Authentic Cochinita Pibil Recipe

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Cochinita Pibil is Yucatán’s beloved slow-roasted pork - tender meat marinated in citrus, garlic, and achiote paste, wrapped in banana leaves, and cooked until it practically melts apart. It’s smoky, tangy, and rich with earthy spice, a dish that tastes like sunshine and tradition on a plate.

Servings

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 3

Marination time 4

Total Time 7 30

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Marinade

3 tbsp achiote annatto paste
½ cup fresh orange juice or sour orange, if available
¼ cup lime juice
4 garlic cloves minced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp black pepper
2 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Pork

1.2 kg 2.6 lb pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into large chunks
1 onion sliced
2 bay leaves
Banana leaves or foil for wrapping

For Serving

Pickled red onions
Warm corn tortillas
Lime wedges

Instructions

Blend the Marinade

Combine achiote paste, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, cumin, oregano, black pepper, salt, and olive oil in a blender. Blend until smooth and fragrant.

Marinate the Pork

Place pork chunks in a large bowl or zip bag. Pour the marinade over and mix well. Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.

Prepare to Cook

Preheat the oven to 165°C / 325°F. Line a Dutch oven or baking dish with banana leaves (or foil). Add the marinated pork, sliced onions, and bay leaves. Wrap tightly with the leaves or foil and cover.

Slow Roast

Bake for about 3 hours, until the pork is tender enough to fall apart easily.

Shred & Serve

Remove the pork, shred it gently using forks, and mix it with the juices at the bottom of the pan.
Serve with pickled onions, tortillas, and lime wedges.

Notes

Achiote Paste Tip: Fresh paste gives the best color and flavor. If unavailable, combine paprika, turmeric, and a touch of cumin as a backup.
Banana Leaf Substitute: Foil works fine; for a smoky aroma, add a drop of liquid smoke.
Make-Ahead: The flavors deepen overnight. Refrigerate and reheat gently the next day for an even richer taste.
Serving Idea: Serve as tacos, over rice, or in burrito bowls.

Author: The Gourmet Palette

Calories: 392kcal

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: authentic cochinita pibil, cochinita pibil, easy cochinita pibil, yucatan cochinita pibil recipe

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