Cochinita Pibil Style Taco Meat in the Instant Pot

achiote paste

🥗Healthier: cumin and paprika

💰Cheaper: red food coloring and spices

Cumin and paprika provide similar flavor profiles.

pork shoulder

🥗Healthier: chicken thighs

💰Cheaper: pork butt

Chicken thighs are lower in fat.

banana leaves

🥗Healthier: aluminum foil

💰Cheaper: parchment paper

Aluminum foil can mimic the wrapping effect.

Prepare the ingredients for the sauce: clean and peel 1 whole head of garlic, measure 2 tablespoons of oregano, 2 teaspoons of ground cumin, 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1 cup of orange juice.

Add 8 to 10 allspice berries, 67 whole cloves, 1 stick of cinnamon, and 3.5 ounces of achiote paste to a blender.

Blend all sauce ingredients on high for a minute or two and set aside.

Trim 67 pounds of pork butt into smaller pieces, ensuring to remove excess fat and meat from the bone.

Season the pork pieces generously with salt and pepper.

Turn on the Instant Pot to sauté mode and melt 2 tablespoons of lard or vegetable oil.

Sear the bone piece of pork for 3-4 minutes on each side, then remove it and place it in a container.

Sear half of the remaining pork for 4-5 minutes until lightly browned, then remove and add to the container with the bone.

Repeat the searing process with the remaining pork.

Add half of a large onion cut in half and pour half of the sauce over the seared meat in the Instant Pot.

Add the remaining pork and the bone, the other half of the onion, and the rest of the sauce.

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to manual for 60 minutes with the pressure release valve set to sealing.

While the meat is cooking, prepare pickled onions by combining 1 chopped red onion, 2-3 minced jalapeños, 1/3 cup of vinegar, 1 tablespoon of Mexican oregano, salt, pepper, and the juice from 2 limes in a bowl.

Mix the pickled onion ingredients well, cover, and refrigerate until ready to use.

After 60 minutes, release the pressure from the Instant Pot and remove the lid to check the meat.

Shred the meat and pour some broth over it to keep it moist.

Assemble tacos by adding a spoonful of meat to preheated tortillas and topping with pickled onions.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: