Authentic Cochinita Pibil (Spicy Mexican Pulled Pork)

This authentic cochinita pibil recipe cooks pork shoulder in a sauce of orange juice, guajillo chile peppers, vinegar, garlic, and achiote paste.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 6 hr 20 mins
• Total Time: 6 hr 45 mins
• Calories: 468 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• salt to taste
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 10 limes, juiced
• 3 habanero peppers, sliced
• 3 ounces dried guajillo chile peppers, seeded and deveined
• 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 red onion, sliced thin
• 3 cups fresh orange juice
• 1 bulb garlic, peeled
• 7.5 ounces achiote paste

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine onion, habanero peppers, lime juice, and salt in a bowl; cover and refrigerate while preparing and cooking pork. Use rubber gloves when preparing habanero peppers and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or skin while slicing peppers.

Step 2

Place guajillo peppers in a bowl; pour enough hot water over peppers to cover. Allow to soak until peppers are softened, about 10 minutes.

Step 3

Heat oil in a large skillet at medium-high heat. Season pork with salt and pepper; cook in hot oil until completely browned, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer pork to a slow cooker.

Step 4

Combine guajillo peppers, orange juice, vinegar, garlic, and achiote paste in a blender; blend until smooth. Pour sauce over pork cubes in the slow cooker.

Step 5

Cook on High until pork easily falls apart, 6 to 8 hours. Remove pork to a serving dish and shred with 2 forks. Pour achiote sauce over shredded pork. To serve, top with the onion-habanero salsa.