Authentic Cochinita Pibil (Spicy Mexican Pulled Pork)

Mexican

Authentic Cochinita Pibil (Spicy Mexican Pulled Pork)

Authentic Cochinita Pibil (Spicy Mexican Pulled Pork)
  • PREP TIME
    25 mins
  • COOK TIME
    6 hrs 20 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    6 hrs 55 mins
  • SERVING
    6 People
  • VIEWS
    52

Embark on a culinary journey to the Yucatan Peninsula with this simplified yet authentic Cochinita Pibil recipe. Experience the vibrant flavors of slow-cooked pork, infused with achiote and citrus, resulting in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth delight.

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    40 g
  • Cholesterol
    89 mg
  • Fiber
    8 g
  • Protein
    27 g
  • Saturated Fat
    8 g
  • Sodium
    369 mg
  • Sugar
    13 g
  • Fat
    25 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Prepare the onion-habanero salsa: Combine sliced red onion, habanero peppers, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate while preparing and cooking the pork. (Prep time: 15 minutes)

02

Step

Soften the guajillo peppers: Place guajillo peppers in a bowl and cover with hot water. Soak until softened. (Soaking time: 10 minutes)

03

Step

Sear the pork: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season pork with salt and pepper. Brown the pork on all sides. (Cooking time: 15-20 minutes)

04

Step

Blend the marinade: Combine softened guajillo peppers, orange juice, vinegar, garlic, and achiote paste in a blender. Blend until smooth.

05

Step

Slow cook the pork: Transfer the browned pork to a slow cooker. Pour the blended achiote sauce over the pork cubes.

06

Step

Cook until tender: Cook on High until the pork is easily shredded. (Cooking time: 6-8 hours)

07

Step

Shred and serve: Remove pork to a serving dish and shred with two forks. Pour achiote sauce over the shredded pork. Top with the onion-habanero salsa to serve.

For a milder heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the habanero peppers before slicing. Handle habaneros with care, wearing gloves to avoid skin irritation.
If you can't find achiote paste, you can make your own by grinding annatto seeds with spices like cumin, oregano, and allspice.
Serve the Cochinita Pibil in tacos, burritos, or over rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of flavor.
For deeper flavor, marinate the pork in the achiote sauce overnight before slow cooking.

Clifford Macgyver

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 4.2/ 5 ( 17 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (6)

  • Nayeli Lockman

    Jun 25, 2025

    This recipe is definitely a keeper! I've made it several times and it always comes out perfectly.

  • Cristobal Vandervort

    May 19, 2025

    The onion-habanero salsa is the perfect complement to the rich, spicy pork. Don't skip it!

  • Crystal Ankunding

    Apr 16, 2025

    My family loved this! I used a little less habanero because my kids are sensitive to spice, and it was still delicious.

  • Burnice Kemmer

    Feb 25, 2025

    This recipe is a lifesaver! I've always been intimidated to make Cochinita Pibil, but this simplified version is so easy and the flavor is spot on!

  • Destini Bartoletti

    Feb 8, 2025

    Next time I will marinate the pork overnight. I think it will add more flavor to the pork

  • Cielo Botsford

    Nov 6, 2024

    I made this for a party and it was a huge hit! Everyone raved about how authentic it tasted.

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