Slow-Cooked Pork in Yucatan Tradition (Cochinita Pibil)
G'day, mate! Here's a mouth-watering recipe for Cochinita Pibil, inspired by the famous Barrio Café in Phoenix, but with a touch of Yucatán flavor. This dish is a crowd-pleaser that's easy as pie (or should I say, pig?) and perfect for your next gathering.
Shopping List:- Achiote paste (can be found in most Latino grocery stores)- Banana leaves (usually in the frozen-foods section)- Sour oranges (substitute with ½ lemon juice and ½ grapefruit juice if needed)
If sour oranges are scarce, this recipe still packs a punch. Just remember to start prepping this baby a day before you want to serve it since it needs 12 to 24 hours to marinate. This recipe was hand-picked for our Modern Potluck story.
- Servings: 8
- Difficulty: A piece of cake (or pig, in this case)
- Time: 3 hrs 45 mins, plus marinating time
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup crumbled achiote paste (about 4 ounces)
- 3 tablespoons sour orange juice
- 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano (either Mexican or Italian)
- 1 (3-pound) boneless pork shoulder roast (also known as pork butt)
- 1 large banana leaf (about 4 feet long)
- 3 onions, quartered
- 1/2 cup water
Directions:
- Mix the achiote paste, juice, vinegar, garlic, and oregano in a bowl. Season the pork with salt and pepper, then coat it with the spice mixture, rubbing it into any crevices. Marinate for 12 to 24 hours.
- Let the pork come to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 300°F (149°C) and arrange a rack in the middle.
- Soften the banana leaf under hot water, then cut it in half horizontally and lay it out. Place the pork on the banana leaves, fold in the sides, and roll it up like a burrito.
- Arrange onions in a Dutch oven or large pot, place the pork on top, and pour water into the bottom. Cover and bake until the pork is fork-tender, about 3 1/2 hours.
- Shred the pork, add the onions and pan juices, and mix thoroughly. Serve with pickled onions, warm corn tortillas, and your favorite salsa.
Beverage Pairing: Affligem Blonde
This beer's combination of complexity and austerity makes it the perfect match for Cochinita Pibil, complementing its flavorful mix of ingredients while standing up to its richness. Cheers, and enjoy!
- The Cochinita Pibil recipe, inspired by Barrio Café in Phoenix, is packed with nutrition, making it a perfect addition to any gathering, especially for our Modern Potluck story.
- If you're short on sour oranges, don't worry, as this recipe with achiote paste can still deliver a punch of Yucatán flavor.
- A sure crowd-pleaser, this recipe for Cochinita Pibil requires only a few ingredients like achiote paste, pork shoulder, banana leaves, and your favorite salsa.
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