Authentic Cochinita Pibil Recipe

Let me take you on a culinary journey where the soul of the Yucatán Peninsula transforms into a mouthwatering experience with each bite – we’re diving into the world of Cochinita Pibil! 🌴🔥

My true-to-form Cochinita Pibil recipe bursts with familiar flavors from the Yucatán, starting with juicy pork shoulder marinated in a vibrant blend of fresh orange and lime juices and achiote, a spice that’s given magical properties since pre-Hispanic times. This dish is a winner.

Wrapped in banana leaves, it offers an unforgettable taste of the Yucatán. Perfect with pickled red onions and habanero salsa.

Authentic Cochinita Pibil Recipe Ingredients

• Pork Shoulder: Rich in protein and fat, ideal for slow-cooking.
• Orange Juice: Adds natural sweetness and a touch of acidity.
• Lime Juice: Offers a bright, tangy sourness to balance flavors.
• Achiote Paste: Provides earthy, peppery flavor; rich in antioxidants.
• Oregano: Herbal aroma, rich in antioxidants; enhances the dish’s complexity.
• Garlic: Boosts savory depth with a pungent, aromatic quality.
• Banana Leaves: Impart subtle herbal notes while locking in moisture.

Authentic Cochinita Pibil Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 3 lbs pork shoulder, cut into large chunks
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup achiote paste
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 head of garlic, peeled and minced
• 1 large red onion, thickly sliced
• 1/4 cup lard or vegetable oil
• Banana leaves for wrapping
• Parchment paper or foil for lining
• Pickled red onions and habanero salsa for serving

How to Make this Authentic Cochinita Pibil Recipe

1. In a big basin, blend together the orange juice, lime juice, vinegar, achiote paste, oregano, cumin, black pepper, salt, and minced garlic. Stir well to create a marinade.

2. Add the chunks of pork to the marinade, making sure they are well covered with the marinade. Cover and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or let it marinate overnight for the best results.

3. Set your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius) to preheat.

4. Line a baking dish with parchment paper or foil; then lay banana leaves on top, overlapping them so that they can fully wrap around the pork.

5. Spread a little lard or oil onto the banana leaves where the pork will be placed.

6. Arrange the marinated pork and thick slices of red onion evenly on the banana leaves in the prepared baking dish.

7. Fold the banana leaves over the pork, then wrap it tightly in the parchment paper or foil, making sure it’s sealed well.

8. Wrap the pork and place it in the oven. Bake it for 3 to 4 hours, or until it is very tender and easily pulls apart.

9. Take it out of the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before unwrapping it.

10. Using forks, shred the pork and serve it with the pickled red onions and the habanero salsa.

Authentic Cochinita Pibil Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Whisk or spoon for stirring
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Baking dish
8. Parchment paper or foil
9. Banana leaves
10. Oven
11. Tongs (optional, for placing pork)
12. Forks (for shredding pork)

FAQ

• Can I use a different cut of pork?Indeed, pork butt is a viable substitute, being comparable to pork shoulder and retaining tenderness when subjected to low and slow cooking.
• What if I can’t find achiote paste?The true flavor of this dish relies heavily on achiote paste—but if you can’t find that, or don’t have time to make it, don’t fret. You can get by with a mix of paprika, vinegar, and garlic.
• Can I cook Cochinita Pibil without banana leaves?Traditional flavor comes from banana leaves, but if they aren’t available, use parchment paper or foil to keep the food moist.
• How long should I marinate the pork?To achieve optimal flavor, allow pork to marinate for a minimum of 4 hours, and better yet, overnight.
• What side dishes pair well with Cochinita Pibil?Pibil Cochinita goes perfectly with corn tortillas that are warm; red onions, pickled; and salsa that has habanero peppers in it.
• Can this dish be made in an Instant Pot?Yes, you can cook under pressure on high for approximately 90 minutes, then allow a natural release, for very tender results.

Authentic Cochinita Pibil Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can use a combination of bottled orange juice and a shot of pineapple juice for added sweetness in place of fresh orange juice.
If you can’t find fresh lime juice, you can use bottled lime juice instead.
Apple cider vinegar can take the place of white vinegar to achieve a flavor that is slightly more complex.
Substitute lard with coconut oil for a different aromatic profile.
You can substitute foil for banana leaves, but it won’t lend the same earthy aroma.

Pro Tips

1. For an even deeper flavor, toast the cumin and oregano in a dry pan over medium heat for a couple of minutes until fragrant before adding them to the marinade.

2. If you don’t have banana leaves, you can substitute with corn husks or additional layers of parchment paper and foil, but using banana leaves imparts a unique aroma and flavor to the dish.

3. Consider searing the pork chunks in a hot pan with a bit of oil before marinating them. This Maillard reaction enhances the depth of flavor and adds a nice caramelization.

4. To infuse a smoky flavor, finish the pork dish under a broiler for a few minutes after baking to get crispy edges and a slight char.

5. When serving, offer warm tortillas alongside the shredded pork, pickled red onions, and habanero salsa, allowing everyone to create delicious tacos.