Slow-Roasted Pork with Achiote
Tender pork shoulder infused with achiote paste and citrus, slow-roasted to fall-apart perfection with a hint of spice. This mexican-inspired slow cooker ready in about 230 minutes pairs pork shoulder, achiote paste, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs, trimmed of excess fat pork shoulder
- 2 tbsp achiote paste
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1, finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the achiote paste with 1 tablespoon olive oil until smooth.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped onion, white vinegar, orange juice, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 4: Rub the achiote mixture all over the pork shoulder, then coat the pork with the garlic-onion mixture.
- Step 5: Place the pork in a roasting pan and cover with aluminum foil.
- Step 6: Roast for 3 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and the internal temperature reaches 195°F.
- Step 7: Remove the foil and roast for an additional 30 minutes to crisp the surface.
- Step 8: Let the pork rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Roasted Pork with Achiote take to make?
Total time is about 230 minutes (20 min prep + 210 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-Roasted Pork with Achiote?
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 from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Roasted Pork with Achiote?
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-Roasted Pork with Achiote 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-Roasted Pork with Achiote?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This is my new go-to recipe. The slow cooker made it so effortless.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! My family devoured this. So easy with the slow cooker.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for Sunday dinner. The achiote gave such a beautiful color and flavor.
