avatar waylon.toy2010 says:

    5 stars
    Honestly 2 pounds is a lot—maybe that’s why my leftovers tasted even better today. If you’re meal-prepping, this is the move.

    1. User avatar Phil Lowe says:

      5 stars
      I used 2 lbs too and I swear it tastes even better the next day. The hominy gets that perfect texture. Great advice!

    2. User avatar clarissa.oreilly1969 says:

      5 stars
      2 pounds definitely helps—there’s more to braise and the flavor really settles in. Meal-prepping pozole is the best kind of “cheat.”

  24. 4 stars
    Pork and hominy, good combo. Would add some chili for a kick.

  25. User avatar carmen.herzog says:

    2 stars
    Could be better. I used pork loin instead of shoulder (didn’t read that part), so it was kinda dry. Lesson learned: shoulder or bust.

  26. User avatar weston.rowe says:

    3 stars
    I forgot the hominy and it still tasted okay. 😅 Just not pozole without it tho.

    1. 3 stars
      Hominy is super important for the flavor! You really missed out. 😬

  27. User avatar emmanuel.hackett1972 says:

    3 stars
    It was good, but mine took the full 3 hours and I wasn’t watching the pot like I should. Also I think I needed more broth because it got kinda thick by the end. Flavor was still comforting though.

    1. 4 stars
      3 hours?? Wow—mine was done closer to 2 (but I *did* keep checking). Also I’m thinking 4 cups broth might be low depending on your pot size—maybe use 5 or add more when it goes thick. But overall sounds tasty!

    2. User avatar phylicia.robel6 says:

      5 stars
      So glad it still came out comforting! If it thickened up, I bet your simmer got a little too vigorous or your pot was evaporating faster—adding a splash more broth (or even water) near the end usually fixes that. Next time just keep an eye on the liquid level.

  28. User avatar ernest.koelpin75 says:

    2 stars
    This was kind of bland for my taste. I expected more kick.

    1. User avatar laurence.weimann82 says:

      2 stars
      Bland? Really? I mean, it’s supposed to be comforting! You can’t expect every dish to blow your taste buds away.

    2. User avatar Branden Mitchell says:

      4 stars
      I think it needs some chili or jalapeños to spice it up! That’s what makes pozole great. Just saying!

  29. User avatar howard.gutmann4 says:

    4 stars
    Made something similar but mine came out a bit bland last time. Your seasoning list looks solid though—do you think adding more salt or a pinch of chili powder would help? Otherwise looks great!

  30. User avatar homer.wisoky1989 says:

    2 stars
    I tried it, and the flavor was good but I forgot to rinse the hominy and it was way too salty. Lesson learned: rinse, rinse, rinse. Might be a 4/5 with correct prep.

    1. 4 stars
      Wait, so you add 1 tsp salt plus the hominy—no wonder it went salty if it wasn’t rinsed. Next time just skip the salt a bit, or use low-sodium broth. Hominy matters a lot.

    2. User avatar emilio.kovacek87 says:

      5 stars
      Oof, that’s the pozole trap 😅 Rinsing the hominy makes a huge difference. Glad the flavor still came through—4/5 is fair. I always drain then rinse like 2-3 times.

  31. 5 stars
    This recipe slaps!!! I don’t even like cilantro that much but it still worked with the garnishes. The avocado on top is a game changer.

  32. User avatar Gerda Bauch says:

    4 stars
    5 minutes for onion/garlic feels short, but I guess it depends on your pan. I cooked mine a bit longer until truly soft. The broth simmer smelled amazing.

  33. User avatar Wonko the Sane says:

    2 stars
    Not bad, but 2 pounds of pork seems like a lot for the broth unless you’re serving a crowd. I got 4 bowls, and I guess that’s fine, but I expected more.

    1. User avatar Michael83 says:

      4 stars
      Yeah, 2 lbs sounds big, but pozole’s kind of meant to be hearty. If you’re only getting a few bowls, that portion can feel small—I’d agree the recipe would love a bigger batch or less pork depending on your style.

  34. User avatar Adelaide Bednar says:

    2 stars
    I did it, but I forgot to rinse the hominy. Still ate it though lol. It was edible, just saltier. Recipe directions are probably better—just my fault.

  35. User avatar MrsLucyG says:

    2 stars
    I think I prefer chicken pozole over this. Just not as good.

