Main Course · Dinner · Latin American ·

Guatemalan Pepian with Grilled Pork and Tomatillo Sauce

Name: Guatemalan Pepian with Grilled Pork and Tomatillo Sauce
Prep time: 70 min
Cook time: 210 min
Total time: 280 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1½ lbs tomatillos, husked and rinsed; 2 large onions, quartered; 4 cloves garlic, peeled; 3 dried pasilla chilies, seeded; 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp cloves; 1 tsp cumin seeds; 1 tsp coriander seeds; 1/2 tsp allspice berries; 1 small cinnamon stick; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1 lime, cut into wedges

Pepian, a traditional Guatemalan dish, combines grilled pork with a deeply flavored tomatillo sauce, creating a savory and spicy stew perfect for any occasion.

4.8(865 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·September 26, 2025

Guatemalan Pepian with Grilled Pork and Tomatillo Sauce — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

1 h 10 min

Cook

3 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Grilled Pork

For the Tomatillo Sauce

For the Spice Mix

For the Garnish

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 528 kcal
Protein: 37 g
Carbs: 19.67 g
Fat: 34.83 g
Fiber: 4.17 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 3169 kcal
Protein: 222 g
Carbs: 118 g
Fat: 209 g
Fiber: 25 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes	2252	194	0	162	0
2 tbsp olive oil	239	0	0	27	0
1 tsp salt	0	0	0	0	0
1/2 tsp black pepper	3	0	1	0	1
1½ lbs tomatillos, husked and rinsed	144	6	32	1	8
2 large onions, quartered	92	2	22	0	4
4 cloves garlic, peeled	18	1	4	0	0
3 dried pasilla chilies, seeded	50	2	11	1	3
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds	326	17	34	17	2
1/2 tsp cinnamon	3	0	1	0	1
1/4 tsp cloves	2	0	1	0	1
1 tsp cumin seeds	8	0	1	1	0
1 tsp coriander seeds	5	0	1	0	1
1/2 tsp allspice berries	3	0	1	0	1
1 small cinnamon stick	3	0	1	0	1
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro	1	0	0	0	0
1 lime, cut into wedges	20	0	7	0	2

These are estimated values, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Pork

1
Season the Pork
Rub pork cubes with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
2
Refrigerate Pork
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour for best flavor.
3
Rest the Pork
Remove from fridge 30 minutes before grilling to bring to room temperature.

Preparing the Tomatillo Sauce

1
Roast Vegetables
Roast tomatillos, onions, and garlic on a baking sheet at 400°F until soft and slightly charred, about 25 minutes.
2
Toast Chilies
Toast dried chilies in a dry skillet until aromatic.
Tip: Ensure chilies are deseeded to control heat levels.
3
Blend Sauce
Blend roasted vegetables, chilies, and spices until smooth.
Tip: Add more toasting time for spices for enhanced aroma and flavor.

How to Make Guatemalan Pepian with Grilled Pork and Tomatillo Sauce

Total time: 4 h 40 min · Yields 6 servings

1
Grill the Pork
Grill the marinated pork over medium-high heat until cooked, about 20 minutes.
2
Simmer the Sauce
Transfer blended sauce to a pot, add grilled pork, and simmer for 1 hour over low heat.
3
Final Adjustments
Stir occasionally, and season with salt and pepper to taste.