Cochinita Pibil is a traditional Mexican dish made with tender pulled pork marinated in a flavorful annatto sauce. This recipe will guide you through the process of preparing this mouthwatering delicacy at home. The pork is slow-cooked until it becomes tender and juicy, then shredded and served with warm tortillas. The annatto sauce adds a rich and tangy flavor to the dish, making it a true crowd-pleaser. Prepare to be transported to the vibrant streets of Mexico with every bite!
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder, boneless
- 1 cup orange juice
- ½ cup lime juice
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons annatto paste
- 2 teaspoons cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
- Tortillas, for serving
Directions
- In a blender, combine the orange juice, lime juice, white vinegar, garlic, annatto paste, cumin powder, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Place the pork shoulder in a large ziplock bag and pour the marinade over it. Close the bag and massage the marinade into the meat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Remove the marinated pork from the bag and place it in a deep oven-safe dish. Add the sliced red onion and chopped cilantro on top of the pork.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and cook in the preheated oven for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the pork from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into smaller pieces.
- Serve the Cochinita Pibil on warm tortillas, topped with the cooked red onion and cilantro. Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Cochinita Pibil is a traditional Mayan dish from the Yucatan region of Mexico.
The annatto paste used in the marinade gives the pork its vibrant red color.
The word 'cochinita' means 'baby pig' in Spanish, referring to the traditional use of a whole suckling pig in the dish.