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Cochinita Pibil

Mouthwatering Cochinita Pibil: A Taste of Mexico at Home

Experience the rich tradition of Cochinita Pibil, a Mexican pulled pork dish that captivates with its delightful flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pork
  • 3 pounds Pork Shoulder Can substitute with pork butt or picnic shoulder.
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil For browning the meat.
For the Marinade
  • 3 tablespoons Achiote Paste For earthy flavor and color.
  • 1 cup Orange Juice Fresh or bottled for sweetness.
  • 1 tablespoon Lime Juice For sharp, citrusy flavor.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Fresh minced preferred.
  • 1 medium Onion Sliced for sweetness and aroma.
For Seasoning
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves For earthy flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
Optional Ingredients
  • 4 leaves Banana Leaves Adds smokiness, can be skipped.

Equipment

  • roasting pan
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Season the pork shoulder generously with salt, pepper, cumin, cinnamon, and oregano.
  3. In a bowl, combine achiote paste, orange juice, lime juice, and minced garlic to create a marinade.
  4. Place the pork in a roasting pan and pour the marinade over it, sealing it with aluminum foil.
  5. Bake for about 3 hours, checking for tenderness halfway through.
  6. (Optional) Wrap in banana leaves after 2.5 hours for additional flavor.
  7. Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest before shredding.
  8. Serve with pickled red onions and warm tortillas.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 30gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin C: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Marinate the pork shoulder overnight for best results and ensure the roasting pan is tightly covered to maintain moisture.

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