Oven-Roasted Achiote Pork with Sour Orange Marinade

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A tender, slow-cooked pork dish marinated in a vibrant blend of achiote and sour orange, with subtle heat from habanero. This mexican-inspired slow cooker ready in about 260 minutes blends Pork shoulder, Achiote paste, 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 520 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 240 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Finely chop 1 medium white onion and mince 4 garlic cloves. In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp achiote paste, 1/2 cup sour orange juice, the chopped onion, minced garlic, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 finely chopped habanero pepper. Mix until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Pat 2.5 lbs pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub the marinade evenly over the entire surface of the pork, including edges.
  3. Step 3: Place the pork in a roasting pan, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and roast at 300°F for 4 hours until fork-tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove foil, increase oven temperature to 400°F, and roast for 15 minutes to brown the surface.
  5. Step 5: Let rest 20 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Oven-Roasted Achiote Pork with Sour Orange Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 260 minutes (20 min prep + 240 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Oven-Roasted Achiote Pork with Sour Orange 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 Oven-Roasted Achiote Pork with Sour Orange 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 Oven-Roasted Achiote Pork with Sour Orange 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 Oven-Roasted Achiote Pork with Sour Orange Marinade?

Mexican slow cooker 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.

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