  36. User avatar olene.bergnaum1966 says:

    5 stars
    sooo gooood!! first time cooking pozole and I nailed it.

  37. User avatar daphne.rohan44 says:

    4 stars
    Solid recipe, but I think it needs a little more salt at the end. Mine was tasty, yet kinda bland until I tasted after simmering. Also, I had to simmer closer to 3 hours for tender pork.

  38. User avatar dakota.stanton says:

    2 stars
    I didn’t have dried oregano, so I used Italian seasoning… yeah it was a little off. Next time I’ll just get the right oregano. Otherwise the method is straightforward.

  39. User avatar Wellington Yueh says:

    5 stars
    Yum!

    1. User avatar janis.vonrueden says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree! This looks so good, I can’t wait to try making it myself!

  40. User avatar charley.gibson says:

    2 stars
    Why do people put avocado in pozole? It doesn’t even go together!!

  41. User avatar lorraine.cole1956 says:

    5 stars
    Just made this, and my family loved it! They’re asking for seconds.

  42. User avatar carmelia.aufderhar says:

    4 stars
    Tasty!! But can we put beans in it too? I love beans!!

    1. 4 stars
      Beans would be good! I think black beans would add nice flavor. Has anyone tried that?

  43. User avatar wilford.padberg20 says:

    5 stars
    This looks so tasty! I can’t wait to make it for my family. Thanks for sharing!

    1. 5 stars
      So excited for you! This is a family favorite in our house. Enjoy!

    2. 3 stars
      Looks good, but can you make it without hominy? Not everyone likes it.

  44. 3 stars
    Pozole should have red chiles, right? This one’s more like pork stew with hominy—still tasty, just not what I expected. My rating’s not because it’s bad, but because it didn’t match my idea.

    1. User avatar smartestRedditor says:

      4 stars
      Yeah, pozole usually leans on the chile base—like guajillo or ancho for red. This sounds like a comforting hominy stew, just not the same vibe. I get the disappointment.

  45. User avatar kip.murazik says:

    4 stars
    Tried it and my kids loved it! Will definitely be making it again.

  46. User avatar Loonquawl says:

    3 stars
    Not sure about the 2-inch cubes—mine took forever to tenderize. Next time I’ll cut smaller. Still flavorful, but I wouldn’t call it ‘easy’ if you’re short on time.

  47. User avatar Humma Kavula says:

    4 stars
    Not bad, but the garlic/onion step felt short. I browned the pork longer than 8 minutes and that helped. Also, I didn’t have dried oregano so I used Italian seasoning—still okay.

  48. User avatar flossie.feil53 says:

    5 stars
    Delicious! What a warm comfort food dish, perfect for the winter nights.

  49. User avatar rhonda.rolfson36 says:

    3 stars
    I tried making pozole before but it didn’t turn out right. Maybe I’ll give this one a shot.

    1. 4 stars
      Don’t give up! Pozole can be tricky, but this recipe looks straightforward. I think you can nail it this time!

    2. 2 stars
      I don’t know man, 2-3 hours seems like a long time. Is it really worth it?

  50. User avatar laurinda.heaney says:

    5 stars
    Superb! My wife said it’s the best thing I’ve ever cooked. Thanks!

  51. 3 stars
    I’m not convinced about simmering uncovered for 2-3 hours—won’t it dry out? I kept the lid cracked and ended up with a better balance. Flavor was good, just my pot runs hot.

    1. User avatar odell.mosciski says:

      4 stars
      I get what you mean, but I’ve never seen it “dry out” that much with 4 cups broth + pork fat. Uncovered just helps some evaporation for a richer texture—if your pot runs hot, lower the heat or start with a little more broth and stir occasionally.

  52. User avatar Tamatha Mueller says:

    3 stars
    Not bad, but the cumin is a little strong for my taste. I’d cut it to like 1/2 tsp next time. Also, I added sliced jalapeños for heat.

  53. User avatar eliseo.schmitt37 says:

    4 stars
    I never cooked pork before but this was pretty simple! Will make again.

  54. 5 stars
    This recipe was amazing! The flavors were so rich and the pork was tender. Definitely making this again!

  55. User avatar ashlie.hermann20 says:

    3 stars
    pork is too fatty in my opinion. maybe try chicken for a lighter meal?

    1. User avatar magdalene.donnelly32 says:

      4 stars
      I get where you’re coming from, but pork adds a lot of flavor to this dish. Chicken might not be the same. Plus, fat can be flavor! 😋

  56. User avatar nannette.schiller24 says:

    5 stars
    I followed it pretty much exactly, and wow. The hominy texture is perfect and the cumin doesn’t overpower. My family kept going back for seconds.

    1. User avatar rusty.bogisich1975 says:

      5 stars
      This is exactly how I like it—hominy stays chewy, cumin just adds warmth. Glad your family loved it! 🙌

    2. 3 stars
      Wait… 2–3 hours uncovered seems like a long time. I always simmer mine covered so it doesn’t dry out. Still sounds good though—hominy can be tricky.

  57. 2 stars
    This recipe is very hard to follow with all those steps. Can’t it be simpler?

    1. User avatar alphonse.osinski says:

      4 stars
      I can totally see how it seems complicated at first, but it’s worth it! The flavors are amazing once you get the hang of it.

  58. 3 stars
    Meh. It was just okay. Maybe I expected too much?

  59. User avatar adelle.zemlak35 says:

    2 stars
    Hominy + pork + oregano? Sounds good on paper, but I’m skeptical about the amount of broth. 4 cups for 2 pounds of pork and 2 cans hominy—feels tight. Might need more liquid.

    1. User avatar ranee.schamberger73 says:

      4 stars
      I was thinking the same thing about the broth—4 cups sounds a little skimpy. I usually add another cup or two, especially after it simmers for a couple hours.

    2. User avatar asia.trantow29 says:

      3 stars
      Nah, 4 cups can work if you keep an eye on it. The pork releases a lot of liquid, and hominy adds body too. I’d just simmer with the pot partially covered if it gets too thick.

  60. User avatar ollie.brakus says:

    5 stars
    Super easy and hearty. I used chicken thighs instead of pork shoulder once (I know, blasphemy) and it still slapped. With pork shoulder it’s way more authentic tasting.

  61. 5 stars
    Made this last night and it tastes like something my aunt would put out for guests. The pork got super tender after the long simmer—nice depth from the oregano and cumin. I added extra garlic too (because why not). Will absolutely make again!

  62. User avatar meagan.morissette88 says:

    1 star
    What even is pozole? I thought it was gonna be like chili but it wasn’t lol.

  63. User avatar bulah.johnston says:

    2 stars
    Pork pozole? More like soggy soup! Mine came out weird. Gotta figure out what I did wrong.

  64. User avatar alton.bins99 says:

    2 stars
    I think I messed up the spice part. I put too much cumin and it tasted weird.

    1. 3 stars
      Cumin can be strong, but I think you can still fix it! Maybe add more broth or throw in some other spices?

    2. 4 stars
      Don’t worry, I often put too much cumin too! Just try adding some lime to balance it out. Make it a taco soup instead!

  65. User avatar jona.barrows says:

    1 star
    Why hominy?? can’t you just use normal corn? tastes the same to me.

    1. 2 stars
      I dunno, corn is corn, right? Just use what you like. Who needs fancy ingredients?

    2. User avatar ricky.okon1980 says:

      5 stars
      Hominy has a unique texture and flavor that regular corn just can’t match! It’s essential to authentic pozole.

  66. User avatar catarina.rosenbaum says:

    4 stars
    Hominy confused me at first. Like… is it supposed to be super soft already? I rinsed it anyway and it came out good, so I guess I did it right.

  67. 5 stars
    Mmm…so good! Me and my friends all loved it. Can I freeze the leftovers?

  68. 4 stars
    The prep was easy and it smells amazing while it simmers. I used chicken broth like the recipe says and it came out rich. Definitely keeping this one.

    1. 5 stars
      Totally agree—when it’s simmering the whole kitchen smells unreal. I love that it turns out rich without needing a ton of extra effort. Great call on using chicken broth too!

  69. User avatar clinton.cronin1954 says:

    5 stars
    I made it last night and my whole kitchen smelled like a restaurant. The pork was fall-apart, and the broth tasted rich even though it’s simple.

  70. User avatar Colin the Security Robot says:

    3 stars
    I followed the recipe but it came out kinda bland. Maybe use more spices?

3.81 from 171 votes
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