Slow-Roasted Pork with Achiote and Sour Orange

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork shoulder marinated in smoky achiote and tangy sour orange, slow-cooked until fall-apart tender. This mexican-inspired slow cooker ready in about 270 minutes pairs pork shoulder, achiote paste, sour orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 120 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Trim excess fat from pork shoulder and cut into 5 cm cubes. In a bowl, mix 3 tbsp achiote paste, 100 ml sour orange juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1/4 cup finely diced white onion.
  2. Step 2: Rub the marinade evenly over all pork pieces, ensuring each cube is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add marinated pork and sear for 5 minutes per side until golden brown.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 2.5 hours, checking occasionally to ensure liquid doesn't evaporate completely. Add 2 tbsp water if needed.
  5. Step 5: Uncover and cook for an additional 30 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pork. Stir in 1 tsp orange zest before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Pork with Achiote and Sour Orange take to make?

Total time is about 270 minutes (120 min prep + 150 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 and Sour Orange?

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 and Sour Orange?

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 and Sour Orange 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 and Sour Orange?

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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