Slow-Cooked Cochinita Pibil with Achiote and Banana Leaf

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Cochinita Pibil is a classic Yucatecan slow-roasted pork dish, marinated in achiote and citrus, wrapped in banana leaves for tender, flavorful meat. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 260 minutes pairs pork shoulder cut into chunks, achiote paste, fresh orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 3 tablespoons achiote paste, 1 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper in a large bowl, whisking until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 pounds pork shoulder chunks to the marinade, coating thoroughly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Lay out banana leaves or foil on a baking tray, place marinated pork and all marinade on top, then wrap tightly to seal.
  4. Step 4: Roast the wrapped pork in the oven for 3 to 4 hours until meat is tender and easily shredded.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven, unwrap, and shred the pork with two forks. Serve topped with 1 cup pickled red onions for a tangy contrast.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Cochinita Pibil with Achiote and Banana Leaf take to make?

Total time is about 260 minutes (20 min prep + 240 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Cochinita Pibil with Achiote and Banana Leaf?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder cut into chunks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Cochinita Pibil with Achiote and Banana Leaf?

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 Slow-Cooked Cochinita Pibil with Achiote and Banana Leaf 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 Slow-Cooked Cochinita Pibil with Achiote and Banana Leaf?

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.

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