Cochinita Pibil (Mexican Pulled Pork in Annatto Sauce)

4.7
(3)

This cochinita pibil recipe is straight from Mexico. Pork shoulder is cooked in a spicy red annatto sauce, then shredded or pulled and served with habanero sauce.

Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
1 hr 30 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 50 mins
Servings:
12
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Ingredients

Marinade:

  • 2 cups orange juice

  • 1 white onion, chopped

  • ½ cup lemon juice

  • 3 ounces achiote paste

  • ¼ cup white vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons salt

  • 2 cloves garlic

  • 1 tablespoon ground black pepper

  • 1 tablespoon dried Mexican oregano

  • 5 pounds pork shoulder roast

  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

  • 1 tablespoon lard

  • 2 cups water

Habanero Sauce:

  • 3 habanero chiles, seeded and sliced

  • 1 red onion, chopped

  • 1 cup lukewarm water

  • ¼ cup lemon juice

  • ¼ cup white vinegar

  • sea salt and ground black pepper to taste

  • dried oregano

Directions

  1. Place orange juice, white onion, 1/2 cup lemon juice, achiote paste, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 2 tablespoons salt, garlic, 1 tablespoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon Mexican oregano in a blender; blend until marinade smooth.

  2. Rub pork with salt and black pepper; place in a pressure cooker. Add lard and pour marinade over pork. Add 2 cups water. Close cooker securely and place pressure regulator over vent according to manufacturer's instructions. Heat over high heat until steam escapes in a steady flow and makes a whistling sound, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low or low until regulator gently rocking. Cook for 45 minutes from the start of the whistling sound. Let pressure release naturally according to manufacturer's instructions, 5 to 10 minutes. Unlock lid and transfer pork to a large platter; reserve cooking juices in pressure cooker.

  3. Prepare habanero sauce while pork is cooking. Combine habanero chiles and red onion in a gravy boat. Add warm water, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and 1/4 cup white vinegar. Season with sea salt, pepper, and dried oregano; stir until well combined.

  4. Shred pork with 2 forks; return to the pressure cooker. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; cook uncovered until cooking juices have reduced, about 30 minutes. Serve with habanero sauce.

Cook's Notes:

For even more intense flavor, if you have the time, cover pork with annatto sauce and marinate for about 8 hours.

Be careful when handling the habanero chiles as they are very spicy. You might want to wear gloves.

Watch the recipe video in Spanish on my blog: Gaby Cervello

Editor's Note:

Achiote paste can be found in most Mexican markets.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

422 Calories
26g Fat
8g Carbs
38g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 422
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 26g 33%
Saturated Fat 9g 45%
Cholesterol 122mg 41%
Sodium 1334mg 58%
Total Carbohydrate 8g 3%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 38g 75%
Vitamin C 32mg 35%
Calcium 56mg 4%
Iron 2mg 11%
Potassium 811mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.