Authentic Mexican Recipe | How To Make Cochinita Pibil

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.

Grind spices (annatto seed, oregano, cinnamon stick, cloves, peppercorn) in a spice grinder to a fine powder.

Mix ground spices with 1 tablespoon of salt and 1.5 cups of orange juice.

Butcher the pork shoulder into 2-inch cubes, leaving the fat cap on for better flavor.

Mix the achiote paste with the cubed pork by hand, ensuring it's well coated, and marinate for 10 to 20 minutes.

Transfer the marinated pork into a cast-iron hotel pan and cover it with foil.

Cook in the oven at 320°F for about 2 to 3 hours, low and slow.

Remove the cover, shred the pork, and serve it over a bed of white rice or Mexican rice.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: