Banana Leaf Pib-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Achiote Marinade
Slow-roasted pork shoulder wrapped in banana leaves, marinated in a vibrant achiote and sour orange sauce, offering tender, deeply flavored Yucatecan pork. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 225 minutes blends pork shoulder, achiote paste, fresh sour orange juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 4 tbsp achiote paste
- 1 cup fresh sour orange juice
- 5, minced garlic cloves
- 1 small, sliced white onion
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp salt
- 4 large sheets banana leaves
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 4 tbsp achiote paste, 1 cup fresh sour orange juice, 5 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 tsp black pepper, and 2 tsp salt until smooth and well combined.
- Step 2: Cut the 3 lbs pork shoulder into large chunks and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or bowl. Pour the achiote marinade over the pork, massaging to coat evenly. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, for full flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Remove pork from marinade, reserving the excess liquid. Lay out 4 large banana leaves overlapping slightly on a clean surface. Place pork chunks in the center, scatter 1 small sliced white onion over the pork, drizzle 2 tbsp vegetable oil and some reserved marinade over it.
- Step 4: Wrap the pork tightly in the banana leaves, folding edges to enclose completely, then wrap again in aluminum foil to seal.
- Step 5: Place the wrapped pork on a baking tray and roast in the oven for 3 to 3.5 hours until the meat is fork-tender and falling apart.
- Step 6: Remove from oven, unwrap carefully, and shred the pork with two forks. Serve with warm corn tortillas and pickled red onions.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Banana Leaf Pib-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Achiote Marinade take to make?
Total time is about 225 minutes (15 min prep + 210 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Banana Leaf Pib-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Achiote Marinade?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Banana Leaf Pib-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Achiote Marinade?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Banana Leaf Pib-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Achiote Marinade for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Banana Leaf Pib-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Achiote Marinade?
Mexican pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
