Frijol con Puerco (Yucatecan Pork and Black Bean Stew)
Slow simmered pork shoulder and black beans in a rich broth, served with radish, coriander, lime and fiery salsa.
Made with Habanero salsa and Mexican black beans. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time2 hr
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £1.96 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Put the pork, onion, garlic, bay leaves, oregano, salt and water in a large heavy pan. Bring to the boil, skim off the grey foam, then lower to a gentle simmer.
- 2
Cover with the lid slightly open and simmer for 1 hour 15 minutes until the pork is very tender and the broth has reduced by about a third.
75 min - 3
Fish out the onion halves and bay leaves. Mash the soft garlic against the side of the pan.
- 4
Stir in the black beans from your base recipe along with some of their cooking liquid. Simmer for 15 minutes so the flavours join.
15 min - 5
Taste and add salt if needed. The broth should be savoury and slightly thick, like a loose stew.
- 6
Ladle into bowls. Top with sliced radish and coriander and serve with lime wedges. Offer your ready made habanero salsa (see the base recipe) at the table, a small spoon at a time.
Tips
- Pork shoulder is ideal because it stays juicy during long simmering. Lean loin turns dry.
- Skim well at the start for a clear, clean tasting broth.
- Serve with plain white rice, warm corn tortillas or both to soak up the broth.
Storing and freezing
Cool quickly within 2 hours. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
Is frijol con puerco spicy?
The stew itself is mild and savoury. The heat comes from the habanero salsa that people add at the table, plus the fresh radish and lime for brightness.
Can I use a slow cooker?
Yes. Skip the browning and put the pork, aromatics and water on low for 7 to 8 hours until tender, then add the beans for the last 30 minutes.
Can I make it with chicken?
Yes, use bone in chicken thighs and simmer for 40 minutes before adding the beans. It is lighter but still good.
More made with habanero salsa
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.