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Cochinita Pibil (Pulled Pork Pibil)

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Main Course, tacos
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound pork leg or shoulder trimmed and cut into small chunks
  • 3 tablespoons achiote paste
  • Juice of 1 bitter orange or ½ orange + 1 lime
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 small white onion grated or finely shredded (or use ½ of a large one)
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of dried oregano
  • 1 cup water add more as needed

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron pot

Method
 

Marinate the Pork
  1. In a blender or food processor, combine: Achiote paste, citrus juice (bitter orange, or orange + lemon), Oregano. Blend until smooth.
  2. Place the pork in a large bowl and add the minced garlic, shredded onion, salt and pepper, the achiote marinade
  3. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
Cook the Pork
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the marinated pork, adding all the marinade, in an oven-safe dish or Dutch oven. Cover tightly with foil or a lid, and bake for 2 and a half hours, or until tender and easy to shred.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Shred the Pork
  1. Once fully cooked, use two forks to shred the pork. You should be left with juicy, richly-colored meat that practically melts in your mouth. Serve over a corn tortilla and topped with red pickled onion and a tangy, citrus and spicy habanero salsa.