Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Mexico with this incredible Lomitos de Valladolid recipe! Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned pork loin bathed in a rich, vibrant tomato sauce that will make your dinner guests beg for seconds. This isn't just another pork dish - it's a traditional Mexican masterpiece that combines simple ingredients with bold, unforgettable flavors that will revolutionize your home cooking experience.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork loin
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the pork loin by patting it dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano on all sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned pork loin on all sides until golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side to develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
- Remove the pork loin from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, sauté chopped onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Stir to combine the onions, garlic, and tomatoes.
- Return the seared pork loin to the skillet, nestling it into the tomato sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the pork is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the pork loin from the sauce and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Slice the pork loin against the grain and serve hot, topped with the rich tomato sauce.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley, and serve with rice, beans, or warm tortillas.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork loin reaches exactly 145°F (63°C) for perfect tenderness and food safety.
- Searing Secrets: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the pork loin. A good sear locks in flavors and creates a beautiful caramelized exterior.
- Slow and Low: The magic of this dish happens during the slow simmer. Don't rush the cooking process - let the pork become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Slice Against the Grain: When cutting the pork loin, always slice against the grain to ensure the most tender and easy-to-eat pieces.
- Enhance the Flavor: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of Mexican beer or a pinch of smoked paprika to the tomato sauce.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This dish actually tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 263kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 80mg
