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Best Easy Cochinita Pibil Recipe

Name: Best Easy Cochinita Pibil Recipe
Total time: 360 min
Yield: 220 g
Ingredients: pork shoulder 3 lbs; banana leaves 3 pieces; red onion 1 pieces; achiote paste 3 tbsp; bitter orange juice (or 2/3 orange + 1/3 lime) 1 cup; garlic 4 cloves; dried oregano 2 tsp; ground cumin 1 tsp; black pepper 1 tsp; salt 1.5 tsp

Yucatán's iconic slow-roasted pork marinated in achiote and sour orange, traditionally cooked underground. This high protein, family feast dish delivers smoky, citrusy flavors that are absolutely unforgettable.

Cook 360 min Difficulty NORMAL 370 kcal

#high protein #mediterranean

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

pork shoulder 3 lbs
banana leaves 3 pieces
red onion 1 pieces

Seasonings/Sauce

achiote paste 3 tbsp
bitter orange juice (or 2/3 orange + 1/3 lime) 1 cup
garlic 4 cloves
dried oregano 2 tsp
ground cumin 1 tsp
black pepper 1 tsp
salt 1.5 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 10 g 11%

Protein 34 g 37%

Fat 20 g 52%

Serving size 220g

Cooking steps

1

Pat pork shoulder dry and cut into several large chunks for thorough marination and even cooking.
2

Blend achiote paste, bitter orange juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, black pepper, and salt until smooth to create the marinade.
3

Rub the marinade thoroughly into the pork, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (overnight preferred) to deeply infuse flavors.
4

Line a large dutch oven or roasting pan with banana leaves, leaving overhang; place marinated pork and all juices inside, cover with more banana leaves and tightly with foil.
5

Roast in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5–6 hours until pork is fall-apart tender, maintaining a consistent, low temperature for moisture retention.
6

Shred pork with two forks, mix with pan juices, and serve atop slices of pickled red onion.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this Cochinita Pibil recipe?

The defining ingredient is achiote paste, which gives Cochinita Pibil its characteristic smoky, earthy flavor and vibrant color. Combined with pork shoulder and sour orange juice, this trio delivers the dish's essential citrusy and savory notes.

Q. Why is slow roasting at 300°F important in this recipe?

Slow roasting at a consistent 300°F ensures the pork becomes fork-tender while retaining moisture. The banana leaves trap steam, infusing flavor and preventing the meat from drying out, resulting in the distinct juiciness of authentic Cochinita Pibil.

Q. How do I avoid dry or tough pork when making Cochinita Pibil?

For tender results, use a well-marbled pork shoulder, thoroughly marinate it, and roast at a low temperature covered with banana leaves. Resist the urge to raise the heat—long, slow cooking breaks down connective tissue for perfect shred texture.

Q. How many calories and how much protein are in a serving?

Each 220g serving contains approximately 370 kcal and 34g of protein, making this recipe a satisfying, high-protein option with balanced fat and a moderate amount of carbohydrates.

Best Easy Cochinita Pibil Recipe

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