In the Kitchen with Ken: Achiote Pork

achiote paste

🥗Healthier: smoked paprika

💰Cheaper: red chili powder

Smoked paprika offers a similar color and flavor profile.

pork shoulder

🥗Healthier: chicken thighs

💰Cheaper: pork butt

Chicken thighs reduce fat while maintaining juiciness.

orange juice

🥗Healthier: fresh lime juice

💰Cheaper: bottled citrus juice

Bottled juice is more accessible and affordable.

banana leaves

🥗Healthier: parchment paper

💰Cheaper: aluminum foil

Parchment paper is easier to find and provides similar cooking benefits.

Break up 2 bricks of achiote paste and place them in a blender.

Add 1 cup of lime juice to the blender and blend until combined.

Line a crock pot with banana leaves.

Add 3 lbs of pork tenderloin to the crock pot.

Chop 1 whole red onion and add it on top of the pork.

Pour the blended achiote paste and lime juice mixture over the pork.

Add a little water to the blender to get any leftover achiote paste and pour it into the crock pot.

Cover the pork with the banana leaves and close the crock pot.

Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours until the pork is tender and falls apart.

Shred the pork and mix it with the seasoning in the crock pot.

Serve the shredded pork on flour tortillas with pickled red onions.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: