Best Easy Tacos de Cochinita Recipe

Yucatán-style cochinita pibil pork tucked into tortillas with pickled red onion and habanero salsa. These high protein tacos deliver smoky, citrusy flavors perfect for a family taco feast.

Cook 300 min Difficulty NORMAL 360 kcal
#high protein #family-friendly #Mexican #oven braised
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • boneless pork shoulder 2 lbs
  • corn tortillas 12 pieces
  • red onion 1 medium
  • orange juice 0.5 cup
  • lime juice 0.25 cup
  • achiote paste 3 tbsp
  • habanero pepper 1 piece
Seasonings/Sauce
  • apple cider vinegar 0.25 cup
  • garlic 3 cloves
  • ground cumin 1 tsp
  • dried oregano 1 tsp
  • salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 35 g 39%
Protein 23 g 26%
Fat 14 g 35%
Serving size 180g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    In a blender, combine orange juice, lime juice, achiote paste, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.

  2. 2

    Cut the pork shoulder into large chunks. Place in a large bowl and pour the marinade over the pork, coating well. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

  3. 3

    Preheat your oven to 300°F. Transfer the marinated pork and all marinade to a Dutch oven, cover tightly with lid or foil. Bake for 4 hours until pork is fork-tender.

  4. 4

    While pork cooks, thinly slice the red onion and habanero. In a bowl, combine with apple cider vinegar and a pinch of salt. Let sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour to lightly pickle.

  5. 5

    Remove pork from the oven, shred with two forks inside the cooking pot, and mix with pan juices. Warm the corn tortillas on a dry skillet over medium heat right before serving.

  6. 6

    To serve, fill each tortilla with shredded cochinita, and top with pickled red onion and habanero salsa. Serve immediately.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the main ingredient that defines Tacos de Cochinita?
The core ingredient in this dish is boneless pork shoulder, which is marinated with achiote paste, citrus juices, and spices. This combination gives cochinita its smoky, citrusy flavor and tender texture that are essential to authentic Yucatán-style tacos.
Q. What is the secret to getting tender, flavorful pork for these tacos?
The pork shoulder is marinated overnight, then baked low and slow at 300°F for 4 hours. This gentle heat allows the pork to become fork-tender while infusing it with the marinade's flavors. Covering the pot tightly keeps in moisture for optimal juiciness.
Q. How can I prevent the pork or tortillas from drying out?
Shredding the pork directly in its pan juices after baking helps keep it moist. Warm tortillas just before serving on a skillet over medium heat—avoid overheating so they stay pliable and soft.
Q. How many calories or grams of protein and carbs does each taco serving provide?
Each serving contains 360 kcal, with 23 grams of protein and 35 grams of carbohydrates per 180g serving. This macronutrient balance offers a high-protein, flavorful meal ideal for taco lovers.
Q. Which seasoning brings out the authentic flavor in this recipe?
Achiote paste is the star seasoning, delivering the signature earthy, peppery profile of cochinita. Combined with citrus juice, oregano, and cumin, it creates the unique taste found in traditional Yucatecan tacos.
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