🍖 Cochinita Pibil

Traditional Yucatán-style pork—tender, citrusy, and full of bold flavor.

Preparation Time: 120 min
Difficulty: Expert
Total Calories: 880 kcal
Cuisine: Mexican
Category: Main Course · Mexican Cuisine

This iconic slow-roasted pork dish hails from the Yucatán Peninsula and is known for its distinctive orange color, citrusy tang, and deep earthy flavor from achiote paste. Traditionally cooked in banana leaves, this Cochinita Pibil is perfect for tacos, tortas, or served over rice.

🧾 Ingredients

• 2 kg pork shoulder, cut into large chunks

• 1/2 cup orange juice

• 1/4 cup lime juice

• 1/4 cup white vinegar

• 1/4 cup achiote paste

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp oregano

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 cup banana leaves (optional)

• 1 large onion, sliced

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

🍽️ Kitchen Tools Needed

• Large mixing bowl

• Baking dish

• Aluminum foil or banana leaves

• Oven

• Forks for shredding

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the marinade:
   In a large bowl, mix together orange juice, lime juice, vinegar, achiote paste, garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and cinnamon.

2. Marinate the pork:
   Place pork chunks in a dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the meat is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.

3. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).

4. Prepare baking dish:
   If using banana leaves, line your baking dish with them, leaving enough to fold over the top. Otherwise, use aluminum foil.

5. Bake:
   Place the marinated pork in the dish. Cover tightly with banana leaves or foil. Bake for 2 hours, or until the meat is fall-apart tender.

6. Shred the pork:
   Let it rest for a few minutes, then shred with two forks.

7. Garnish & serve:
   Top with sliced onions and chopped cilantro. Serve with warm tortillas, rice, or your favorite sides.

⚖️ Macros (Per Serving)

• Calories: 880 kcal

• Carbs: 20g

• Proteins: 120g

• Fats: 80g

🌿 Pro Tips

• Achiote paste gives Cochinita Pibil its unique flavor—don’t skip it!

• Banana leaves add a mild earthy aroma and trap in moisture, but foil works well too.

• For extra flavor, top with pickled red onions and a splash of habanero salsa.