Cochinita Pibil
Description
This authentic Cochinita Pibil delivers the deep, earthy flavors of the Yucatán Peninsula. The pork shoulder is generously coated in a vibrant marinade of achiote paste, sour orange juice, and fresh garlic, then slow-roasted until impossibly tender. The banana leaves impart a subtle, smoky aroma that penetrates the meat during the long cooking process. Served with charred onions and peppers, it offers a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy notes. Ideal for weekend gatherings or special occasions where you can let the dish simmer away, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into a celebratory feast that tastes like it has been cooking for hours.Ingredients
Directions
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In a large bowl, mash together the achiote paste, chopped garlic, orange juice, lime juice, crumbled bay leaves, cumin seeds, cinnamon, ground thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper until a smooth, vibrant red paste forms.
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Add the pork butt chunks to the marinade, tossing thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated. Cover and let marinate at room temperature for at least 4 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
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Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (149ðC).
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Heat a dry cast-iron skillet over high heat. Char the sliced onions and Roma tomatoes on both sides until blackened and blistered, then set aside.
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Line a large baking dish with softened banana leaves or heavy-duty aluminum foil.
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Arrange the marinated pork in a single even layer inside the prepared dish. Top with the charred onions, charred tomatoes, and roasted Anaheim chile strips. Pour any remaining marinade over the top.
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Cover the pork tightly with additional banana leaves or foil to seal in the moisture and steam.
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Bake for 2.5 hours, or until the pork is extremely tender and easily shreds with a fork.
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Remove from the oven and let the dish rest, covered, for 10 minutes before unwrapping.
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Serve hot, traditionally accompanied by pickled red onions and warm corn tortillas.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 88.6kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.4g1%
- Saturated Fat 0.1g1%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 291.5mg13%
- Total Carbohydrate 20.9g7%
- Dietary Fiber 2.1g9%
- Sugars 12.1g
- Protein 3.0g6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
achiote, annatto, pork, slow-roasted, mexican, yucatan, banana leaves, marinade, garlic, orange juice, cumin, thyme, traditional, comfort food, shredded pork