Cochinita Pibil | Mexican Street Food

pork shoulder

🥗Healthier: chicken thighs

💰Cheaper: pork loin

Chicken thighs are lower in fat, while pork loin is often less expensive.

achiote paste

🥗Healthier: smoked paprika + cumin

💰Cheaper: red chili powder

Smoked paprika and cumin can mimic the flavor profile of achiote.

sour cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: plain yogurt

Greek yogurt provides similar creaminess with fewer calories.

banana leaves

🥗Healthier: parchment paper

💰Cheaper: foil

Parchment paper can be used for wrapping, while foil is more accessible.

Preheat the oven to a suitable temperature for slow roasting.

Mix the achiote paste with the juice of the sour oranges (or regular oranges and limes), minced garlic, and spices including allspice, black peppercorns, cloves, epazote, oregano, and salt.

Rub the marinade all over the pork and trotters, ensuring they are well coated.

Wrap the marinated pork and trotters in banana leaves, sealing them tightly.

Place the wrapped meat in a baking dish or dutch oven.

Add bay leaves and other spices on top of the wrapped meat.

Cover the dish with a lid or foil to trap steam.

Bake in the preheated oven until the pork is tender and easily shredded, typically for several hours.

Remove from the oven and let it rest for a while.

Unwrap the pork and shred it using two forks.

Serve the shredded pork on corn tacos, garnished with pickled red onion, habaneros, and lime.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: